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: Being a mum of two means I don't get to use my computer until after my children have gone to bed at night, it also means I have a notebook full of unreadable notes that I've scribbled down in a hurry, I do that a lot. And I've actually deciphered my own scribble, which is how this chapter came together.
I received a nice e-mail from sann3187, who told me; 'My husband doesn't understand the draw of JAG but is willing to endure, bless his heart.' I expect there are a lot of husbands, boyfriends, wives and girlfriends who feel the same. I don't have a husband, but my family does endure sitting through episode after episode of JAG when I'm researching, they put up with my endless note taking and everything else that drives them mad. That's my family and I love them dearly. Well enough of my endless ramblings. Thank so much to sand3187 for the e-mail, it made my day and thank you to those who reviewed: Winjan (All will be revealed at the trail about what happened on the mission and some six will be kicked, I promise), TomcatGM (I'm glad you liked that chapter, it was fun to write, I hope you like this one), Jewels4 (Thank you, more to come, stay tuned) CapriceAnn Hedican-Kocur (Wait no longer, here it is), fa-sai (Thanks, yes the court-martial will reveal what the black ops mission was about and yes you can find annoying 'beach-boys' all around the world. Enjoy this chapter)
Moving OnChapter Fourteen: Homecomings and Heroes
USS Ticonderoga
Atlantic Ocean
19th February 2004
Captain Harmon Rabb was still chuckling as he returned to his office; they were half an hour away from leaving. His sea bag and guitar were already aboard the cod. The squadron had just had its presentations; he'd received an award, one the squad had done especially for him. He'd laughed over it, seeing the funny side of it – the 'Sierra-Hotel' award. In Naval aviation phonetic slang it meant 'Shit hot', he put the certificate on his desk as the phone rang, he quickly answered it. "Rabb."
"Hi Sailor, ready to come home?" A soft sexy voice purred.
"More then ready sweet thing."
"You'd better be, I have a long night planed, so you'd better be well rested flyboy."
Harm chuckled. "I'm Sierra-Hotel honey, I even have a certificate to prove it."
Mac's laughter filled his ears. "Had the squad presentations, huh?"
"We did, I'll be going to the White House with the 'Top Hook'."
"Tell Katie congratulations from me."
"I will," he sat down in his chair. "Are you on your way to Norfolk?"
"You'd better believe it squid, being escorted by a Gunnery Sergeant."
"He seems to escort you a lot, Marine. Trading me in for a younger Rabb?" He teased.
"Nope, just keeping him warm for an O'Reilly," she smirked, and then giggled. "Your little brother blushes easily, squid."
"He's your little brother too, Marine," Harm noted lightly.
"So he is," she jeered laughing.
"I miss you Marine."
"I miss you too squid, see you soon."
"I love you Sarah."
"I love you too, Harm."
She ended the call, leaving him to hang up. Sitting back in his chair, grinning.
"By the smile on your face, I'd say you were talking to your wife, sir," an amused voice noted.
Harm looked. "I was, Tonka-Toy. Come on in."
Mark did so. "I always look forward to going home after every tour, but this one has me really looking forward to it."
"It's had it's up's and downs."
Without asking permission, the Marine sat down, coming to the point of his visit. "Is this Court-Martial going to hurt Katie, Cag?"
"Katie isn't the one on trail," Harm stated, but saw Mark frown. "No it wont hurt her, but it want gain her or I any friends either."
"You?"
"I brought what happened to Admiral Chegwidden's attention and I'm not exactly in the secNav's good books as it is," the Cag revealed. "You could say I'm on his Delta-Sierra list."
"I didn't know he had a 'dumb shit' list," the Marine mused.
"Oh he does."
"Yet you made Captain."
Sitting forward, Harm rested his elbows on his desk, running his fingers through his hair. "I'm also safely out at sea for six months of the year."
"Point taken."
"So Tonka-Toy, anything else on your mind?"
