Title: Moving On
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: As I've been writing this story, I've tried to change it from the original. However there are some things I feel I need to add to this story. Even though it's now a Harm/Mac story, I still want to show Harm and Kat have a good brother/sister type relationship. And I've really wanted to bring Sergei into the story, I couldn't do it in the original and after some long hard thinking I knew I could do it in this one. So I hope you enjoy this chapter. Mary Kate113 (Answers about Sergei are in this chapter and I've decided to keep Josh and Kat siblings), Ali (Hi welcome, hope you enjoy this chapter), Ruli (Thanks, enjoy),
AngelaB. (Josh is older then Kat, he's 33 and she's 27, more will be revealed I promise), bard2003 (Kat and Josh are siblings and I couldn't resist making Sergei a marine), MsJonyReb (I've always liked Victor too, so I just had to have him in this one), sann3187 (Due to the fact I've been sick, this chapter has taken a little longer, but I'm going as fast as I can. Really. Thanks for the review)
Moving OnChapter Nine: Friends and family
250km West/South West
Of Baghdad
Gunnery Sergeant Sergei Rabb noticed for the second time the young Lieutenant stumble, then recover. He knew she was exhausted, they'd been walking all night and now the sun was coming up. Which gave him a good better at her, well her back anyway. What he really noticed was the dark stain on her flight suite, now it was getting lighter he knew what it was- blood.
When she stumbled this time she went down on her knees and didn't get up.
Harm had seen her go down; he was instantly at her side. "Kat?"
"I'm sorry sir," she said drained.
Sergei had knelt behind her, carefully parting the blood-socked material he found the dressing, also socked in blood. He glanced back. "Doc?"
A man in his thirties hurried over to them as the other's stood guard. He shrugged out of his pack, put his weapon down and took a look. "This isn't good," he announced. "Lieutenant?"
Victor Galendez came over to them. "What's the situation, Doc?"
"This is going to need stitching sir," David Read, the unit medic announced.
Galendez hankered down. "We're near camp, half an hours walk, can she make it?"
"Don't talk like I'm not here, Lieutenant." Katherine retorted. "I can make it."
"I'll dress it sir, but I suggest as soon as we make camp it needs to be stitched." Read informed.
"Do it."
"Yes sir."
With Harm's help she painfully removed the top half of her flight suite, trying it around her waist by the sleeves. Then as she lent against him, he held up her shirt, letting Read remove the blood-socked dressing, clean and redress the wound.
Sergei saw her rake her nails over his brothers leg as Read cleaned the wound, he took her hand in his, letting her squeeze it as much as she needed.
"Sorry Ma'am," Read apologized.
"It's okay Doc," she hissed through clenched teeth. Swearing quietly in a language none of the understood.
When he was finished he packed up while Sergei and his brother helped her back into the top half of her flight suite. "Try and take it easy, Ma'am."
"I was trying that before, Doc, then this sailor jumped on me," she mocked, jabbing a finger at the Cag.
Harm grinned and chuckled along with the rest of them. "Come on Phantom, on your feet." As she got to her feet, dizziness made her feel like she was moving when she wasn't. He grabbed hold of her. "Easy Kat."
Sergei took hold of her other arm. "We'll do this together, Lieutenant."
"Are we ready to move?" Galendez asked them.
"Ready Lieutenant," all acknowledged.
"Lets move out then," he ordered.
Even with O'Reilly being injured they made good time, getting to their camp, which was no more then camouflaged tents and a few vehicles. Corporal David Read, with the help of his fellow medic, who met them, took O'Reilly into one of the tents.
"She will be fine brother, come," Sergei urged.
"He's right sir, the Lieutenant will be fine, rest. We'll move out in an hour and make base camp by noon, from there we can contact your ship." Galendez told him.
Harm nodded, removing his helmet. "I owe you one Lieutenant."
"Yes sir and I'll collect," the Marine said with a smile and walked towards his own tent.
Sergei patted his brother's arm. "Come, this way," he insisted and showed him to his tent. "Sit brother, rest."
Harm sat down on the cot, thankful to be off his feet. "How did you get here, I thought you were in Russia?"
