Title: Moving On

Author: Anaika Skywalker

Author's Email: lindsay30@austarnet.com.au

Rating: PG13

Disclaimer: I don't own JAG; I just like to spread my wings occasionally.

Author's Note: I realize I've gone off the original story line with this on since introducing Sergei into the story. There are some good parts from the original I still want to include, but like what I've done so far they will be changed to flow with this story. So thank you to everyone who has reviewed and continues to do so. TomcatGM (Thanks for liking this version. You really want Harm to crash? Oh and there will be Harm/Mac/JAG action coming up in later chapters I promise), Angela B. (Thanks for catching up, I know everyone is eager for Harm to get home to Mac, he will, just not yet, sorry), CapriceAnn Dedican-Kocur (I'm glad you liked it), Winjan (I always look forward to your reviews, you're been with me from the start. So a big thank you to you. More surprises to come), T (Flattery will get you more chapters T, thanks), CRed (Patients, patients)

Moving On

Chapter Twelve: Forgiveness

La Jolla General Hospital

The Nurse looked up to see the Naval Officer and Marine Gunnery Sergeant waiting until she acknowledged them. "Can I help you?"

"Yes Ma'am. I'm looking for Maggie Foster's room?" The pretty Lt. Commander announced.

"Mrs. Foster is in ICU, down the hall to your right, but only family are allowed to see her," the Nurse retorted.

"We are family, I'm her daughter," the Naval Officer informed and hoped her companion wouldn't be surprised by her next assumption. "This is my fiancé." She noticed the Marine beside her didn't flinch.

"Name?" The Nurse asked as she picked up the phone.

"Lt. Commander Katherine O'Reilly."

The Nurse's call was answered and she told the person on the phone. "I have a Lt. Commander Katherine O'Reilly and fiancé to see Mrs. Foster," she paused for the reply. "I'll send them around." She announced and then hung up. "You can go around, your stepfather is waiting to see you, Lt. Commander."

"Thank you," Katherine bided, and then she and Sergei walked in the direction given. When they were out of earshot she said, keeping her voice down. "I'm sorry, I just wanted you with me when I do this."

"I do not mind," Sergei said as he took her hand, smiling.

"Thank you."

'You are welcome, my beautiful fiancé,' he said to her softly in Russian.

She blushed as she smiled to cover her nervousness.

Terry Foster had never met his stepdaughter; he'd spoken to her on the phone, which had been a surprised. As soon as he saw the beautiful Naval he knew it was she. It was unmistakable; she was her mother's daughter. He knew his wife and stepdaughter were estranged, he knew why and what had happened and he could see pain in the young woman's eyes. This was not easy for her. It would not be easy for any of them. Her phone call had been unexpected but he'd welcomed it. Another surprise was the Nurses announcement of a fiancé.

He managed a smile, a small nervous one. It was all he could give. He was losing his wife and meeting a stepdaughter and possible son-in-law. "Lt. Commander O'Reilly?"

She nodded. "Yes sir, Katherine O'Reilly," she acknowledged, and then introduced the Marine holding her hand. "This is Gunnery Sergeant Sergei Rabb."

"Your fiancé?"

"I told the Nurse that so Sergei could come with me, I'm sorry," she apologized. "I didn't think she'd allow my boyfriend to be here."

That did make him smile and reminded him of his wife. He shook both their hands. "That's all right, it's nice to meet you both, and I wish it were under better circumstances."

"As do we sir." Sergei informed.

He noted the accent, wondering about it. "Please call me Terry,"

The Marine nodded. "Sergei."

"Can I speak with my mother?" Katherine asked nervously.

"Yes, of course. Go in, Sergei and I will talk out here." Terry insisted.

Sergei saw her hesitate. "I shell be fine go. Call if you need me."

She took a breath nodding, opening the door; she went in it closed after she was.

"She's a lot different then I expected." Terry announced.

"How so?"

"Well I didn't expect the uniform, with the wings and ribbons it's quiet impressive."

"She did not wear her uniform to be impressive, she wore it to show her mother this is who she is. A Naval Aviator, which she is very good. Enough for her to be accepted at Falloon, to train at Top Gun."