"Nope that's about it," he said with a cheeky grin, pushing himself out of his chair. "I'll see you in the air."
"And then tomorrow night, I still owe you that beer."
"Two, if I recall right," Mark declared. "But I'll let the second one slide if you look after Kat through this Court-Martial."
"You're on, though I'm a little hurt that you had to ask." Harm told him.
"Sorry Cag," he apologized. "Nice flying with you Hammer."
"Nice flying with you Tonka-Toy."
Mark gave him a two finger mock salute and swaggered out of the office with a casual ease.
Ham got to his feet and headed for the Ready Room, the Tyco Tigers were already suiting up when he arrived. He patted Katherine on the back. "Hey Phantom."
"Hey Cag,"
He opened his locker and started getting ready, noting she seemed preoccupied. "What's up Katie?"
She closed her locker, turning. "I was just thinking about the Court-Martial."
"Don't that's an order," he chilled. "I need you to focus on what we're doing today, don't worry about the case. Mac will have you prepped and prepared, you having nothing to worry about," he saw her smile. "What?"
"It just occurred to me, when you talk about Colonel Rabb as your wife, you call her Sarah. When you refer to her as a lawyer, you call her Mac."
"Well you haven't seen her in action in the court room, she's good."
"As good as you?"
"Better in some ways."
"Well she'll have to be to bring Admiral Donavan down, sir."
"Don't worry Katie, you'll be fine and Donavan will get what he deserves. He wont get away with using the White Sabers as his own personnel strike force, nor grading those in that squadron as expendable." Harm reassured sternly.
"Then I hope she deep sixes him sir," Katherine stated, and then hurried over to her RIO.
Harm grabbed his helmet and closed his locker. He hoped Mac did so too, because once everything came out about the White Sabers, then a lot of people could be hurt and a lot of secrets would be told.
Naval Air Station
Norfolk, Virginia
Colonel Sarah Rabb stood next to her brother-in-law, Gunnery Sergeant Sergei Rabb, though neither wore their uniforms. In civilian clothing they were like every other family member waiting for his or her loved one to fly-in. Except for the fact Sergei's dress uniform was hanging up in the Squadron's locker room along with his brothers and girlfriends, and a helio was standing by to take the three of them to the White House to meet the President and first lady.
A pretty auburn haired woman came over to them with a little girl. "Colonel Rabb?" She inquired.
Mac nodded. "Yes?"
"I'm Amy McGregor, my husband is Lieutenant Scott McGregor."
"Piper."
"Yes," she smiled warmly. "I just wanted to come over and introduce myself and Sally and welcome you to our family. The Cag sounds like a wonderful man, Scott talks a lot about him, as does Kat."
"Thank you, Mrs. McGregor."
"Amy, please," she insisted, smiling to the young man next to the Colonel. "You must be Sergei, Kat talks a lot about you too."
"I am," he said a little embarrassed and felt a tug on the leg of his jeans, he looked down to see four-year-old Sally. He hankered down to her. "Hello little one."
"Do you know my daddy?" She asked stumbling a little over the word serve.
"I do. Your daddy is a brave man."
"I know," she said proudly.
Sergei smiled, and then stood as they head the Tomcats and Hornets approaching. It was impressive; watching them fly over, then land one by one, taxiing into position and climb down from their birds.
Mac chewed nervously on her bottom lip, her visit to Australia to see Harm seemed so long ago and once this visit to the White House was over she would have her husband back for a little while at least. She gave Sergei's arm a gentle squeeze, then hurried towards Harm, who'd removed his helmet and was walking towards her. Her pace quickened until she was running, throwing herself into his arms. He laughed, gathering her close, kissing her firmly on the mouth, his tongue pushing past her teeth to hers. She tasted as sweet as he remembered.
She grinned as she pulled away. "Welcome home, sailor."
"It's good to be home, Sarah."
"It'll be better tonight," she promised.
"I'm looking forward to it sweet thing."