"I never went to Russia," Sergei admitted. Removing his gear he sat across from him on the other cot. "With Mr. Webb's help, I stayed in America."
"Why didn't you tell me?"
He sighed, running his hand through his now short light brown hair. "Because brother, you were being too protective," he said truthfully. "I wanted to do this on my own, to prove I could. Mr. Webb secured my citizenship and helped me join the Marines, the rest I've done on my own."
Harm noticed the name on his brother BDU's. "You took dad's name," he noticed proudly.
"Yes, I wanted to honor him."
"I just wish you'd let me know."
"I know brother, but I really did have to do this on my own."
Sighing wearily, Harm understood. He smiled warmly. "It's good to see you little brother. Mac won't believe it."
Sergei smiled too. "I heard you married your Marine."
He was surprised. "How did you hear that?"
"Webb, he keeps in contact every now and then."
Chuckling, Harm rested his head in his hands. "Why am I not surprised?"
"It was about time, brother."
"So everyone keeps telling me," he remarked looking up.
"And Lieutenant O'Reilly, she is a friend?"
"Yes, she's XO of the Tyco Tigers, hell of an aviator and holds a law degree and an engineering degree."
"Smart and beautiful," Sergei noted, he pulled out his rations and shared them with his brother. "It's not much."
"Sergei I'm hungry enough to almost eat anything." Harm rationalized.
"Almost," his brother teased.
"Don't start little brother," he remarked and they both laughed. By the time they'd finished, the tent flap opened and Corporal Read walked in with O'Reilly, carrying his medical kit. The top half of Katherine's flight suite was tided once more around her waist by the sleeves, and she wore a borrowed green t-shirt, carrying her helmet.
"There you go sir, good as new," the Corporal smirked.
"Thank you Doc."
"You're welcome sir. Lt said to tell you this will be the last tent down, so rest until we're ready."
Harm nodded. "Will do."
"He also said for me to take a look at that cut sir,"
"Go a head Doc,"
He moved to take a look and then opening his kit. "It's going to need a few stitches sir."
"Well make them neat, Corporal, my wife happens to be a Marine Lt. Colonel and you don't want to get on her bad side."
"No sir," he said smiling.
Katherine had sat next to the Cag, having put her helmet on the cot. "Tell me again why I agreed to fly RIO for you."
"Because I'm charming,"
She rolled her eyes. "I expected and answer like that from my own RIO, not the Cag."
Sergei
frowned. "You are a pilot, not a RIO?"
Katherine nodded. "Both our RIO's came down with food poisoning, so I agreed to
fly back seat for your brother, I wasn't expecting to have to eject and spend
the night in the desert with him or a bunch of Marines. Not that the last
hasn't been pleasant."
Harm rolled his eyes, chuckling. "Lieutenant you have been at sea to long."
"Very true sir."
Read finished up. "There you go, sir?"
"Thank you, Doc."
"You're welcome sir," he packed up and then left them alone, warning both to keep the stitches dry.
Katherine snorted. "What I wouldn't do for a shower about now."
"I can agree with that." Harm declared.
"You sailors are too soft," Sergei remarked grinning.
"Yeah well while you Marine are taking the beach, us sailors are keeping the bad guys from shooting your six's off from the air." Katherine mocked.
"Oh," he fainted being hurt. "You wound my pride pretty Lieutenant."
"Gunny, you're a flirt."
"Yes Ma'am," he jeered.
Harm groaned. "Brainwashed more like it," he remarked and they laughed.
Soon they were crammed into the hummers, with no sign left behind of a camp they drove across the desert. The two aviators wearing borrowed covers instead of their helmets, which sat on their laps, it was more comfortable for them.
Sergei sat next to Katherine, the two conversing in Russian as well as English.
Galendez glanced over at the Cag. "Looks like my Gunny is getting sweet on the Lieutenant."
"She's one of a kind, Lieutenant."
"Yes sir, I'd believe that."
Around noon they arrived at the base, which was made up of building, recreational areas, even a pool. An American, a British and an Australian flag fluttered in the light breeze.
"Home sweet home," Galendez said dryly. "Gunny escort the Captain and Lieutenant to the infirmary."