Terry didn't argue with him. If anything the Marine Gunnery Sergeant was a force on his own, the ribbons on his chest showed that. As did his physique, this man was not to be messed with. "I apologies, that seemed to come out all wrong, perhaps we can sit down and you could tell me how you and Katherine meet."

"I would like that."

Inside the room the equipment shocked Katherine, as did the monitors her mother was hooked to, she moved her cover nervously in her hands as she went closer. "Mum?"

Maggie Foster opened her eyes, letting them focus on the young woman standing at her bedside. "Katie?"

"Hello Mum," she went a little closer.

"What are you doing here?" It was a rhetorical question.

"I'm on emergency leave, Uncle Jack told me you were sick."

"Emergency leave?" She seemed confused.

Katherine fought hard not to cry. "I've been deployed to the Persian Gulf for four months aboard the USS Ticonderoga."

Her mother's dull green eyes brightened a little. "You joined the Navy like your father."

"Yes," she crocked. "I'm a pilot Mum, remember."

Her mother reached a shaky hand up, running her fingers over the gold wings and ribbons. "How long?"

"Have I been flying?" she asked and saw her mother nod. "Nearly six years."

Maggie smiled weakly, letting her hand drop. "I've missed so much," she said softly. "I'm so sorry."

"It's all right Mum, I'm here now," she said, her eyes filling with tears she fought to stop from falling.

"You look so beautiful," her mother said weakly. "So in love. There is someone special?"

"Yes Mum, a Marine Gunnery Sergeant- Sergei Rabb. He's outside."

The door opened, a doctor and nurse entered the room before Maggie could reply. "I'm sorry Ma'am, you're going to have to leave," the doctor insisted. "You can come back later."

Katherine nodded. "I'll be back Mum," she lent over and kissed her forehead, then left the room.

Sergei saw her come out, going over to her. "Katie?"

She let the tears slid down her cheeks. "She barely knew who I was," she whispered as he took her in his arms.

"I'm sorry, Katie."

"It's the medication, Katherine," Terry informed, knowing this wasn't for the sake of the charade, they were in love.

"Dad?" A young boy joined them.

Katherine stepped back, seeing who belonged to the voice. The boy shared the same dark brown hair, and green-blue eyes as his father.

"Jason, this is your half sister, Katherine." Terry introduced.

The nine year old held out his hand. "Hi,"

A little taken back, she shook his hand. "Hello Jason," she remembered to smiled. "This is Gunnery Sergeant Sergei Rabb."

His eyes widened, as he looked from one to the other. "Wow dad, they have gold wings. That means they're pilots."

Sergei smiled. "Your sister is a Naval Aviator, I fly helicopters."

"So cool, I bet you have cool call signs and everything,"

"Katie does, her's is Phantom,"

"Sergei is usually called Gunny." Katherine told her half-brother, who looked a little like her cousin – her son.

"Wow," he said then eyed his half sister. "Do you always call him Gunny?"

She found she laughed at that. "No, a lot of the time I call him Sergei," she gestured him closer. "You see I out rank him."

"Which means I usually call your sister, Ma'am." Sergei said promptly.

Jason grinned. "Like now?"

"Only if she's angry at me," he teased and the nine-year laughed some more.

Terry smiled; he hadn't seen his son this excited in a long time. "Why don't we sit down," he suggested and they did so. His son started asking Sergei questions on what he did and how he'd met his sister.

"How did you and my mum meet?" Katherine asked Terry.

"She came to work for me, I own a number of restaurants, and Jollies is one of them. Your mum was the best chief we had," he praised, his voice became thick with emotion. "It was love at first sight, Jason was twelve months old before she finally agreed to marry me."

"And the cancer?"

"Eight months ago she found a lump in her left breast, she went straight to the doctors. Within a few days we knew it was cancer, at first we thought everything was going to be okay. Then they removed the lump and found another, soon it was obvious the cancer had spread," he explained, finding the strength not to break down. "Have you been…? I mean…?"

Katherine managed a smile. "I check regularly and the Navy makes sure its fighter pilots are in good health. Physically and mentally, we have to be."

He nodded. "I didn't know what exactly what your flew, your mum just said you'd joined the Navy and flew for them."

"Tomcats," she told him. "My squadron the Tyco Tigers, are one of the few remaining Tomcat squadrons left. I'm deployed at the moment to Persian Gulf aboard the USS Ticonderoga, the Cag suggested I take emergency leave and come here. If he hadn't I would still be flying."