She gave him another kiss, sucking seductively on his bottom lip. "I can't wait."
"Then I need to get this visit to the White House over and done with," he said anxiously.
Mac laughed. "Your Dress Uniform is hanging up in the locker room along with Lt. Commander O'Reilly's and Sergei's. The helio is waiting to get you there."
"Well then, I'd better dismiss the squadron and get changed."
"Yes you'd better," she jeered.
The formalities took longer then expected, but finally the squadron was dismissed and those who remained headed for the locker room to change. The large room was divided by a row of lockers, Sergei and Katherine were on one side and Harm and Mac on the other. Both Pilots had taken a quick shower; their respective partners had also brought in their sea bags, so they could do so.
Harm had his wife pressed against the wall, only a towel around his waist and the locker room door locked. His hand had found it's way under the skirt of her dress as he kissed her. He heard her groan against his mouth and couldn't help do the same when her hand moved between them. "Are you sure, sweetheart?" He asked her, breathing hard with want and desire.
"I'm sure," she said huskily. "Now, Harm please."
That was all the incentive he needed, removing what had to be removed, he pulled her down onto his lap as he sat on the bench and made love to her, not worrying that his wingman was behind the lockers. He was sure she and his brother were engaging in the same activity by the groans that could be heard.
When they were finally dressed and ready to leave, they did so with silly grins on their faces, not saying a word. Their sea bags and Harm's guitar were put into the back of the SUV, since Sergei had driven with Mac and his car was back at JAG headquarters.
An Ensign waited patiently by a hummer to take them to the helio.
Mac gave her husband his cover. "Say hello to the President for me," she joked.
"I will," he gave her a quick kiss. "Drive carefully."
"I will," she assured. "Go, before you're late."
He nodded, kissed her once more, and hen reluctantly went with Katherine and his brother.
Mac watched them drive away, before getting into the SUV and doing the same. She had to get back to JAG, not that she would get any work done. What had happened in the locker room was fresh in her mind and what she had planed for this evening was nicer to think about then work, much nicer.
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia
Washington, DC.
Lt. Colonel Sarah Rabb walked with her partner into JAG ops, laughing at the comment Lt. Commander Josh Taylor had made. Despite everything she'd actually managed to get some work done, with Josh's help. They noticed everyone was watching one of the monitors and went to have a look.
A reporter stood before the White House. "As our defense forces return from duty in the Persian Gulf, the President today honored a number of our service men and women. Among them Captain Harmon Rabb, Jr and Lieutenant Commander Katherine O'Reilly," pictures of the two of them was quickly displayed, before the shot returned to the reporter. "Both sever aboard the USS Ticonderoga, which is at this moment coming into port at Norfolk to a rousing welcome by family and friends. The Captain, the Cag aboard the Ticonderoga and the Lt. Commander were shot down over Baghdad, the two Naval Aviators, survived the hash conditions before being rescued by Marines in the area who were lead by Lieutenant Victor Galendez. He and Gunnery Sergeant Sergei Rabb are also here today being honored for their bravery." Footage was shown of the four officers shaking hands with the President and the First Lady, who spoke briefly to them. It showed them receiving accolades that added to the ribbons that already decorated their uniforms. Then returned to the reporter. "The First Lady, Lara Bush was most interested in meeting Lt. Commander O'Reilly, the Naval Aviator received a DFC – Distinguished Flying Cross after landing her bullet riddled Tomcat on the deck of Ticonderoga. Nothing unusual except the Lt. Commander had been hit by one of the rounds that penetrated her cockpit and was bleeding badly, her concern though was landing her Tomcat, thus saving herself and her Radar Intercept Office. The President announced to the people, that America and the world need heroes and it is safe to say today we have met but a few of those heroes. This is Shelly Long for ZNN."
During the news report, no one had seen the two Naval Officers and the two Marines walk quietly into ops, standing behind everyone else. Not until a voice remarked:
"The camera likes you Ma'am,"
"Thanks Lieutenant," she said casually.
