Title: Moving On
Author: Anaika Skywalker
Author's Email: lindsay30@austarnet.com.au
Rating: PG13 (Just the end, sorry to those who don't like that sort of thing)
Disclaimer: I don't own JAG; I just like to spread my wings occasionally.
Author's Note: Thank you to everyone who reviewed. Bard2003 (Okay I just couldn't resisted and it is so like Harm, isn't it), Jewels4 (Thank you, I hope you enjoy this one too), Tracy (I kinda like the idea of Sergei and Kat together and it will work out for them I promise), observer (sorry about that, it's just a little hard to try and fit everything in, but don't worry Harm and Mac do talk), Mary Kate113 (Thank you so much), CapriseAnn Hedicaon-Kocur (Thanks for the idea, I'll see what I can come up with.), Ruli (More Harm and Mac coming up in this chapter as well as a little Kat and Sergei.) T (Thanks I'm glad you've like the story so far and Kat and Josh's background is coming, I promise.) Winjan (Webb helped Sergei become a Marine, more will be revealed about that in later chapters and Sergei will be flying) MsJonyReb (It just seemed right that Kat and Sergei would end up together. He's a Rabb, what can I say, cuteness runs in his family. As for the Chapel, well I was trying to think of quiet private places on an Aircraft Carrier that was the only one I could come up with. It was cute though)
Moving OnChapter Eleven: Communication
USS Ticonderoga
Somewhere in the Persian Gulf
Captain Harmon Rabb Junior sat back in his chair and smiled. "So how was Christmas Day?"
"Exciting, your mum and Frank arrived with Grandma Sarah," his wife's voice came melodiously from the speakerphone.
"Are they still there?"
"Yes. How was yours?"
"It wasn't boring," he smirked; he'd made the phone call to take his mind off the fact his brother wasn't back yet. "Did you get anything nice?"
"Some sexy pajamas from my husband," Mac teased.
"Really?"
"Hmm, a sexy little nightie that leaves nothing to the imagination," she purred. "An imagination I'm starting to think you have no problem using at all."
Harm's smiled widened in amusement. "I suppose it's not the best time to tell you Phantom and Mouse found it for me on the Internet, then."
She laughed. "Is that so, well I might just have to have a word with those two."
"To say thank you?"
"Yes," she mused. "Not that I'm going to be able to fit into it by the time you get home."
"That's why I brought you two, sweetheart, the second one is for our homecoming," he said huskily, knowing she was probably blushing.
"Is that right flyboy?"
"It won't be boring ninja girl," he promised her. "So was there anything else you got for Christmas?"
"A t-shirt."
"Oh?" He was looking at a photo on his computer now of her in that t-shirt. It looked so cute, an arrow was pointing down at her belly with the words 'Baby Under Construction' in big letters written under it. "It's very cute."
"Please tell me you didn't have Phantom and Mouse find this one?"
"No, you can blame Harriet for that one," he said chuckling. "Though they both though you looked cute in it."
"Looked cute…" she suddenly realized what he meant. "You have the pictures Bud took."
"Yes he e-mailed them to me," he said laughing. "Katie helped me download them and put them into a file."
"Oh Harm, please tell me no one else saw them?"
"No," he lied convincingly. The whole squadron had seen them as well as the Skipper. "I also heard the squadron brought you something."
"Harm, it's so cute!" She exclaimed. "It's fantastic, a tiny flight suite. It even has badgers and everything and the booties are like little flight boots."
"Well Katie wanted you to have something special from them."
"I'm going to e-mail her a thank you card for them all."
"They'll love that sweetheart, besides you have a special place in their hearts. You're married to the Cag."
She chuckled throatily. "And I suppose that makes you big brother to them all."
"Sometimes I feel like a father to some of them," he noted tiredly.
"Are there any in the Tyco Tigers young enough to have you as a father?"
"Very funny Marine."
"I thought so."
"So everything is all right?" He asked her seriously.
