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: From here on Mac is going to be referred to as Sarah, I just have a hard time referring to her as Mac when she's now Sarah Rabb. I hope that doesn't course too much confusion. Thank you to everyone who reviewed the last chapter. Thank you to Chas who once again wrote me a nice e-mail – I'm glade you're enjoying the story so far.

Winjan: Surprises keep stories fresh I think, so I like to slip a couple in sometimes. It was fun having Harm and Kat playing lawyer. I think it could be interesting to have Josh Pendry and Mattie having a friendship together. Sorry that wasn't the story idea I was working on, but it is an interesting one. Thanks.

Bard2003: So far everyone agrees it should be Mattie's mum as her guardian angle. Harm doing a tour at the Academy? Now that could be interesting. Thanks for the idea. I could work with that.

Ashlynn: Thanks, more twists coming.

Starryeyes10: Thank you. I'm happy you're still reading along.

AnchorsAweighNavy: Okay I really did stuff up with Sergei and Kat concerning ranks. And I didn't get all of the UCMJ that I downloaded and I'm afraid my six months of Legal Studies didn't give me a good grasp of trying to understand it either. So thanks for the heads up. I'll just have to work on a way to keep them together. Just how long is Officer Candidate School? Do you know? Any information is appreciated.

Mary Kate113: Romance between Josh Pendry and Mattie Grace? Not a bad idea. How about a good friendship to start with and then I'll work on the rest. Thanks for the idea.

Lauren: Thank you for your nice review, I'm glad you like my stories. I hope you enjoy this chapter.

Moving On

Chapter Nineteen:  Repercussions

Admiral Chegwidden stormed into JAG ops with a dark cloud hanging over his head, going quickly to his office. "Coates get me the Gunny and O'Reilly. ASAP," he ordered. "And some aspirin."

"Aye sir."

In his office he took a large yellow envelop from his briefcase before putting it by his desk, throwing his cover on the desk with the envelope. Sitting down he rubbed the bride of his nose, trying to ease the headache that was throbbing in time with his heartbeat. This was not going to be easy.

Hearing the knock he called out for them to enter, both came in with Coates, who carried a bottle of aspirin and a glass of water.

"You wanted to see us, Admiral," Katherine O'Reilly said calmly.

"Yes," he took the aspirin and water from Coates. "Thank you."

"Do you need anything else sir?"

"No thank you," he dismissed. She nodded, and then left, shutting the door. The Admiral swallowed two aspirin quickly, putting the glass down. "I've just come from the SecNav," he saw them glance at each other, discreetly. "Gunny what did I tell you when you came to see me about purposing to Lt. Commander O'Reilly."

"That it was against regulations sir for me to be even seeing her, let along having a relationship with her," he answered.

"You went a head and purposed anyway. The two of you have kept quiet about your engagement, to the point that no one outside the office or the Tyco Tigers, or O'Reilly's family knows about it. Until know." He opened the envelope and removed a photo, putting both on the desk. "This is what the SecNav wanted to see me about." The photo was of Sergei purposing to Katherine, where he slipped the ring on her finger. "Secretary Sheffield wanted me to convene an Article 32 hearing, I talked him out of it. I said I would deal with it. He agreed."

"What will you do, sir?" Katherine asked, even though she knew whatever he decided, it wasn't going to be pleasant.

He sighed. That he was about to do left a foul taste in his mouth. "Lt. Commander, please remove the Gunny's ring from your finger."

She opened her mouth to protest, then thought better of it; closing it she slipped the ring off her finger, giving it to the Admiral when he held his hand out for it.

The look on their faces was enough to make him feel sick to his stomach, but he wasn't going to let them through their careers away. "I'm sorry Katherine," he apologized.

"I understand sir," she said quietly, holding it together.

I wish to God I did, he thought. He handed the ring to Sergei, letting the younger man take it. "Gunny, your to report back to your unit at oh six hundred tomorrow morning at Quantico, Lt. Galendez is expecting you."

"Yes sir," he managed to say, closing his hand around the ring.

 "Lt. Commander O'Reilly you're to report to Norfolk Naval Station tomorrow by 0h six thirty along with Captain Rabb. You'll be briefed there."

"Aye sir."

"You may both secure for the day. It was a pleasure having you at JAG. Dismissed."

Both came to attention, then turned and left the office. Sergei shut the door and took Katherine's arm gently.

She pulled away, the heartache evident in her voice. "Don't, I'll see you at home."

"Katie."

Shaking her head she hurried to get her cover and bag, leaving JAG as fast as she could.

Harm and Sarah were coming off the elevator as Sergei arrived to get on it. "Where are you going little brother?" He asked cheerfully unaware of what had just occurred.