"It'll definitely do a lot for recruitment," a second male voice added.
"I would agree to that," a more heavily accented voice agreed.
They all turned, Bud grinning. "Captain Rabb, Lt. Commander O'Reilly. Welcome home."
"Thanks Bud," Harm said grinning, as did his companions.
"It's nice to finally meet you in person, Lieutenant Roberts," Katherine told him.
"You too, Ma'am."
Mac gave her husband a hug. "About time you got here, Hammer. Finished hobnobbing with the President?"
"I have," he smirked.
Lt. Commander Taylor took his partner being distracted as a chance to talk to O'Reilly. He grabbed her arm and pulled her away from the others. "What in the hell do you think you're doing?" He demanded keeping his voice down. "I warned you not to mess with Donavan."
"What was I suppose to do, I nearly passed out on the damn flight deck, the Cag saw the whole thing," she snarled back. "He rang Admiral Chegwidden, I didn't know about it until after he'd done it."
"Damn," he crossed his arms against his chest and shook his head. "This is going to get very messy, Katie."
"I know," she saw Sergei was looking over at them, a questioning look on his face. She forced a smile and nodded to him, seeing him smile back. "I'll see you at the Wetting Down right?"
"No, I don't think so."
"Josh," she put her hand on his arm. "Please?"
"All right, I'll try."
"Thanks Wraith," she said, and then hurried over to Sergei.
Harm frown, having seen the whole thing. "I have a feeling those two are hiding something?""They are," his wife announced. "My partner is one of the White Sabers too."
He arched an eyebrow. "Really?"
"Harm," she warned.
"All right," he yielded.
The call for 'Attention on Deck' was quickly given as Admiral Chegwidden came into ops. "At ease everyone," he ordered and walked straight up to Rabb, holding his hand out. "Welcome home, Captain."
Harm shook it. "Thank you sir,"
AJ then addressed the Lt. Commander standing next to the younger Rabb. "Commander, your Uncle and godfather talk highly of you."
"They tend to brag sir," Katherine remarked lightly, shaking his hand when he offered it.
He laughed. "That they do,"
"Well now you've interrupted my office Captain, Commander, I doubt Colonel Rabb or the Gunny will get any work done."
"Sorry sir." Harm apologized.
"Don't be, the President is right, we need heroes and you qualify. Enjoy your leave."
"We will sir."
"Good, take these two with you, they'll be useless for the rest of the day."
"Thank you sir."
"Don't push it, Captain."
"No sir," he said with his flyboy grin as the Admiral turned and headed back to his office. Then announced. "Lets get out of here before he changes his mind."
"Good idea, sir," Katherine agreed.
"Commander I'll see you in the morning to go over the case." Mac told her.
"Yes Ma'am," she agreed and nodded to the Cag. "Sir."
"Commander," he said grinning.
She rolled her eyes and left with Sergei.
Mac chuckled. "You're a tease, Hammer."
"Wait until I get you home, sweet thing," he whispered.
She blushed and hurried over to her office.
Harriett, who had been watching husband and wife interact, chuckled happily. "It's good to have you back, sir."
"Thanks Harriet."
Mac came back out. "All ready."
Harm grinned mischievously, taking his wife's briefcase from her he handed it to Harriett. "Would you hold this for me, Lieutenant?"
"Of course sir," she said grinning.
Harm then swung his wife up in his arms, much to Mac's surprise and shock. "Lieutenant."
Harriett handed Mac her briefcase, holding back from laughing. "Have a good afternoon, Colonel."
"Thank you Harriet," she said as her husband carried her out.
Bud saw his wife looking at him. "What?"
"That was romantic."
Shaking his head, Bud hurried away before his wife got any ideas.
Admiral Chegwidden had been watching from his office's second door. He chuckled and closed it, going back to work. Trust Rabb to do something like that.
