Title: Moving On
Author: Anaika Skywalker
Author's Email: lindsay30austarnet.com.au
Rating: PG13
Disclaimer: I don't own JAG; I just like to spread my wings occasionally.
Author's Note: When I first started to write this version, I was going to leave Admiral Donavan and all reference to the White Sabers out, but the further I went the more I hinted about it until I had to write it. Now I'm at a point where I can't get out of concluding it. So I hope you bare with me as I bring it all together. Winjan (It was nice to have a sweet, up beat chapter, I'm glad you liked it), TomcatGM (Thanks for the nice review, it was a great way to bring Harm home though, wasn't it?), Mary Kate113 (The answer to your question is in the chapter, enjoy), Laveda 27 (Family, don't you just love them. And love to drive nuts. Kind of fun isn't it?). Chas (I hope you received my e-mail. Thank you for the nice letter), T (Hey, glad I could help make your day. Kat is a great character isn't she, she's based on a friend I had a school. You know the type, the one who's always there if you need them. Oh and flattery will get you another chapter, cheers), MsJonyReb (The reason why Josh is having a hard time with this is being answered in this chapter and I totally agree with your assessment of Harm. As to his response to Mac's questions, all will be revealed)
Moving OnChapter Fifteen: Some times the truth is hard to hear
O'Reilly's Bar
Fall's Church, Virginia
Washington DC
20th February 2004
Lt. Commander Josh Taylor opened the door for his companion so she could walk in, letting it close once they were both inside the bar.
"Perhaps we should go in separately, sir."
"Jen relax," he insisted slipping his arm around her waist. "And stop calling me sir. We're not at the office now."
She grinned sheepishly. "You didn't mind it last night."
"Last night I had you against the wall of my office, half naked," he said in a husky voice in her ear. "Last night you didn't know whether to moan my name or beg me for more."
Her cheeks grew flash, they'd kept their relationship out of the office and their workmates notice. Last night's office romp had been a first and an enjoyable first. "I believe I begged for more," she whispered back. "And you gave me more."
"And you'll get more later tonight too darlin, I promise," he said quietly, a little hesitant in being there.
Jack O'Reilly acknowledged them. "Evening Josh, Jen." He used their first names since neither wore their uniforms.
"Evening Jack," Josh greeted casually.
"The Wetting Down has all ready started in the 'Ready Room', go on in."
"Thanks Jack," Josh said, he took Jen's hand and guided her through the crowd of people in the bar to the back room. He released her hand as they went in, closing the door. Their JAG family was happily mixing with the Captain and Lt. Commanders' Air Wing friends and Galendez's marines, mostly it was Aviator heaven, since the majority were aviators. "Why is it I feel like we've walked in on an Aviator's convention and I suddenly felt out of place?"
"Because you're a lawyer," Jen reminded him. "And you were a lawyer before you were an aviator."
"So I don't have an ego as big as some of these guys?" He queried slightly offended.
"No, your ego is just as big, Josh. It's just yours doesn't bruise as badly when you lose," she smirked grinning.
"Gee thanks Jen," he said with a groan, then lent closer, whispering in her ear in a sexy voice. "You're going to pay for that later."
"I hope so," she mused and saw Captain Rabb acknowledge them from among the fresh faced officers that made up the Tyco Tigers, he was grinning and laughing, his wife at this side. She smiled and acknowledged him back.
Josh saw where she was looking; his focus fell on Katherine O'Reilly, and Sergei who at her side, his arm around her waist. He bristled at little, feeling protective of her.
"The Captain is happy among them," Jen remarked, referring to the squadron. "I remember what it was like at JAG before he left, it's good to see him doing what he loves and being with the person he loves."
"Yeah it is," he agreed.
Across the room, Mac had seen Josh and Jen come in, she smiled, the whole office knew about their romance. "The lovebirds are here."
Harm looked. "Did the Admiral say anything to them about last night?"
"Not as far as I know, I'll ask Harriet later."
"Or," he lent close, whispering in her ear. "We could slip back to JAG HQ and see what the wall in your office looks like."
His wife chuckled blushing. "I'd rather take you home to our bed and show you what the bedroom looks like."
"That'll work for me," he agreed grinning.