"Aye sir."
"I'll contact the Ticonderoga, they've been waiting to hear you're all right."
"Thank you Lieutenant." Harm bided.
He nodded and walked away.
Carrying their flight gear and helmets, the Cag and O'Reilly went with Gunnery Sergeant Rabb to the infirmary. The nurses quickly dismissed the Gunny; he left after promising to return.
After being looked over by a doctor each, the Captain and Lieutenant were allowed to shower and dress in the infirmary pajamas, then settled in a large room, which they were the only two in there, and were ordered to rest.
"Kat." Harm kept his voice down.
She glanced his way. "Sir?"
"Are you all right?"
"Other then six stitches in my shoulder, I'm pretty good. You?"
"Fine, get some sleep Phantom," he said smiling.
"Yes sir," she closed her eyes, with her back to him she was relieved he couldn't see the tears of relief that slid down her cheeks.
Both slept through the afternoon, Sergei dropped in around dinnertime to talk to them as did Galendez, who informed them the Skipper was having clothing brought to them. During the night they slept as well as could be expected with nurses checking on them, making sure they had everything they needed. Dr. Hallows, who was the doctor on duty, dropped in on them, as they were finishing breakfast. "Good morning Captain, Lieutenant."
"Morning doc," both greeted.
"I hope my nurses didn't disturb either of you too much during the night?"
"Doc, we're use to sleeping on a aircraft carrier," Harm informed. "If anything it was too quiet."
He chuckled a little. "Sorry to hear that. The CO, Colonel Crosby, gives his apologizes, he won't be able to talk with you, duty calls," he stated. Then continued. "Lieutenant Galendez is outside and waiting to see want to see you both, so I'll let him in. He has uniforms for you from your ship."
"Thank you doc."
"Now Lieutenant O'Reilly, let me take a quick look a that shoulder,"
"Yes sir,"
He did quickly pleased with what he saw, replacing the dressing. "Looking good Lieutenant, report to the flight surgeon once you're on board your ship, he'll be clearing you for duty, but I don't see any problems," he informed.
"Thank you sir,"
"You're welcome Lieutenant, Captain." He acknowledged and left.
Galendez came in carrying two sea bags. "Uniforms sir, Ma'am."
"Thank you Lieutenant."
He dropped one on the end of O'Reilly's bed and the other on the Captain's. "My unit has been ordered to report to the Ticonderoga, so we'll be heading back with you."
"When do we leave?" Harm asked him.
The Marine looked at his watch. "As soon as you're both dressed sir."
"Then we won't keep you waiting."
Katherine got out of bed and grabbed her bag. "I'll be back in a moment," she informed and slipped down the hall to the bathroom.
The Captain changed there, getting his clothes on, and then sitting on the bed he did up his shoes. "So how long has Sergei been in your unit?"
"About seven months, he's a good man," Galendez told him. "A lot like you sir."
"Is that good or bad?" He asked jokingly.
"It's good, sir."
Harm saw Katherine come back in; she dumped her back on the bed. "What's up Phantom?" He asked standing, she had a shocked look on her face.
She pointed to the collar of her khaki duty uniform, where there had once been silver bars, there was no a gold oak leaf. "I've been promoted," she whispered, and then through herself into his arms laughing happily.
He did also. "Well it's about time, Lieutenant Commander O'Reilly," he said hugging her back. "Congratulations Kat."
"Thank you sir," she stepped back, still grinning.
"Come on Phantom, we have a helio to catch."
"Yes sir," she shoved her gear in, including her boots and helmet. Turning she saw the Cag had done the same.
The Marine took her bag. "Let me Ma'am."
"Thank you Lieutenant."
"Everyone calls me Lt Ma'am."
"Well since you're a friends of the Cag's you'd better call me Phantom," she insisted.
"That wouldn't be appropriate Ma'am."
"Then think of it as an order, Lieutenant Galendez," she said with a grin.
"Don't argue with her, Victor, it isn't worth it," Harm advised, taking his bag. "She always wins."
"Yes sir," he said gladly.
Leaving the infirmary, they were given bulletproof vests to wear, and then went straight to the landing pad, where they boarded the helio, which took off as soon as they were.