"Both the baby and I are fine, Harm, I don't have morning sickness, I'm not dizzy, I feel great. Now if I could get everyone else to believe me, I'd be fine."
"There just concerned, it took us so long to get to this point. They don't want anything happening now."
"And nothing will, especially if I don't have to worry about you."
"You don't darlin."
"Promise?"
"I promise and I haven't broken a promise yet, have I?"
"No, not yet."
"I love you Sarah."
"I love you too Harm," she said with a sniffle.
"Don't cry sweetheart, please," he begged her.
"I'm not crying," she contradicted. "I'm just over emotional."
"Okay sweetheart," he said gently. "I miss you ninja girl."
"I miss you flyboy," she said, her voice became soft. "I always thought when we did this, we'd do it together."
"So did I, darlin'."
"You could come back, I'm sure the Admiral could arrange something."
He knew she was reaching. "I can't Sarah, I don't belong there any more."
"I just…" her voice faded.
"I know Sarah, I do. We'll be home soon, the Tyco is doing a stop over in Australia and then it's home and I'm all yours."
"Promise?"
"I promise," Harm insisted. "Now when your next doctor's appointment?"
"Later this morning, she wants to do a scan."
"Why?"
"Well I wasn't sure on my dates, so doing an ultrasound will give Dr. Ross a better idea. I'll e-mail you a copy of the scan."
"I'm looking forward to it," he yawned. Because of the time differences it was late at night to her morning. "Sorry sweetheart."
"You sound exhausted, Harm."
"I'm fine, as soon as the Tigers get back I'll get some sleep."
"Speaking of Tigers, did Kat visit her mother?"
"No, she refused emergency leave. There's a lot of hate there, Sarah. I just can't get through to her."
"Get Sergei to talk to her."
"I have."
"Give her time, Harm."
"That's the problem, her mother may not have that much time."
"Oh Harm, is there anything I can do from this end?"
"I'm not sure," he rubbed his temples. "Her Uncle rings as much as he can."
"What if I talked to her, Harm?" Mac suggested.
"I don't know sweetheart, I think this is something she has to work out herself."
"Well I hope she has the chance."
"So do I darlin, so do I," he agreed, then changed the subject. "So how is the house? Have you started on the nursery?"
"No, I thought we could do it once you're on leave."
"Anything special you'd like me to bring you from Australia?"
"Where in Australia are you going?"
"A city in the state of Queensland called Townsville, it's a three day layover."
"Three days huh?"
He heard the amusement in her voice. "So what would you like me to bring you home?"
"A toy koala bear and a kangaroo for the nursery."
"I'll see what I can do," he said smiling.
"You'd better flyboy," she teased, and then asked. "How is Sergei, is he there?"
"No, he and his unit are on a mission."
She then knew something was wrong. "Harm, what is it?"
"They're over due at the rendezvous point, so far we haven't heard anything from them."
"Oh God Harm, do you think anything has happened?"
"I don't know babe, I'm just hoping they're running behind."
"I hope so too, Harm. Let me know when they get back."
"I will darlin, I promise," he took the phone off speaker, holding the receiver to his ear. "Katie is a mess, Sarah. She's putting on a brave front, but she's hurting and she doesn't need any more hurt."
"I didn't realize she and Sergei had gotten so close."
He sighed and rubbed his temples with one hand. "They're closer then friends, honey, or as close as they can be while they're on board."
"Tell her to hang in there, Harm, that everything will be all right."
"I will, Sarah," he looked up at the knock. "Hang on," he told her, putting his hand over the mouthpiece. "Enter."
Lieutenant Williams came in, which meant the Tigers were back. "The Skipper wants a word, Cag."
"Thanks Wylie."
The young man nodded and left, closing the hatch.
Harm removed his hand. "I have to go, Sarah, I'll let you know what happens."
"Okay, be careful Harm."
"I will sweetheart," he assured. "Love you."