"To get drunk," his brother answered bluntly, he took his sister-in-laws hand and put the engagement ring in it. "A present," he told her then got onto the elevator. The doors closing before either could question him any more.

Sarah looked at the ring, then her husband. "What just happened?"

"I have no idea but I'm going to fine out," Harm decided and headed for the Admiral's office with his wife hot on his heals. "Coates is the Admiral busy?"

"No sir, he's been expecting you," she announced. "Go on in."

They did so, closing the large door; the Admiral was standing by the windows, his hands behind his back.

"You want to know about the Gunny and Lt. Commander O'Reilly," he stated, and then turned now crossing his arms against his chest. "The SecNav found out about their engagement. He told me to fix it."
Sarah clutched the ring tightly in her hand, enough that it bit into her palm. "So you ordered them to break off their engagement?"

"Yes," he sat down, running his hands over his face. "It was that or they face an Article 32 hearing."

Even Harm knew how hard that must have been for the Admiral. "Sergei isn't handing it well, he just gave Sarah the ring."

"I'd say go after him but your orders came through, you're to report to Norfolk by oh six thirty tomorrow, where you'll be briefed on the two week cruise for qualifications. During that time Lt. Commander Taylor will be joining you," the Admiral announced. "Lt. Commander O'Reilly had already received her orders and secured for the day. As has, as you know Gunnery Sergeant Rabb. He received his orders also."

"The Gunny is leaving us?" Sarah inquired stunned.

"He's returning to Quantico to his unit."

"At the moment Admiral, he's on his way to get drunk," Harm supplied.

"Damn," AJ hit the intercom button. "Coates get me Lieutenant Galendez at Quantico."

"Aye sir."

He sat back. "The Gunny kept in contact with his unit, Galendez will know where he'll go," he declared. Standing he held out his hand. "It was an honor having you back with us at JAG, Captain Rabb."

Harm shook his hand. "It was an honor being here sir."

"Colonel, you can secure for the rest of the day as well."

"Thank you sir, I have a feeling we're going to have to do some damage control," she announced.

"I believe you're right Colonel. Dismissed." AJ ordered.

Both snapped too, and then left the office, finding their friends waiting for them in ops.

"We wanted to wish you luck sir," Bud declared. "Jen told us you're leaving."

"I'll still be around, but thanks anyway, Bud."

"Be careful out their, brother," Sturgis said shaking Harm's hand.

"I will," he reassured, and then was hugged by Harriet. "Take care of my godsons, we'll come and see them as soon as I get back."

"Come for dinner sir."

"We'll do that."

After a number of handshakes and a couple a more hugs the gathering broke up. Sarah and Harm headed into her office, along with Josh Taylor.

"What happened before I got back, Katie nearly knocked me over trying to get to her Vette, then the Gunny came out in a foul mood?"

"They broke off their engagement," Sarah told her partner. She put the ring on her desk.

"Damn," he swore and picked it up. "Sheffield found out, didn't he?"

Harm nodded. "It was break it off or face an Article 32 hearing. It's lucky they're not being charged even now."

Putting the ring back down on the desk, Josh sighed. "I'll go and see Katie after work."

"She might not be at home, we've been ordered to Norfolk."

"Then I'll go see her now."

"Take it easy, Josh," Sarah advised.

"I will," he undisturbed, and then left.

Harm perched on his wife's desk, taking the ring. "Love does not run smooth around here."

"No it doesn't, you had to go back to sea before we got our heads out of our six's," she noted, moving to stand before him.

He drew her close, putting the ring in her hand. "Look after this, I have a feeling Sergei might need it again."

"You think they have a chance?"

"If he loves her, he'll find away. There's always OCS," her husband suggested, holding her as close as he was able. Despite everything that was happening, his first thought was of her. "I love you Sarah, you and the baby."

"I know Harm, I love you too," she whispered. "We've survived all the challengers life has thrown at us. So will Sergei and Kat."

"I hope so babe, I really do."

By the time they got home, Mattie was too. Harm remembered her saying something about her having a spare period that afternoon. They'd stopped in at O'Reilly's bar on the way home to see if Katherine was there or even Sergei, neither had been. Jack and Marie had insisted they stop for a moment; they did and told them what had happened. Now both were keeping an eye out for either Katherine or Sergei, promising they'd ring if either turned up.

Mattie hugged her guardians, grinning.

"What's going on kiddo?" Harm asked her.

"The mural in my room is finished, you didn't say Kat was coming by to finish it today," the teenager revealed excitedly.

"We didn't know either," Sarah told her, and looked at her husband. "At least we know where she was, I'll ring Josh and let him know."