Sergei noticed the change in rank. "Congratulations Ma'am."
"Thank you Gunnery Sergeant," she said happily. "So Sergei are you going to dish some dirt on your big brother here."
"Now that wouldn't be appropriate, Commander."
She snorted, seeing Harm grin. "Now I know he hasn't told me everything."
Victor Galendez chuckled, he knew aviators had their own bond, and it was obvious the Cag and the squadron XO were close friends. What he could also see was this wasn't the Harmon Rabb he remembered, he'd been a lawyer; this man was definitely an aviator. The Cag and he liked this side of him too.
USS Ticonderoga
Somewhere in the Persian Gulf
Captain Garrett was on the bridge when the helio landed and his two officers and the Marines got off. Ensigns Masters and Collins were there to meet them, Masters was informing them the Captain wanted to see the Cag, O'Reilly and Galendez. Collins was showing the rest of Marines where they were to be quartered. Smiling to himself, Ethan Garret left the bridge for his office, arriving before them. He was sure the moment they'd heard news of Rabb and O'Reilly's rescue, the whole ship had sighed in relief, they were family.
After they walked in he shook the Cag's hand. "Good to have you back Harm."
"Thank you sir."
He addressed O'Reilly next. "Lieutenant Commander, I believe we have a promotion to officiate."
"Yes sir," she said grinning.
"Well than there's no time like the present. Attention to orders," he commanded and proceeded with the ceremony. Making her promotion official. Finally he shook her hand. "Congratulations, Lieutenant Commander."
"Thank you sir."
"Now that's over and done with," he addressed the Marine. "Lieutenant Galendez, thank you for finding and returning my officers."
"No problem sir."
"Excellent, welcome aboard then. Your men will be waiting for you, Ensign Masters will show you to them."
"Thank you sir," he came to attention, saluting the officers and left.
"Now for you two, sit down, please," the Captain ordered Rabb and O'Reilly lightly and did so himself.
Both sat, thankful they'd gotten rid of the bulletproof vests before coming to the office.
"You two don't do things by halves do you?"
"Not in our nature, Skipper." Harm stated.
Garrett had received a report stating both had suffered injuries after they'd punched out. "As soon as you leave here report to the flight surgeon, I want you both cleared ASAP."
"Aye sir," both acknowledged.
"Now," he sat back. "Your families are waiting to hear from you, we've sent word you're both fine and back on board. Since there's time difference, work out an appropriate time and inform Admiral Chegwidden, he can have everyone there so you can reassure them yourselves."
"Yes sir," Harm agreed. "I'll get onto to it."
"Excellent. Dismissed."
Standing both came to attention and than left the office, heading straight for sickbay, where both saw the flight surgeon, getting clearance. From there they went directly to the Ward Room, having been informed the squadron was waiting. Walking in they found more then just the Tyco Tigers, everyone stood and clapped, coursing them both embarrassment.
"All right, that's enough." Harm ordered lightly, smiling.
Scott and Karen hugged them both, congratulating Katherine on her promotion before they sat together. Mark joined them, did the Tyco Tigers.
"It's a good thing you're back, Cag," Mark teased. "I thought your Tigers were going to start turning into little pussy cats."
"Oh ha, ha," they all remarked.
"So what happened?" Karen asked.
"We were found by a unit of Marines, walked back to their camp, then dove back to the base camp. Spent the afternoon and night in the infirmary and then came here," Katherine remarked casually.
"That's about it." Harm agreed. "Oh except you were promoted.
"Oh yeah," she rolled her eyes. "I forgot about that one."
They all laughed at the light heartedness of what had been a dangerous situation, they'd nearly lost members of their family.
"Well you getting promoted was a surprised to us," Karen noted. "We weren't expecting it any more than you Kat," she then glanced at Scott. "You do realize you're going to have to salute her from now on?"
He groaned. "Not fair," he grumbled and they laughed some more.
"So kiddo, did the flight surgeon clear you to fly?" Mark asked Katherine.
"That's kiddo Ma'am, to you Tonka-Toy," she smirked. "And yes, both the Cag and I were cleared to fly the skies."