Groaning, Mac slipped out of his arms. "I'll be back, your child is resting on my bladder again."
"My child? Hell it have better be," he mocked.
"Damn right, I'm starting to think this kid is going to be an aviator even now," she teased and her husband laughed as she walked away. She returned from the bathroom in time to see her husband and the rest of the Tyco Tigers doing a Karaoke version of 'Playing with the boys' from the TOPGUN soundtrack. She laughed, she couldn't help herself, it was the fact she'd never seen Harm like this - so free and alive.
Sergei came over to her. "I'm glad I got to see my brother like this, I would never have believed it if someone had told me."
"I'm sorry I don't have a video camera," she mused.
He nudged her and gestured to her left, Bud did and he was filming the whole thing. "All taken care off."
"Sergei, you think of everything," she kissed his cheek.
"Lieutenant Galendez taught me well, sister."
"That he did, brother. That he did."
The song finished and everyone clapped and cheered as all left the stage except for Scott McGregor and Katherine, they remained, doing a version of Ronan Keating and Lulu's 'We've got tonight'.
Harm found his wife, taking her hand. "Come dance with me," he urged.
She smiled and let him lead her onto the dance floor along with the other couples. She rested her head against his shoulder as she listened to the two angelic voices. "You didn't tell me they could sing as well as they fly."
"I didn't know," he whispered, closing his eyes, humming along with the tune, pretty soon though his voice joined theirs, quietly so only she could hear.
Mac smiled and snuggled as close as her pregnant body would allow her too; silently thanking God she had her husband back with her.
"Sarah."
She looked up, realizing they'd stopped dancing, seeing the love in her husbands eyes. "Yes?"
"I love you."
She smiled warmly. "I love you too, Harm."
He cupped her face in his hands and kissed her as the last note of the song was hit and it ended, the two of them unaware of the clapping and cheering and catcalling.
Not until a hand tapped Harm's shoulder lightly. "Get a room, Captain."
They parted, laughing, turning to see the Admiral and his wife, Meredith. "Sorry sir," Harm said quietly.
"Harm, it's your Wetting Down, I'm not your CO. So you can call me AJ."
"I'll try AJ."
Good," he said sternly and they walked away, Meredith smiling.
The music was turned over to the Jukebox, which was set for continues play until changed.
Katherine joined the Cag and his wife. "Ma'am, permission to dance with your husband?" She asked the Colonel.
"Granted Commander, as long as you don't mind me dancing with your boyfriend," Mac played along straight-faced.
"He is your brother-in-law, Ma'am, so he's all yours."
"Then by all means, carry on, Commander."
"Yes Ma'am."
Harm laughed and took Katherine into his arms as his wife went to dance with his brother. "Smooth Kat."
"Thank you sir."
"Katie, if I have permission to call a two-star Admiral by his first name. Then you can call me by mine," he ordered gently.
She grinned her famous flyboy grin. "I'll do my best."
"You'd better," he teased, even though they danced well together, it felt like he was dancing with his sister. "Did you receive your orders to Fallon?"
"Yes sir," she said automatically, seeing him frown, correcting her answer. "Harm."
"Excited?"
"A little," she admitted, then announced. "I'm more concerned with the court-martial, then Fallon."
"Katie, you're not the one on trail, you know how this all works."
"I know, it's just I feel like I'm being hung out to dry and very soon everyone is going to know my dirty laundry."
"You're not and I'll be there," he reassured. "Mac is good Katie, she's make sure your laundry isn't aired."
"All right."
"One more thing. Does Sergei know about Jason?"
She nodded. "I told him everything, I didn't want him finding out at the trail."
"That's good." The dance finished with music and Harm released her. "You'll be fine little sister, I promise."
"I know, thanks big brother."
Harm saw Jack and Maria O'Reilly come in with young Jason; the pre-teen was helping his mother carry a large birthday cake. He turned Katherine around, holding her against him by the shoulders to stop her from leaving because he knew she would. "Happy birthday Phantom."
Jack O'Reilly got everyone's attention. "Since my niece was at sea for her birthday this year, we decided to let her celebrate it now with those she considers her family. Happy birthday Katherine."
"Thank you Uncle Jack, Aunt Maria. Jason."