"I love you too, Harm. Bye."
"Bye darlin," he bided, and then hung up, grabbing his cover he got up and hurried to the bridge.
Captain Garrett gestured him over. "We've just received word, Bravo is hankered down and taking fire," he showed him on the map. "I want to sent Phantom in, she's to strife the area to give them time to helio out."
Harm nodded. "Her bird will have to be refueled."
"Being done," he saw the Lt. Commander come onto the bridge, ready to fly, her helmet in her hand. He gestured her over. "I took the chance you'd agree to this."
"She is the best, Skipper," Harm agreed. He nodded to O'Reilly. "Phantom, I want you to give Bravo some cover," he pointed out their position on the map. "Strife the area to give the helio a chance to land and pick them up."
"Aye sir."
"Bring them home, Phantom," the Skipper ordered.
"Aye, aye sir," she nodded to the Cag and left the bridge.
"I'll have the rest of the Tigers on standby," Harm announced. "Just incase Phantom needs them."
The Skipper nodded. "I want her in the air in five minutes, Cag."
"She will be Skipper," he assured, and then hurried off the bridge going straight to the flight deck, receiving a white vest and helmet from a crewman, he quickly put both on and hurried over to the Tomcat. O'Reilly and McGregor were climbing aboard her; he waited until they were secured before climbing up to them. He tapped lightly on O'Reilly's helmet and lent in close. "When you get back we're going to talk. I'm ordering you to take emergency leave and see your mother."
"No," she retorted.
"Yes, Katie and that's finial. One thing I've leant over the years is not to let hate guide you or let things go until it's too late," he told her. "You're going even if I have to send Sergei with you."
"You'd do that?"
"Damn right I would. Now go save their damn six's, Phantom!"
"Aye,
aye sir.
Harm climbed down and hurried out of the way so the Tomcat could taxi onto the
catapult, the rest of the Tyco Tigers came out onto the flight deck. Lt.
Lindsay had his flight gear and helmet.
"We're ready to fly, Cag," she informed.
He took the gear from her. "Mount up people, we go if we're needed."
All acknowledged him and headed for their Tomcats, a crewman took the white vest and helmet from the Cag so he could pull on his flight gear and helmet. As he climbed aboard his bird, he saw O'Reilly catapult hers off the deck into the air. "Bring them home Phantom," he whispered.
Karen patted him on the back and climbed into her seat, he followed her sitting front seat. "Phantom will bring them home, Cag."
"I know Mouse."
Soon they were positioned on the catapult, waiting. Lieutenant's Michaels and William's in the Tomcat next to them.
"Did you call your wife, Cag?" Karen asked him.
"I did, she's going to send Phantom a thank you card for all of you, she loves the gift for the baby."
"I'm glad, the whole thing was Kat's idea, even the gift."
"I got that feeling," he mused.
"She's going to make a great mum one day."
She is a great mum, he said to himself. "One day, Mouse."
Their radio came to life. "Sundance One, this is Viper. Your cleared to take off, Bravo is in flight with bogies on six, Phantom has called for assistance."
"Rodger Viper, Sundance One is clear," he acknowledged. "Call it in, Mouse."
"Aye, sir, Tyco control this is Sundance zero, zero, one, up and ready."
"Rodger zero, zero, one, your clear to launch."
After giving the crewman a salute, they were catapulted off the deck; seconds later so were Michaels and Williams, their Tomcat forming up on their wing. Three more Tomcats were launched behind them, forming up. They weren't even near feet dry when they made contact. O'Reilly was holding her own against two MiGs, while protecting the helio. The helio pilot was sticking with her, he was putting his helio through turns and dives it wasn't suppose to be able to accomplish, but he was doing it.
"Sergei," Harm realized, his brother was flying the helio.
"What was that sir?" Karen asked him as they engaged.
"Sergei is flying the helio."
"You're sure sir?"