"God, out ranked by my best friend, who I consider a kid sister."
"At least your wife knows she doesn't have to worry about you being on carrier with women, Tonka-Toy," Katherine remarked. "After all I did promise Janet I'd keep an eye on you."
"Thank you little sister."
"You're welcome big brother," she grinned and laughed along with everyone else.
"So you guys know each other well?" Scott asked them, adding. "Ma'am."
Katherine chuckled at the jab. "We went to the Academy together and then flight school, Mark married my roommate."
"Kat is Godmother to my children," Mark added.
"How many children do you have, Tonka-Toy?" Harm asked him.
"Two girls and a boy – Kris, Victoria and Anthony," the Marine answered. "Anthony was born a week after we arrived home from our last tour."
"Just in time huh?"
"Damn straight."
"What about you Cag?" his RIO asked him. "What is Captain Harmon Rabb's story?"
"Yeah Cag, other then the fact you have a great looking wife?" Ensign Frank Rollie Hansen asked.
He chuckled at the comment, but noticed all were waiting for an answer. "I went to the Academy and flight school, was your typical fighter jock until my wings were clipped in a ramp strike," he informed and saw the expressions on their faces, all except Katherine's since she knew that part of the tale. "My RIO was killed and I had a long painful recover, that made me take a good look at myself and my career. In the end I decided to be a lawyer after I saw the JAG lawyers help me through the review of the accident."
"So were you a good lawyer sir?" Ensign Ellie Carmichaels asked.
"I was Roadie, and like to think I still am."
"How did you come back to flying, Cag?" Brain Michaels asked.
"I found out I was miss-diagnosed, they said I had night blindness, I didn't, I had blurred vision. Surgery corrected it and I decided to change designators and return to flying. For five months I was assigned to the USS Patrick Henry and the Raptors." Harm revealed.
"So what happened?" Jeff Williams inquired.
"It was a case of too old and not enough traps, I returned to JAG and being a lawyer. I also found I had nothing more to prove."
"The Cag pushed his wingman to safety using his wingman's tailhook and his windscreen," Katherine announced.
"You did that?" Mitchell Davis, Hansen's RIO exclaimed. "Everyone has heard about that."
Harm shrugged it off. "I couldn't let my wingman eject in enemy territory."
"It earned you your second DFC," Katherine noted. "It was a gutsy move."
"How did you get your Silver Star?" Karen inquired, she, like the other members of the squad, had noticed the ribbons on his chest when he'd first arrived.
"I led a nuclear warhead away from the USS Seahawk in a Tomcat."
Murmurs erupted around the group; this was what they'd wanted through, to know him.
"Did you actually leave the Navy, sir?" Ensign Austin Lynch asked quietly.
He gave a nod. "But fortunately for all of you, Phoenix and the rest of the Tyco Tigers, I came to my sensors and came back," he said lightly and they laughed. "So what's with playing twenty questions?"
They all looked a little guilty. "Well Cag, after you and Phantom were shot down, we realized we didn't know a lot about you, either of you and we decided when you got back we'd ask," Scott answered. Then looked at his driver. "It's your turn, Phantom, what's the Lieutenant Commander Katherine O'Reilly's story."
She was a little uncomfortable at tell her story, but Harm had, so she could too. "My dad died as you know, I was fifteen. Then after my mum kicked me out I went to live with my Uncle Jack and Aunt Maria and their son until I went to the Naval Academy. At the Academy I meet Mark and his wife-to-be Janet, who was my roommate. They helped a scared seventeen-year-old get through her first few months at the Academy."
"You went to the Academy at seventeen?"
"I skipped a grade in High School."
"So why did you mum kick you out?" Lt. Maggie Douglas asked her gently.
"Because I was accepted to Annapolis, she didn't want me to become an aviator like my father." That and I'd embarrassed her by having a baby, she added to herself.
"It must have been hard."
"It was, but my Uncle Jack and Aunt Maria were great and very supportive."
Harm heard the hurt in her voice and the reason behind it. "Kat's Uncle also owns a pub, appropriately named O'Reilly's," he informed. "So boys and girls, I think we can safely say we can hold a Wetting Down there when we get into port."