Everyone there sang happy birthday, making her blush. She turned and hugged Harm, whispering. "Thanks Harm."
"How do you know I had something to do with this?"
"Because not many know my birthday is Valentines Day, that's how," she remarked. "Or we'd be at sea for it."
He hugged her back chuckling. "You're welcome Kat."
She turned back; the cake was a large love heart with an iced Tomcat on top. After the cake was put on the table, she hugged her Uncle and Aunt and cousin, thanking them.
Sergei embraced her from behind. "Happy birthday, Katie," he whispered, showing her the small jewelry box.
She felt her heart pounding against her chest as she opened it, seeing the diamond ring. "Is this what I think it is?"
"It is," he removed the ring from the box; placing it on the table he took her left hand. "You can wear it on this hand or if you like on your right hand until you're ready."
"Does that mean you're not going to get down on one knee?" She asked rhetorically.
Releasing her, he turned her gentle to face him, going down on one knee in front of her. By this stage everyone was watching and waiting. He took her hand. "From the moment we meant in the desert, I feel as if we have a deep connection, that we were meant to be together. I love you Katherine O'Reilly, will you do the honor of being my wife?"
She smiled nodding. "Yes."
He slipped the ring on her finger and stood, taking her in his arms as everyone cheered, kissing her.
Mac slipped her arm around her husband's waist. "So that's what the two of you were up to this afternoon. Damn the consequences huh."
"It was and that's how he feels," Harm agreed, grinning. "I guess I won't have to play at being her big brother soon."
"No you won't sailor, but can the Tyco handle two Rabb's on the one ship?"
"I hope so, I don't want to lose her, she's the best at what she does."
"So I've heard flyboy, so I've heard," she said lightly. Then together they congratulated the couple.
Later in the night after cake, a lot more dancing and fun, Mac saw Josh Taylor slip back into the 'Ready Room', he didn't look happy. She got up and went over to him. "What's wrong?"
"Mac," he took her by the arm and led her over to a quiet spot. "I can't testify on Monday."
"Why not? Josh, we need your testimony," she insisted.
"I just can't," he turned to walk away, but Mac grabbed his arm.
"Josh wait, you can't just walk away and not give me an explanation."
"I can and I am," he contradicted and did just that.
Mac went after him. "Damn it, Josh, don't do this."
He stopped, turning, hands on hips, he'd gotten a decent enough chewing out outside the bar from Donavan. He didn't need another from the Colonel. "Look Mac, I can't and that's all there is to it," he said angrily.
Harm and Katherine came over to them with Sergei. "What's going on?" Harm asked.
"Josh is refusing to testify," Mac told them.
"Why?" Katherine asked, stunned. "Josh, I can't do this on my own."
"You shouldn't be doing it at all, what the hell are you thinking?" He snapped at her. "You know as well as I do what Admiral Donavan can do."
"Stop being so afraid of him, damn it Josh what has he got on you?"
"He has you!" He snarled before he realized he said it.
She was stunned. "What?"
Josh ran his fingers through his hair, damn it he didn't want her to find out this way. "I'm adopted, Katie, my birth parents are Gabrielle Williams and Jason O'Reilly. I'm your half brother."
"My…" She paled, her eyes wide. "Oh God."
Sergei grabbed hold of her; afraid she was going to pass out or something. But she didn't she stood strong.
"How long have you known?" She managed to ask.
"Since you joined the squad, six years."
Her shock was turning to anger. "And you never said anything, you son of a bitch," she punched him and punched him hard, knocking him to the floor.
Sergei kept a good hold on Katherine as Jen raced over and knelt beside her lover. She was as stunned as everyone else.
"What's going on?" She asked.
"Nothing I didn't deserve." Josh told her, wiping the blood from the corner of his mouth.
Katherine pulled free of her fiancé's arms, turning. "I want to go home, please."
He nodded. "All right."
Harm patted his brother on the shoulder. "I'll ring you tomorrow."
Sergei agreed. "Night," he said, then guided Katherine out.
The Admiral joined them as Jen helped Josh to his feet. "Mr. Taylor, I'll give you a piece of advice. Hell has no fury like a woman's scorn. I suggest, whatever you did to Phantom, you fix, because you have to work with her fiancé and he looked ready to pull you apart."