He didn't push that last comment. "I took Jason to the air show at the Marine base this year, there were Tomcats and Hornets there, Navy and Marines. He loved it," Terry said smiling a little. "I have a feeling I have a budding pilot on my hands."

Katherine admired Terry's strength, having to deal with all of this. "I'm sorry I didn't get to meet you sooner, you and Jason."

Taking her hand, he gave it a gentle squeeze. "I hope you can be a part of your family, Katherine."

"Kat," she announced. "Everyone calls me Kat, my family call me Katie."

Terry smiled warmly. "Can I call you Katie?"

"I'd like that," she agreed and hugged him.

Both Sergei and Jason smiled. "Are they going to be all right now, Sergei?"

"Yes Jason, they will be," he said smiling warmly.

Terry gave his stepdaughter another gentle squeeze and pulled away. "Young man, I don't think you should be calling Gunnery Sergeant Rabb by his first name."

Jason frowned. "Oh dad, I can't keep calling him Gunnery Sergeant Rabb or sir. He's Kat's friend, friends don't call friends sir."
Sergei and Katherine laughed, they couldn't help it and soon Terry joined in. Jason grin, happy to see his dad laugh. Finally they found some control, especially after several nurses frowned at them.

The Marine addressed the nine-year-old. "How about Gunny?"

Jason grinned. "Okay," he agreed happily and threw himself into the young man's arms.

Katherine felt tears well in her eyes at the sight. Sergei was going to make a good father one day, hopefully she was going to experience parent hood with him.

The doctor came out, a blonde headed woman in her forties. They stood as she joined them.

"Doctor Ridgeway, this my stepdaughter, Lt. Commander Katherine O'Reilly and Gunnery Sergeant Sergei Rabb."

Joanne Ridgeway shook their hands. "Lt. Commander, Gunnery Sergeant," She said her tone neutral. She spoke to Terry Foster. "The news isn't good. I'm sorry Terry but we're coming to the end. Maggie is very weak, on seeing her daughter here. I'd say that was why she was hanging on."

"Can we see her?"

"Yes, of course," she insisted and followed them all into the room.

Sergei stayed at Katherine's side, holding tight to her hand, not caring who saw them. Terry went over to his wife, leaving his son to remain at his half sisters side clutching her hand.

"Maggie,"

She opened her eyes and looked into her husbands, smiling a little. "Look after yourself and Jason."

"I will,"

"And Katie, I've hurt her so much,"

"I forgive you mum," Katherine said lucid, fighting tears.

Tears slid down her mother's cheeks. "Katie."

She went over to her mother. "I'm here mum."

Her mother gestured her closer, speaking softly. "I'm sorry."

"I know mum, so am I," Katherine said as her tears slid down her cheeks.

Maggie smiled. "I love you Katie."

"I love you too Mum," she said, feeling Jason came up next to her, taking her hand as she straightened.

She turned slowly to look at the young Marine. "Please take care of my daughter."

"I will, Ma'am. I promise."

Satisfied Katherine's mother's eyes closed one last time and the heart monitor flat lined.

Sergei stood behind Katherine, holding her close. She released her brother's hand and turned going in her lovers arms, crying. Jason went to his father as his tears fell.

Dr. Ridgeway turned off the monitor, then she and the nurses left the room, giving the family time to grieve.

Burnett Residence

La Jolla, California

Sergei watched his lover from the kitchen widow, he didn't know how to comfort her, they'd just returned from attending Maggie Foster's funeral. After changing, Katherine had gone outside, saying she needed time to think.

Trish Burnett walked into the kitchen. "Are you all right, son?"

He turned looking at her surprised; he hadn't expected her to call him that. "I am worried about Katie."

She slipped her arm around his waist. "Give her time, honey. She has to except this," she saw he was looking at her stunned, knowing why. "Sergei, I can't deny who you are, you're the son of the man I loved for a long time. A man I thought was dead. It did hurt for a long time, but no more. I want you to be a part of my family, my stepson if you will."

"That is all right?"

"Yes," she hugged him and felt him return the gesture. "I don't want to replace your mother, but I will be here for you any time you need a mother to talk too."