They all agreed whole-heartedly.
"I'll warn my Uncle," Katherine declared, rolling her eyes. "Thanks Cag."
"You're welcome Phantom," he smirked, than stood. "Now if you'll excuse me I have work to do." All stood as he left.
Katherine decided to go as well. "I'm going to change, promotion or not I feel more comfortable in a flight suite."
"You look good in one too, Phantom," Lt. Cameron Wills, who's call sign was appropriate for him – Rebel, teased good heartedly.
She shook her head and walked out.
Karen tagged along with her. "Are you all right?"
"Yeah I'm fine, I don't take any notice of their bantering."
"That's not what I mean and you know it."
"Mouse, I'm fine," she assured, but knew exactly what her friend had meant.
Arriving at their stateroom Karen sat near the computer as Katherine change, she saw the dressing on her friends back. "What was it like?"
Pulling her t-shirt over her head, Katherine hesitated. "Scary at first, then the adrenalin started pumping, I didn't realize I'd been hit by shrapnel until after I came to and crawled over to the Cag."
"You were luckily," Karen noted.
She turned as she pulled her flight suit on. "You would of survived just as easily and the Cag was there."
"Big brother was there to help out again, huh?"
Katherine shook her head, chuckling. "One of those Marine's that came on board with us; is the Cag's half brother, Gunnery Sergeant Sergei Rabb."
"Sergei, that's Russian isn't it?"
"It is," she sat on her bunk and did up her boots. "He's cute."
"Should I be worried, Phantom?" Karen asked teasing.
"No mum," she smirked back and stood. "I'm going to see if the Cag has arranged a time to ring our families."
"Hey, Kat."
"Yeah?"
Karen stood and hugged her friend. "I'm glad you're okay."
"So am I, Kaz, so am I," she whispered, and then left the stateroom.
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church Virginia
Washington DC.
Admiral Chegwidden put the call on hold and looked at the anguish faces waiting to here what he knew. "As you know Captain Rabb and Lieutenant Commander O'Reilly were found by a Marine unit. They're both now back aboard the Ticonderoga."
Harriet hugged her husband, Mac smiled, relief washed across her face, hugging Josh, who was standing next to her. Jack and Maria O'Reilly's were just as relieved to here the news, as was Tom Boone's, and Sturgis Tuners.
"Were they hurt at all sir?" Sturgis asked.
"I'll let the Captain himself fill you in," the Admiral announced, seeing their shocked looks he took the call off hold and put it on speaker. "You're on Captain."
Harm's voice came over the speaker. "Afternoon everyone, well it is where you are, here it's oh nine hundred."
They all laughed, mostly in relief to hear he was fine.
"Are you all right, Harm?" Mac asked her husband, almost afraid to hear the answer.
"Aside from four stitches in my forehead I'm fine, Sarah."
"How is Katie, Captain Rabb?" Jack O'Reilly, a tall, dark haired Irish man asked. He hadn't wanted to break into their conversation, but he needed to know.
"I'm fine Uncle Jack, other then the six stitches in my shoulder." Katherine O'Reilly's voice came over the speaker.
"Katie, I didn't realize you were there."
"The Cag insisted."
"We're glad you're all right Katie," Maria O'Reilly announced cheerfully. "Jason was so scared."
"I'm fine, Aunt Maria and tell Jason I didn't mean to worry him."
"I will honey."
"Don't you think you have enough excitement in your life without flying with Rabb, Kat?" Tom asked her.
She laughed. "What can I say Uncle Tom, I'm a risk taker."
Her addressing Tom Boone as 'Uncle Tom' surprised all, even though they were aware he knew her.
He chuckled lightly. "You certainly are, sweetheart," he commented.
"Admiral," Harm broke into the conversation. "There is someone else here who'd like to say hello."
The third voice came on. "Good Afternoon, Admiral."
Those in uniform all said it at once. "Gunny!"
He chuckled. "Lieutenant actually."
"Congratulations Victor," Mac said first and they all did.
"Thank you, Colonel, sirs, Ma'am."
"There's someone else, if you're up to it Sarah," Harm added.