"I'm sure, Mouse," he got tone and fired, taking out a MiG. "Move your six Phantom."
"Moving it Cag," she informed and pulled off a 9 G maneuver that only a seasoned pilot could have been able to accomplish. The remaining MiG's were bugging out, out gunned for the moment. Leaving the Tyco Tigers to escort the helio home.
"Nice flying little brother," he praised.
"Thank you, brother."
"You're a hell'va pilot Gunny," Katherine told him.
"I only have the best in my team, Phantom," Victor Galendez told her.
"That you do Lt, that you do," she mused.
Back at the carrier, the Tomcats let the helio land first, then one by one they did so, taxiing to a stop. Climbing down they gathered together.
"Nice flying Phantom," the Cag told the squadron XO.
"Thank you sir," she said with a flyboy grin.
The Marines were walking towards them; Sergei was taking his helmet off, grinning. He resisted the urge to dash across the flight deck and take Katherine in his arms and kiss her. Kissing her was something he'd do later. Now he and his unit wanted was to shower and get into clean clothes, though aside from looking tired, they were none the worse for wear.
"Welcome back Lieutenant," Harm greeted smiling.
"Thank you sir."
They walked off the deck together, laughing and joking, Harm noted his brother and O'Reilly walked together and he just smiled.
Once reports were made and the Marines were debriefed, Harm and the Tyco Tigers got the Marines to meet them in the Ward Room.
"Lieutenant Galendez," Harm addressed the Marine.
"Sir."
"Lieutenant your Gunny is out of uniform."
Victor arched an eyebrow. "He is sir?"
"Yes Lieutenant, he is," the Cag stated. "Gunnery Sergeant Rabb, front and center."
Sergei hesitated, and then stood before his brother and O'Reilly. "Reporting as ordered sir."
"You're a hell'va a Marine, Gunnery Sergeant and you're a hell'va pilot," Harm announced. "Commander O'Reilly."
Katherine stepped forward and pined a set of wings on the Gunny's uniform. "Now Gunnery Sergeant, you're in uniform."
He saw the wings and looked surprised.
"I know winging is usually done by an Admiral, but we're fresh out of them, so this will have to do." Harm mused. "Congratulations brother."
Sergei shook his hand. "Thank you sir."
Harm then turned to O'Reilly. "If you will Commander."
She smiled, and then rose up on her toes and kissed the Gunny on the cheek. "Congratulations Sergei," she said quietly.
"Thank you Ma'am."
Stepping back, she watched as the members of his unit congratulated him, grinning.
Harm dismissed everyone, so they could relax and enjoy the impromptu celebration. He got Katherine to one side. "The Skipper had authorized your emergency leave, there's a Cod leaving in an hour and you're going to be on it. You have a week, make the most of it."
"Cag this isn't necessary," she insisted.
"It is and you're not going alone. The Marine's are heading home, so you'll be flying back with them. Once you're State side, the Gunny is to accompany you to La Jolla, my mother and stepfather will be expecting you," he saw she was going to protest again, stopping her. "That is an order, Commander. Now go pack."
"Yes sir," she yielded. "Excuse me sir."
Sergei saw her leave, going over to her brother. "Katie did not take it well?"
"No she didn't Gunny, that's why you're going will her."
"I will look after her, brother."
"I know you will, Sergei," he said calmly. "Mum and Frank are looking forward to meeting you."
"I'm a little hesitant," his younger brother admitted.
"You'll be fine, it's taken time but Mum understands."
"I hope so, brother."
Harm patted his shoulder. "Don't worry little brother, you'll be fine."
"You will be careful out here?"
"You can count on it, I have a wife and child to go home to," The two brothers embraced, neither embarrassed by the action. "Look after Katie, Sergei, she feels the same way about you as you do about her."
He was a little shocked. "I will do my best, brother."
"That's all I ask."
Victor came over to them. "I hate to brake this up, but we've got a Cod to catch," he held out his hand to the Cag. "Captain, it was a pleasure."