"I'll do what I can, sir," he informed.
"Good, have it done by Monday," the Admiral ordered, then went back to his wife and Tom Boone. "Damn good right hook your goddaughter has, Tom."
"I taught her well."
"That you did," he agreed. Then glanced at his wife. "You ready to leave, darlin?"
"Well, since it seems that's going to be all the excitement for tonight, yes." Meredith agreed.
Tom laughed. "Hell'va wife you have there, AJ."
"Damn right," he said proudly. "Hooh-rah!"
21st February 2004
Katherine and Sergei's Apartment
North of Union Station
Washington DC
Sergei came out of the bedroom seeing Katherine; she stood staring out the window. He padded bare foot over to her, wrapping his arms around her waist, drawing her close to him. "Are you all right?"
"No," she said quietly. She turned embracing him; in his shirt with her hair bedraggled around her face she looked younger then her twenty-eight years. "I don't know what to do Mum and Dad are gone, I can't talk to either of them. Need to find out whether he's telling me the truth."
"What about talking to Uncle Jake, you said he was close to his brother?"
She smiled, she loved the fact his Uncle and Aunt had accepted him, made him apart of their family. "What did I do to deserve you, Sergei?"
He smiled and cupped her face in his hands. "You fell into my arms in the desert," he said, and then kissed her. "I fell in love you that very moment."
"Me too."
He kissed her again, deepening it. "How about we go back to bed."
"Sounds good."
Taking her hand he was guiding her back to the bedroom when they heard the door at the door, stopping. "Who comes calling at three in the morning?" Katherine speculated, after glancing at the clock on the wall.
"I will find out, you go back to bed," Sergei insisted protectively.
She rolled her eyes at him. "Whoever it is, we face them together."
"All right." At the door he checked the spy hole, then opened the door so she could see who it was. "Commander, Petty Officer."
"Gunny, can we come in?" Josh asked him.
He glanced at this fiancée, who nodded. Stepping back they let them in, he shut the door.
Josh played with the folder he carried. "I wanted to apologize, Katie, I didn't want you to find out that way," he gave her the folder. "You might want to look at this."
She took it; going into the lounge she turned on a lamp, perching on the arm of a chair to look at what was in the folder.
"Sit down, please," Sergei insisted. He sat in the chair Katherine had perched on the arm off, slipping his arm around her.
Josh and Jen sat on the couch, she took his hand and smiled warmly, she knew how hard this was for him.
Katherine read over the documents in the folder, she knew what they were, adoption papers, a birth certificate and a letter, as well as a photo of a teenage Jason O'Reilly and a blond haired teenage girl. She closed the folder and handed it back to him.
Josh felt horrible. "I'm sorry Katie." He'd never known his birth mother; as far as he was concerned his adopted parents were just that – his parents. He hadn't wanted to know, not until the first threat the Admiral had made, then he'd asked. "I thought I was protecting you."
She slipped onto Sergei's lap, feeling his arm tighten around her waist. She'd always felt certain closeness to Josh, like a sister would a brother; right from the moment she'd met him. It was ironic. He reminded her of her father, they even looked a little a like. "I know," she forced a smile. "But in the end because of Donavan we both got hurt."
He rubbed his jaw subconsciously and saw her expression. "I guess I deserved it though."
"Well you did surprise the hell our of me."
"Sorry."
Jen squeezed his hand. "Tell the Commander the rest."
He sighed. "Admiral Donavan called me at your Wetting Down, he had me meet him outside the bar," Josh revealed. "He told me if I opened my mouth and testified, he'd make sure we were both dealt with."
A shiver ran up Katherine's spin and she felt Sergei tighten his hold on her. "I'm not running from this, Josh. He's hurt to many people and gotten too many killed. Besides I didn't start this."
"I know that and so does Donavan, he knows who started it."
It was then she understood. "Oh God, he could go after the Cag."
Josh nodded and pulled a folded sheet of paper from the pocket of his flight jacket. Giving it to her. "There's more."
She unfolded it and took a look; it was a list of names. "Who else has seen this?" She handed it to Sergei to look over.
"Only us."