"Thank you," he hesitated, feeling the love this woman was giving. "Mum."

Trish felt tears well in her eyes; she stood back, wiping them. "Frank is in the den, why don't you two have a talk while I talk to Katie. Perhaps she needs a mother too."
He nodded, kissing her cheek before leaving.

Trish smiled, she made coffee for herself and Katherine, and then went out into the back yard; carrying the two coffee cups. She'd taken an instant liking to the young woman who had stolen Sergei's heart. Who her oldest son had made an honor sister because he felt a strong connection to her and that made Katherine O'Reilly special. "How are you, honey?" She asked her.

Katherine forced a smile. "I'm fine," she took the cup offered to her. "Thank you."

Standing next to her, Trish looked out at the scenery she now took for granted. "When Harm's father was shot down, I wanted to believe he was coming home to Harm and I, but as the years went by I finally realized I was kidding myself. He wasn't coming home and I had to move on," she said calmly. "Your mother had closer until you joined the Navy, then she had nothing but fear. Your being with her in her last moments gave her the chance to lose her fear and to give both of you closer."

"I just wanted her to be proud of me."

"She was honey," Trish assured her. "Come inside, I have something to give you."

Katherine did so, putting her cup on the kitchen table.

Trish put hers down and picked up the journals. "Your stepfather gave this to me, he said to give them to you after the funeral. They're your mothers, she wrote one for every year you were away from her. Read them Katie, find out who your mother was and what she was feeling."

Taking them, Katherine didn't know what to do. For the first time in her life she froze. Trish patted her arm and left the kitchen, leaving her alone. After what seemed to be longer then it was, Katherine carried the journals into the guest room she was sharing with Sergei, sitting on the bed she opened the first and began to read, finding photocopies of newspaper clippings from the Annapolis Times, the Navy Times. Copies of e-mails she'd sent to her Uncle Jack and Aunt Maria, photos of her son, from birth to his last birthday. There were also photos of her and her friends while on leave and while deployed. As well as her mother's private thoughts, as expected she found out things about her mother she'd never known.

Sergei found her there a few hours later. "Are you all right?"

She smiled nodding. "I want to read you something, please."

He sat behind her so he could hold her while leaning against the bed head. "What is it?"

"Part of my mother's journal, from a few months ago," Katherine revealed, comfortable in his arms. "It's written in the form of a letter to me," she told him and than began to read. "My darling daughter, I'm so sorry for what I have put you through. I should have given you the benefit of the doubt. You are not your father and I should never have compared the two of you. I shouldn't have been afraid you're going to die like he did. Unbeknown to you, I have been keeping in contact with Jack and Maria; they've been forwarding all your e-mails to me. So I feel like I've kept in touch with you, I'm sorry I've never written. I suppose in the back of my mind I still think I can lose you like I did your father. My poor Katie, the time you had to eject out of your F-14 over the Atlantic, I thought for sure I was going to lose you. I sat by the phone for hours waiting for Jack to ring and say you were all right. It was then I finally told Terry about you, about how proud I was of my daughter and how I thought I'd lost you. Then the phone call came that I'd been waiting for and Jack told me you were safe, both you and your RIO. I thanked God for keeping you both that way. Still I couldn't bring myself to e-mail you and I hope you'll forgive me for that," she paused as tears slid down her cheeks, feeling Sergei give her a gentle squeeze. Continuing. "After that I kept in better contact with Jack and Maria, insisting they never tell you. I think that hurt them both. Tell them I'm sorry for me Katie, even though I know they know. I owe them so much; they looked after you and your son. My grandson, I hope you don't mined I named my son, your half brother Jason too. I suppose I did because of your father in my own way." She stopped again, this time wiping her cheeks. "When I found out you were deployed aboard the USS Ticonderoga to the Persian Gulf, I was afraid for you Katie. Being in the middle of all of that. Still Jack tells me you're fine and you have someone to watch your, how did he say it - your six. The Cag; Captain Harmon Rabb. Jack says he's protecting you like a big brother, I'm glad you have someone like that. Though my heart nearly stopped when your Uncle told me you'd been shot, and landed your F-14 bleeding. I was so scared Katie, even after he told me you were all right. Even after he told me they were awarding you a DFC. I'd just accept all that when he rang to say you and Captain Rabb were shot down over Baghdad. My God Katie that wasn't the news I was expecting before Christmas. I must of drove Terry mad until Jack rang back to say you were found by the Marines and back aboard the Ticonderoga. I was ecstatic to hear you'd been promoted. You're now your fathers rank, he would be proud of you honey. I know I am. Jack e-mailed me the photo of you and Gunnery Sergeant Rabb in your uniforms. Oh Katie, Sergei is handsome, and if you really love him, honey. Then don't let anything or anyone stand in your way, happiness is easily found but it can be taken away just as easily. I've found that out, I let my fear of losing you take away the happiness we could have shared. Don't let the same thing happen to you. Reach out and grab hold of it and hang on tight. Never let go Katie. Never let love go or let fear stand in your way. I love you Katie. I will always love you. Mum."