"It definitely was, Lieutenant. Safe trip home."
"Thank you sir."
He and the other Marines left.
McGregor came over to the Cag with Lindsay. "So how did you do it sir?"
"Do what, Lieutenant?"
"Get Phantom to take emergency leave?"
"I ordered her, then added a bribe."
"Oh?" Karen looked at him curiously. "What kind of bribe sir?"
"The Marine kind, Mouse," he smirked. "Now I suggest we all get some sleep, tomorrow will be another long day and we'll be a man down. So lets move it."
They grumbled light heartedly but went all knowing the Cag had made the right decision.
Andrew's Air Force Base
Camp Springs, Maryland.
The Marines arrived at Andrew's Air Force Base to a rousing welcome from family and friends. They were quickly dismissed. Until then the Navy Lt. Commander stayed in the background. Mac was there to welcome Sergei and Katherine home, knowing the young aviator would probably feel uncomfortable.
She hugged her brother-in-law. "You look wonderful, Sergei."
"Thank you Mac."
Mac then hugged Katherine. "I'm sorry to hear about your Mum, Kat."
"Thank you Ma'am."
Stepping back, she smiled. "I've got you both on a flight to La Jolla," she announced as they made their way to Harm's SUV, he'd told her to use it and there wasn't any way she could of picked the two of them up in her Vette. "We have enough time to get you both to the airport and grab a bit to eat."
Katherine held back a smirk, as she through her sea bag into the SUV beside Sergei's. "Thank you for doing this Ma'am."
"It's no problem," Mac assured. As they drove off, she noticed the young woman looked tired. "When did you last sleep, Kat?"
"On the Cod, Ma'am."
"Katie would make a good Marine," Sergei praised. "She can sleep any where."
"I'm an aviator, Sergei, I always sleep soundly in the air."
Mac laughed. "I wouldn't argue with her, little brother. I remember Harm always fell asleep on helio's, cod's, even in the worse weather."
"Now the Cag has Mouse to keep him awake." Katherine smirked tiredly.
"So who keeps you awake, Phantom?" Mac asked her.
"Piper does Ma'am."
"Kat, please stop calling me Ma'am, Mac will do."
Katherine went to protest but saw the look she was being given. "I will try, Mac."
"Good."
Sergei smiled, he was glad to have seen Mac; he'd always believed she and his brother were destined to be together. "Harm told us you had a doctors appointment. Everything is all right?"
"Yes Sergei, the doctor just wanted to confirm my dates were right, I've emailed a copy of the scan to Harm. I'll show it to you when you return."
"I'd like that."
"Do you want a girl or a boy, Ma'am, Mac?" Katherine asked her.
She smiled at the stumble. "I don't really mind, as long as he or she is healthy."
Pulling into the parking area of the airport, they got out, grabbing their bags they headed into the terminal to check in. Being told the flight was early and would be boarding soon.
"Well that takes care of getting you both something to eat," Mac remarked.
"We will get something on board." Sergei assured.
"We'll be fine." Katherine agreed.
They heard the flight being called and headed to the gate.
"Kat," Mac took hold of the young woman's arm. "Harm is all right, isn't he?"
"The Cag is fine, Mac. He misses you though."
"Thank you Kat," she gave her a hug. "Ring me when you're ready to come back."
"We will."
Mac hugged her brother-in-law, whispering. "Take care of her, Sergei and don't worry Trish is going to love you."
"I shell and I will try not to," he said with a grin.
She laughed. "Get going you two."
They quickly hugged her again before hurrying to board. Mac watched them leave, and then headed back to the SUV. Sighing as she got in. "I say goodbye far too much, little one," she whispered as she gave her belly a gentle rub. "Far to much to your daddy and now your Uncle Sergei and Aunt Kat."
Shaking her head she chuckled at what she was doing then started the vehicle and drove off.