"We have to give this to Mac," Sergei told them. "Admiral Chegwidden should know too."
"Sergei's right, Josh."
"All right, but we do it quietly," he insisted and took a mini disk from the same pocket; taking the list back he gave his sister the disk. "That's a copy of the list, hold on to it. I'll ring Mac later this morning and arrange to meet with her." The four of them stood, walking to the door. "Then we'll contact Admiral Chegwidden."
Katherine agreed. "Watch your back."
"Like a hawk," he turned smiled warmly. "When this is all over, we'll talk about Dad. You need to know what happened."
"So you're going to testify?"
"Yeah, I'm not going to run either. You're right, Donavan has hurt to many people."
"Then lets help Mac nail his six to the wall."
"You've got it," he gave her a hug. "Get some sleep little sister."
"I will big brother."
He released her and looked to Sergei. "Watch out for her."
"I will."
Retaking Jen's hand, she and Josh left.
Sergei shut and locked the door. "Are you all right?"
Nodding Katherine went over to her flight jacket and put the mini disk in the inside pocket. She felt his arms go round her, leaning against his hard body. "I'm not afraid, Sergei."
"I know," he kissed the top of her head. "Come on, let's get some sleep."
"Just sleep?" She asked with a smirk.
"Well you never know," he switched off the light and led her to the bedroom. "I could be persuaded to do more."
Pulling him down onto the bed, she set about doing just that.
Rabb's Residence
Alexandria Virginia
10:00 Zulu
Mac heard the doorbell ring, chuckling at the sight that was before her; she left them to it and headed downstairs to get the door. Sergei and Katherine had arrived over with a large parcel that turned out to be a crib. Harm had ordered it after he'd found out he was going to be a father, not thinking he gave the address as the apartment. Of course the three of them had insisted on putting it together and the instructions were almost unreadable.
She peeked through the spy hold and saw who it was, opening the door. "Morning Wraith, Jen."
"Morning Mac," Josh greeted. "Can we talk?"
"Sure, come on in. Sergei and Kat are helping Harm put the baby's crib together. You'd think two aviators with engineering degrees and a Gunnery Sergeant could accomplish that without any problems."
Jen chuckled. "I'll go give them a hand, Colonel."
"Jen, please, we're off duty, you can call me Mac."
"Yes Ma'am," she said with a grin.
Mac shook her head. "Up the stairs to your left."
Jen smiled and hurried off.
"Lets sit down, Mac." Josh insisted.
"I'm not going to like this, am I?" she asked him as they sat down.
"No, your not," he agreed. "I'm going to testify, Katie and I are going to watch each other's backs. I'm hoping Admiral Chegwidden will make sure you and the Cag are covered to."
"Why?"
He gave her the list. "Because, Harm was involved with the White Sabers, Mac. Before his ramp strike and then when he was with the CIA. Admiral Donavan told me it I testified he'd deal with both Kat and I, I wouldn't put it past him to deal with the person who brought this all to Chegwidden's attention."
Mac took the list with shaky hands. "Harm told me he was involved, I just didn't know how much."
"Donavan is capable of killing to protect himself Mac, of that I have no doubts," he stated bluntly. "Neither Kat or I should have been involved with that last mission, the White Sabers should never have flown the mission before. We lost three good people, it should never have happened."'
"And it won't happen again. I'm going to take him down, Josh," she said strongly. Grabbing the phone she hit the third button on the speed dial and waited. "Admiral, it's Colonel Rabb."
"What can I do for you this morning, Colonel?"
"Commander Taylor is going to testify sir, but there's something you should see. Could you come around to my place?"
"Why not the office, Colonel?"
She mouthed 'the office' to Josh and saw him shake his head. "I think sir, it might be better if this looks like a casual visit."
There was a pause. "Very well, Colonel, we'll see you in an hour."
"Thank you sir," she said, and then hung up, putting the phone back down. "He's not going to like this."
"I know." Josh said flatly. This could possible fatten their careers for good, but they were in too deep to back out. It was sink or swim time for them all.
By the time the Admiral arrived, the laughter from up in the nursery was still going on, Meredith volunteered to go up stairs and get them back on track.
AJ sat down, he wasn't happy. "I have bad news."
"Concerning the case, sir?" Mac asked.