"Tell him to try her apartment now." Harm advised.

"I will," she went off to make the call.

Harm dropped his cover on the coffee table, he didn't have time to sit down through, and Mattie grabbed his hand and dragged him up the stairs to her bedroom. The mural was of her mother, Mattie's very own Guardian Angel. "It's beautiful, Mattie."

"Thanks Harm," she hugged him before asking. "How come Kat came while we weren't home?"

"She and Sergei are having a few problems, they broke off their engagement."

"Why?"

"Regulations. It's a fact of life in the military."

"But that's unfair, they love each other."

"I know kiddo," he didn't think it was either and he was a lawyer as well as a pilot.

"There's more isn't there?" She asked, taking his silence as a suggestion there was.

"I'm to report to Norfolk by oh six thirty tomorrow. We're shipping out for a short two week cruise."

"So soon?"

"It's just easier staying on the base until we leave, Mattie. Then when I get back, I'll come home on weekends."

She hugged him harder. "I just don't want you to go."

Harm sighed and held her tight. "I love you too, sweetheart and I need you to look after Sarah while I'm away. She's going to need you, even if she doesn't always say it."

"Mac said I can come into the birthing suite with her if I want to. Wraith is going in with her or Uncle Sergei, depending on who goes with her to the hospital. At least until you get there."

"It's your choice, honey," he said gently, feeling very proud of her. "Sarah will be happy with whatever you decided."

"Thanks Harm."

"You're welcome sweetie."

Sarah came into the room, smiling when she saw the two of them together. "Josh is at Kat's apartment, she's there packing and getting the apartment ready. One of the Marine's from Sergei's unit came round and collected his things; he's going to stay at Quantico so she's closing the apartment up. Josh said she's a little too calm to be fine, he's going to drive her to Norfolk, she's going to stay at the BOQ."

"This is going to be a long couple of weeks if it's not sorted out." Harm said solemnly.

"Josh also said Galendez rang him, he and Sergei are at a little bar near Quantico. He said don't worry about the Gunny he'll take care of him and once he's sobered up tomorrow he'll suggest OCS."

"Smart man."

Sarah agreed. "Lets just hope Sergei takes some notice."

"He will," Mattie said with self-assurance. "He loves Kat a lot, he won't give up on her."

Harm chuckled. "You're a smart kid, Mattie."

"I know," she grinned, then punched on. "Now that you're buttered up, can I go with Josh Pendry and his mother and stepfather to Annapolis next weekend. There's an orientation at the Naval Academy. He asked if I'd like to go with them?"

"His mum and stepfather will be going?" He asked seriously.

"Yes."

"Well I'll be checking," Sarah announced and saw Mattie roll her eyes.

"If it's above board, then yes." Harm agreed.

"Thanks Harm," Mattie hugged him again.

Sarah laughed. "Kat was right, you're whipped."

Reluctantly, Harm had to agree.

Naval Air Station, Norfolk Virginia

BOQ (Bachelor Officer's Quarters)

Gunnery Sergeant Sergei Rabb knocked once more on the door and waited, playing with his cover. Last night he'd poured his heart out of Lieutenant Galendez, this morning he'd woken up with a king size headache and a good doze of heartache. The LT had cured both, then this evening driven him to NAS Norfolk to talk with O'Reilly.

The door finally opened, Katherine O'Reilly stood there looking tired, dressed in civvies her hair damp from the shower. "Gunnery Sergeant."

"Can I have a moment of your time, Ma'am?"

She nodded and let him in, shutting the door once he was. "What are you doing here, Sergei?"

"I came to say good luck," he said facing her.

"Why not goodbye?" She asked.

"Because I intend to be around, even if we can't be together right now, we will be," he answered her confidently.

"Sergei, we can't."

He tucked his cover into his belt and drew her into his arms. "We can. LT submitted my application to OCS this morning."

"You're going to be an officer?"

"I am," he cupped her face in his hands. "I love you Katie, I'm not going to lose you. I may have to wait to marry you, but I'm going to do that too."

Tears welled in her eyes as she smiled. "As long as I don't have to wait for eternity."

"Not that long, I promise," he said gently, grinning an imitation of his brother's flyboy grin. "I don't want to wait that long to experience what Harm and Mac have. I want you as my wife and the mother of my children."

She felt her heart sore. "I want that too," she said happily and kissed him.

He kissed her back. "I only have an hour."

"I can make good use of an hour," she promised and guided him over to the bed.

Neither needed any encouragement, clothes became a pile on the floor and they made love, lying stated in each other's arms in the aftermath.

"Be careful," Sergei urged.

"I will, I have you waiting for me."

"Each and everyday," he promised, he didn't want to leave but he had too.