Burnett's Residence
La Jolla, California
Sergei got out of the cab and grabbed the two sea bags from the boot as Katherine paid the driver and climbed out. She took her sea bag from him, giving him a smile.
"It'll be all right, Gunny," she said warmly.
"Thanks Phantom."
Chuckling Katherine took his hand and dragged him towards the house as the cab drove away. She knocked and they waited.
The door opened after a moment by Trish Burnett, she smiled. "Lt. Commander O'Reilly?"
"Yes Ma'am, Katherine," she answered.
She then hesitantly addressed the young man. "You must be Sergei."
"Yes Ma'am."
Frank Burnett came up behind her. "Trish let them in, they look exhausted."
She moved out of the way and let the Naval Officer and Marine into the house.
"I'm Frank, Harm's stepfather."
Katherine shook his hand. "It's nice to meet you sir."
"You too Commander."
"Katherine sir, please."
"Then it's Frank."
"Yes sir," she said with her best flyboy grin.
He chuckled. "Now you remind me of Harm."
"Phantom is the little sister, the Cag does not have," Sergei teased.
"Phantom?" Trish wondered.
"Yes Ma'am, it's my call sign," the younger woman explained.
"I think it'll be all right to call me Trish," she insisted. "After all you were my son's best man so to speak."
"Yes Ma'am," she said and saw the older woman roll her eyes. "Sorry, Trish, force of habit."
"You're forgiven," Trish told her and turned to the young Marine with her. "Sergei, please forgive me. I'm trying to understand all of this."
"You have nothing to forgive Mrs. Burnett, I do understand."
Tears filled her eyes and she hugged him. "You look like your brother and your father," she said. "So handsome," she smiled. "You better call me Trish too."
"I will."
She stepped back. "Have you eaten, I could make you both something."
Sergei took her hands in his. "We ate on the plane, to be honest, both Katie and I would like to rest before going to the hospital."
"Yes of course," she said and lead them to the guest room. "I made up the bed after Harm called, Frank will drive you to the hospital when you're ready."
"Thank you Trish."
Katherine noticed she showed them to only one room, hiding a smirk. She put her sea bag next to the bed and turned. "Thank you for all of this. You didn't have to put Sergei and I up."
"Nonsense Sergei is…" She hesitated. "Well he's Harm's brother and that makes him family and Harm considers you part of his family, so it's only right you stay here," she said a little uncomfortable. "Hospital visiting hours start at two."
"We'll be ready by then."
"The bathroom is off to your left, there are fresh towels in there as well," she added. "I'll give you a call at lunch time."
"Thank you."
She nodded and left, shutting the door.
Sergei laughed quietly as he dumped his sea bag by the door and began undoing his uniform jacket. "Do you think the my brother had anything to do with us sharing a room?"
"I do," she'd unbuttoned her jacket and was know removing it, she hung it up and began removing the rest of her uniform until she stood there in her underwear. Turning she saw him staring, standing there in only his trousers. Smiling she sauntered over to him. "See something you like Marine?" She asked running a finger down his chest, stopping at his belt buckle.
Sergei swallowed hard. "You are beautiful, Katie."
The buckle came undone, as did the button on his trousers, she stepped closer running her fingers over his chest to his back. "Stop talking Rabb. That's an order."
"Yes Ma'am," he said grinning and then kissed her, pushing his tongue past her teeth, meeting hers. His hands weren't idle though, he was undoing her bra, caressing the soft skin. Groaning he swung her up into his arms and carried her to the bed, laying her down he crawled on with her. There was no holding back, no hesitation, no rules and regulations, no Lt. Commander O'Reilly or Gunnery Sergeant Rabb. It was just Kat and Sergei and they explored each other as they explored their feelings, neither innocent when it came to making love. This was what they wanted, what they'd wanted since they'd first meet. The pain, hurt and anger Katherine felt melted away in the arms of the man she was falling in love with. The man who gave her the courage to face what was coming next.
To be continued…