Sergei took her hands in his when she put the journal down, hands so much smaller then his. "She was right, Katie," he whispered as he held her close.

"I know," turning around she straddled his lap. "I'm not letting you go, I love you Sergei."

"I love you too Katie," he assured her. He kissed her, deepening it as she kissed him back.

"Lets go home, Sergei."

"Home?"

"To Washington, home to my apartment," she answered him. "Just you and I until I have to leave again."

"When you leave I'll be waiting for you to come home," he assured her. "I'll count the days."

"Will you stay at the apartment and make it yours too?"

"You want me to move in with you?" He asked her surprised.

"Yes," she saw he was surprised. "I want you in my life, my home. Especially when I'm there."

"And perhaps we will be there some of the time together," he smirked.

Katherine laughed. "I hope so, with you roaming around and me flying, I suppose we can meet up at some point."

He laughed with her. "All right, lets go and tell Mum we're leaving and see if we can get a flight."

"Sergei," she hoped off his lap and the bed, reaching a hand down she helped him up, giggling as he tugged her into his arms. "Thank you."

"You're welcome my love," he lent down and kissed her, cupping her face in his hands.

She groaned against his mouth, and then backed him against the bed, falling on to it with. She straddled him as he pulled at her clothes, they could wait to tell Trish and ring Mac. They had time.

USS Ticonderoga

In the Persian Gulf (four days later)

Captain Harmon Rabb was not in a good mood; he'd received word Lt. Commander O'Reilly had been pulled off emergency leave and ordered on a Black Ops mission. His anger had double when she'd gotten back half and hour ago, black and blue and exhausted. He'd ordered her to sickbay and had her cleared by the flight surgeon, then agreeing with the doctor when he'd suggested sleep. On returning to his office he'd taken her off the mornings flight roster.

Now near midnight he was still in his office, having put a call through to the states. Finally it was answered.

"Judge Advocate Generals office, Petty Officer Coates speaking."

"Coates, it's Captain Rabb, I need to speak to the Admiral ASAP."

"Aye sir, one moment," there was a pause then the Admiral came on the line. "What can I do for you, Captain?"

"Find out who the hell pulled my officer off emergency leave to do a Black Ops mission that nearly got her killed!" He snapped angrily, and then sighed at the silence, knowing the Admiral was waiting for him to calm down. "Sorry sir."

"So you should be Captain," the Admiral said calmly. "Now tell me what happened?"

"I sent Lt. Commander O'Reilly home on emergency leave, during which her mother passed. On returning to Washington she was pulled off her level and ordered on a Black Ops mission as a member of the White Sabers," he explained, his anger simmering but not going away. "She got back thirty minutes ago, her back is covered in bruises. The flight surgeon had cleared her, but she's exhausted. So much that I've taken her off the mornings flight roster."

"How bad are the bruises?"

"Bad enough, it's lucky she's not large in the bust, because she won't be wearing a bra for a while."

AJ sighed. "All right, leave it with me. I'll have Mac dig around at this end. Get me photos of the bruises and a copy of the medical report," he ordered. "I'm also going to have a word with Taylor, I have a feeling he's involved. He's been limping around here all morning."

"I'll get what you need sir."

"Thank you Captain. And Harm?"

"Yes sir?"

"Take care of the Commander."

"I will sir."

"Good because if you don't your brother is going to kick your six," AJ jeered.

"I'd believe that sir."

"Keep in touch, Captain."