Rabb Residence
Alexandria, Virginia
(Later that day)
Mac rolled onto her side, smiling as she watched her husband sleep. After they'd arrived home, she'd given him a tour of the house; of course they hadn't made it past the main bedroom. They made love through the morning as it slowly became afternoon, finally falling asleep. Hunger had woken her up; this was one Marine who wanted to be feed. Slipping her hand beneath the sheets, she decided to wake her husband up in a way he'd enjoy.
A smile eased onto his lips. "Let me guess, you're hungry," he sleepy voice whispered, even through he didn't open his eyes, getting pleasure from what she was doing to him.
"That's right, so what are you going to do about it, squid?" She asked with a sexy purr.
Harm opened his eyes, putting his hand over hers he removed it, then rolled her beneath him, joining them in the most intimate of ways. "Satisfy your hunger," he said huskily and made love to her. Having her moaning his name and urging him on. Soon both were crying out in satisfaction.
"As much as I enjoyed that, I'm still hungry." Mac whispered breathlessly in his ear.
"Well I recommend a shower and then I'll get you some lunch," he suggested, getting up he guided her into the bathroom. He turned on the water, while holding her hand they stepped into the recess, he used the body wash, soaping her body, and then after she'd rinsed off she did the same to him. The end result was them making love in the shower. Finally they made it out, dressed and headed down the stairs.
Mac sat on the counter in the kitchen watching Harm cut up the salad for their lunch. "Are you coming with me into work tomorrow?"
He nodded and turned. "I think Kat would be happier if I were there."
"That gives me a lot of confidence, Hammer."
Crossing the distance between them he stood between her legs, his hands on her swollen stomach. "The problem isn't about trust here, Sarah, she trusts you."
"But not as much as she trusts you."
Harm sighed. "I'm her commanding officer, the guy she punched out with over Baghdad."
"What was it like?" She asked almost afraid to know.
"Baghdad?" He saw her nod. "Cold, dusty," he felt a small flutter under his hand and smiled. "I hoped and prayed you wouldn't have to go through what my mum did after my dad went down. I prayed we'd make it out alive and not be captured, because not knowing is the worse thing for an aviator's family. I didn't want that for you, my parents or for Kat's family." He looked into her chocolate brown eyes. "Mostly I didn't want her son growing up not knowing what happened to her."
"Her son?"
He nodded. "Katie has a son, she gave him up for adoption, but he knows about her and she sees him as much as she can."
Mac realized whom he was talking about. "Her cousin?"
He nodded again. "I wouldn't have wanted my child growing up not knowing either."
"I would never let that happen, Harm."
"I know," he cupped her faced in his hands. "Whatever happens, know one thing Sarah. I love you, and I'll always love you."
That confused her. "You're not just talking about you flying, you're referring to the trail."
"I'm referring to both, Sarah."
"Something's going to come out at this trail that I'm not going to like, isn't it?"
"It's quiet possible."
Mac rested her head against his chest. "No secrets Harm, if you're involved in this. Tell me now?"
"It's not that easy, Sarah. There are some things I can't tell you, but I can tell you this," he admitted. "I'm involved and so are a lot of others, at the time we just didn't know it."
"Oh God Harm," she circled her arms around his waist. "I don't want to hear any more, I can't."
"I know," he kissed the top of her head. "No more talk of work. I promised you lunch."
"Yes you did, now hope to it sailor," she ordered lightly, too scared to comprehend what he'd just told her. Not yet anyway.
"Hope to it?" He moved back, his flyboy grin on his face, arms crossed against his chest. "I do believe I outrank you Lt. Colonel."
Slipping off the counter, Mac sauntered up to him, slipping her arms around his waist as she forced all her fears away. "So you do," she rose up on her toes and seductively kissed him, sucking on his bottom lip. "I'll make it up to you after you feed me?"
"It's a deal," he smirked and kissed her back. He didn't want to think about what was going to come out at the trail. He just wanted to spend time with his wife, the woman who carried his child. The woman he was going to love for eternity.
To be continued….