He nodded. "The Court-Martial is going to be judged by a board of Admirals, not a jury," he announced. "The SecNav rang me just as we were leaving and gave me the news. I've been assigned to the board."
Josh ran his fingers through his hair. "Sir, I was threatened. That's why I didn't want to testify, but I'm not the only one who is under threat, Katherine is, Mac, even the Cag."
AJ sat back in his chair. "What do you suggest, Commander?"
"That someone keeps an eye on Mac and the Cag while this trail is being held," he answered. "I trust the Gunny to look after Kat, and I can look after myself, but someone should be here for Mac."
The Admiral nodded. "Not that I don't think Harm can look after his wife, but you're right," he agreed. "I'll have a word with Lieutenant Galendez, I have a feeling he won't mind being a shadow."
Mac put a hand on her swollen stomach, suddenly concerned, not for herself, but for her child. "There is more sir, Harm is involved."
"How involved."
"I flew with the White Sabers before my ramp strike and then with the CIA," Harm announced, coming into the room. He'd come down to get drinks for everyone and had overhead the conversation. "Mac didn't know about it and Kat still doesn't."
"Why didn't I know about it, Captain? You were under my command for eight, nearly nine years."
"I couldn't tell you, I was ordered not to tell anyone," he sat down on the arm of his wife's chair. "Sir, Lt. Commander Jason O'Reilly was killed while on a White Saber mission."
"Does his daughter know that?"
"No."
"Damn!" He shook his head. "I can't hear any more." He stood and they did too. "Colonel, explain to your husband what is going to happen. Your shadow will be here by this afternoon."
"Yes sir."
"Now lets take a look at this baby crib, it's too quiet in that nursery." AJ suggested.
They agreed, Harm grabbed some drinks and followed them up. The crib was finished, sitting in the middle of the nursery. Sergei was sitting against the wall with Katherine seated between his legs, his arms around her, she was half asleep. Jen was seated cross-legged next to Meredith, the two women chatting.
"Well at least the crib is done," AJ announced, surprising them all, then waving them to stay seated. "Kat, you look like you need to go home and sleep."
"I didn't get much last night sir," she admitted.
"Understandable, Commander."
Meredith stood and went over to her husband. "Sort everything out?"
"As much as I could, darlin."
Mac slipped her arm around her husband's waist after he given everyone their drinks. "Will you stay for lunch, Admiral?"
"If it's not to much trouble, Colonel. I may need to use your phone though."
"It's no trouble and you can use the phone in the den sir."
He glanced at his wife, who smiled nodding. "We'd love to," she accepted. "Now Mac, what else needs to be done to get the nursery ready?"
AJ sighed. "Gentlemen I think its time we left the women to do what they do best."
Sergei smiled and kissed the top of his fiancé's head, getting up when she sat forward, following the Admiral, Harm and Josh out.
Mac sat in the rocker she'd brought; Meredith sat near her on the floor once more. "So who finally fingered out the instructions?"
"That would be Lt. Commander O'Reilly," Jen informed. "She read the German instructions."
"So Phantom, not only do you speak Gaelic, and Russian, but you read German too," Mac mused. "I'm impressed."
She shrugged casually. "I took German in school, Gaelic and Russian were spoken at home. Not that I needed to, Hammer reads it as well as I do."
"Wait a minute, Harm can read German?"
Katherine nodded. "Speaks it rather well too, didn't you know?"
"I knew he knew a little Spanish, but I had know idea he spoke German."
"Men and their secrets," Meredith mused. "Don't worry Mac, one day you'll find out something about Harm that won't surprise you."
"I doubt that."
Chuckling, Katherine had to agree. "Did he tell you what we did to him on his birthday?"
"Do I want to know?" Mac inquired curiously.
The younger woman smiled. "Lets just say everyone knew he'd turned forty, it was painted on the side of his Tomcat, along with the words 'birthday boy'."
Everyone laughed. "You didn't?" Mac exclaimed.
"Oh we did," Katherine giggled and they laughed harder.
"I would of loved to have seen that?" Meredith declared happily.
"I'll get you copies of the photo's," the Aviator promised.
"Oh I can't wait," she mused and they laughed harder.
To be continued….