"Aye sir," he said and then hung up, sitting back in his chair. He had a feeling Katherine O'Reilly wasn't going to say much and Mac could find out very little. Rubbing his eyes he promised himself he'd ring his wife later, as he left his office. What he needed now was some sleep; the next few days were going to be very long. The next morning, along with Doctor Kyle, he headed for female country. Knocking he announced male personnel were on deck, they waited the given time, then continued down to the stateroom used by O'Reilly and Lindsay. Knocking.

Karen opened the hatch. "Captain, Doc."

"Is Kat up, Mouse?" Harm asked.

"Yes sir," she stepped out of the way and let them in, then shut the hatch.

Katherine was seated on her bunk, her bathrobe held lightly around her. She stood stiffly as they walked in. "Sirs."

"Relax, Kat," the Cag assured. "Dr. Kyle is here to take photos of the bruises on your back and to check you over."

"Why the photos sir?"

"Admiral Chegwidden requested them."

Arching an eyebrow she turned and removed the bathrobe, holding it over her breasts, since she stood there in only a pair of light blue panties. Her back was covered in bruises.

Karen winced. "How in the hell did that happen?" She inquired, then saw the Cag amused look at her out bust. "Sorry sir."

"That's all right, Mouse," he nodded to the doctor. "Doc."

The doctor, using a digital camera, so the photos could be downloaded and sent through to the Admiral, took a number of the bruises on the Lieutenant Commander's back. "I've enough, Cag."

"Thank you Doctor, we'll slip outside so you can check Phantom over," Harm announced, he took the camera, then along with Karen, stepped outside.

"How did this happen, sir?" His RIO asked.

"She was pulled off her level and ordered on a Black Ops mission," he told her. "I don't know what happened, but I'm going to."

"Kat was talking in her sleep last night, sir. More then that, I'd say she was having a nightmare," Karen revealed. "I couldn't understand everything she said, she kept going from English to Russian, she did say 'Wraith' a few times though."

That didn't surprise Harm not after what the Admiral had told him. "Admiral Chegwidden is having the matter investigated."

The doctor came out and Karen went into her friend.

"What's the verdict, doc?" Harm asked him.

"Her back is going to be sore for a few days, I'd suggest keeping her out of the cockpit, but I know that would drive her mad and hinder her recovery. So she's cleared for flight duty, however if you can keep her out of the cockpit then I suggest you do it for at least for twenty-four hours."

"I'll do my best, doc. Thank you."

He nodded. "I'll have the medical report send to Lieutenant Stephens."

"Thanks doc."

Dismissed, the doctor left.

Harm knocked on the half opened hatch. "Can I come in?"

"Yes sir," Karen called back.

He went in, Katherine was dressed in her flight suite, which was partly unzipped, an oval green shirt was underneath it with USMC written across it in black letter. He smiled, the t-shirt had to belong to his brother. "I want you to make a statement to Lieutenant Stephens, Phantom, Admiral Chegwidden is beginning an investigation."

"Sir, Lieutenant Stephens doesn't have clearance for classified Black Ops information," she noted.

"Then use my office, I do have clearance. You're off the flight roster until tomorrow morning, you'll write your statement and then when I return from this mornings patrol, I'll look it over then send it to the Admiral. Lieutenant Stephens is receiving the medical report from Dr. Kyle; he'll be sending that through. I'll send through the photos with your report. Don't sandbag me on this one Commander, that's an order."

"Yes sir," she yielded.

"Good. I'll see you in my office in half an hour, Lieutenant I'll see you in the Ready Room twenty minutes after that."

"Aye sir," both women acknowledged.

He then turned and walked out.

Katherine sat on her bunk and rubbed her temples, the outcome of this was going to course some deep shit.

Karen sat next to her. "Are you all right?"

She looked up, smiling a little. "Yeah, I guess it's all starting to sink in. My mother's death, the mission," tears welled in her eyes and the grief in her heart was still strong. "The flowers that the Cag arranged from the squadron were beautiful, thank you."

Slipping her arms gentle around her friend, Karen held her and let her cry. "It was the least we could do, Kat," she said gently. She didn't know what Katherine had been through after her mother's death, but she'd be there for her when she needed someone to talk to. They all would, the Cag especially, they were family.

To be continued…