"Bring it on flyboy,"
"Hello sister."
Mac, and those who knew him were surprised to hear his voice. "Sergei, what are you doing on board?"
"Gunnery Sergeant Rabb is a member of my unit, Ma'am," Victor filled in.
"Gunnery Sergeant Rabb?"
"Yes Ma'am."
"It's a long story sister, one I will tell when we return to port." Sergei promised.
"I look forward to hearing it, little brother."
They heard a door open and a quiet conversation between Rabb, Galendez and the third party. Finally Harm announced. "We have to go Admiral, Phantom and I have a hope to fly and Lieutenant Galendez and the Gunny have to go sort their Marines out, they've challenged the Wolverines again, so it's going to be a long day."
"Understood Captain," AJ responded. "However if you have a second, your wife needs to tell you something."
"Is everything all right?" he asked, worry laced his voice.
"Everything is fine, I just thought you'd like to know you're going to be a daddy." Mac informed him, smiling.
There was a pause, and then they heard Katherine yell "Yeah, Cag," then a lot of backslapping. Everyone chuckled.
"Harm, are you okay?" Mac asked him.
"Yes, you just surprised me, not that I should have been."
"No you shouldn't have," she teased, chewing her lip a little at the very personal thing she was about to say. "I love you Harm."
"I love you too, Sarah," he said his voice full of emotion.
"Congratulations, Captain," Jack O'Reilly announced. "And please look after our niece."
"I will, Mr. O'Reilly."
"None of that Mr. business, Captain. You can call me Jack after all you've been through with my niece."
"Yes sir."
The Admiral chuckled. "Stay safe Captain, you all have lot to come home for."
"Yes sir, we do. I'll ring you later Sarah."
"I look forward to it." Mac told him happily.
Goodbyes were said and the call was finished.
AJ hung up taking the phone off speaker; he sat back in his chair addressing his officers. "I take it everyone can get a good nights sleep now."
"We can now we know they're safe," Bud declared and they all agreed.
"Well I for one am going to get a drink to celebrate my god daughters promotion," Tom informed, seeing Jack nod in agreement. "AJ, care to join us?"
"I think I will," he agreed.
"I didn't realize Lt Commander O'Reilly was your god daughter sir," Harriet stated. "Captain Rabb has never said, nor the Lt Commander."
"She just doesn't like to brag, Lieutenant," he smirked and the O'Reilly's laughed.
AJ grabbed his cover and coat. "Colonel, I'm leaving the office in your hands, secure up for the night, then go home and get some sleep. Commander Taylor, make sure she does just that."
"Aye sir," he agreed, even though Mac frowned.
"If you need us, we'll be at O'Reilly's," Tom to her.
"Understood sir."
"Good night sirs," Harriet and Bud bided. "It was nice to meet you Mr. and Mrs. O'Reilly," she added.
"It was nice to meet you Lieutenant," Maria said warmly. "Please drop by any time."
"Thank you Ma'am."
"Good night Lieutenants," the Admiral said and so did Tom, as they left with the O'Reilly's.
Josh followed Mac into her office. "Are you all right?"
She nodded sitting wearily in her chair. "I'm just glad it's over."
"So am I Mac."
"Josh, shut the door and sit down a minute," she ordered gently.
He did. "What's up?"
"What's up with you and Kat?" She asked him straight out.
"We flew together once, that's it."
"Bull, try again Commander."
"Mac, we flew a Black Ops mission together, we became friends, but that's it."
She didn't believe him, but wasn't going to push it. "All right. How about dinner tonight?"
"Sure, I'll swing by my place and change, then head over to yours. I'll even bring dessert," he announced standing.
"Sounds good, let me finish up here, then I'll secure for the night and we can go." Mac told him.
"I'll be ready when you are, Colonel."
"You'd better be Wraith," she teased.
He gave her his best flyboy smile, and then headed out the door.
Mac sat back in her chair and put her hands on her still flat belly. "Well darlin', your daddy is fine and in another three and half months he'll be coming back to us," she said softly. Then smiled and went back to work, Harm would probably tell her she was crazy for talking to her stomach, but at this stage she needed too. It was her connection to him.
To be continued…