Katherine knew it too. "You have to go."

He nodded. "I don't want to, but I have too."

Reluctantly they got up, took a quick shower, and then dressed. Katherine walked him to the door. She didn't open it though, leaning against it. "Be careful yourself, Gunny."

He grinned sheepishly. "I will, Lt. Commander," he said, and then tugged her into his arms, kissing her.

She sighed against his mouth. "Go before I can't let you," she insisted and moved out of his arms, opening the door.

Sergei saluted her, and then left. Hurrying back to where Galendez had packed the hummer. He got in.

"Sort it out Gunny?" He asked with a smirk.

"Yes sir." He said happily.

Victor Galendez chuckled and started up the hummer, driving them away.

The next morning Captain Harm Rabb noticed a difference in the squadron XO, she looked cheerful. "Anything you want to tell me, Phantom?"

"Not that I know of sir," she said cheerfully.

"Oh, so you just plan on having a silly grin on your face all day?" He asked her amused.

"Oh I think I'll have it on my face for a whole lot longer then that sir." She answered.

"Does this have to do with the fact my brother is going to OCS?"

"It may."

He chuckled, adding. "I hope you got some sleep last night."

"Oh I did sir, slept like a baby."

Commander Braxton came over to them, he carried a small envelop in his hand. "This was just delivered for you Phantom."

"Thank you sir," she took it and opened it, inside was a beautifully engraved silver ring. The engraving was Russian. There was a note, also in Russian.

"What does it say?" Harm asked her.

"A token of my love, from your secret admirer," she translated.

"What about what's on the ring, it's in Russian too, isn't it?" Braxton asked her.

"Yes sir," she held it up to read it. "My promise, my love."

Karen and Scott had joined them, over hearing the conversation. "That's so romantic," she said sighing. She knew who'd sent the ring. They all did.

"Should we be worried, Phantom?" Scott teased.

She slipped the ring on the finger of her right hand. "I'm not."

Harm chuckled and patted her on the back. "Come on Phantom, we've got an aircraft carrier waiting for our arrival."

"We should go then sir."

Shaking his head, Harm agreed. "Come on then boys and girls."

"Coming dad," Katherine, Karen and Scott scoffed light heartedly.

Braxton laughed as the Cag groaned. "It's going to be an interesting two weeks, sir."

"Yes, Hades it is," he agreed.

Getting their helmets they left the locker room, heading out with the rest of the squadron. Their families had said their goodbyes to them last night; even for two weeks it hadn't been easy. Even for Harm, he was leaving behind his pregnant wife.

"Are you all right, Cag?" Karen asked him as they climbed aboard their Tomcat.

"I will be, Mouse." He answered.

"It's not easy, Cag, I know, until I went to RIO school and was assigned to an aircraft carrier. I was the one waving goodbye to my husband at the port. Now he's the one saying goodbye to me, but it's only two weeks."

"Would you give it up, Mouse?" He asked her seriously.

"One day, Cag," she answered. "What about you?"

"Yeah, one day," he agreed.

Scott had asked his driver if she was all right as they climbed aboard their Tomcat.

"I'm fine Piper," she not worrying. "I worked things out with my admirer last night."

He smiled and prepared for take off. When the ground crew was gone, the canopy was lowered and they went through the checklist together. "Hey Phantom." He said as they were cleared for take off.

She waited until they'd taken off, following Braxton and the Cag into the air. "Yeah Piper."

He grinned silly. "Amy's pregnant."

Katherine laughed and sent the Tomcat into a roll, straightening out again giving a whoop. "Way to go, Piper."

The Cag's Tomcat came up beside hers. "Anything you'd like to share, Phantom?"

"Piper is going to be daddy again," she said elatedly.

The Cag's laughter filled their ears. "Congratulations Piper, I'll buy you a drink when we get back."

"Thanks Cag."

They all tanked before the carrier came into sight.

Harm always liked the sight; it never failed to course the adrenalin to pump a little faster. "Tyco control, this is Tomcat zero, zero, zero."

"Tomcat zero, zero, zero, dirty up at 3 miles, shot to paddles."

"Tyco to Paddles," he lowered his landing gear and tailhook on approach. "Tomcat, zero, zero, zero, ball, 2.5."

"Zero, zero, zero, Tomcat, Rodger Ball," the LSO acknowledged bring him in.

He landed, catching the number two wire taxiing to a halt; he opened the canopy. "Welcome home, Mouse."

She chuckled. "It seems that way doesn't it Cag."

"It does indeed," he noted as they climbed down.

The rest of the squadron landed and gathered on the flight deck, as Captain Garrett came over to them.

Harm saluted. "Good morning Captain."

Garrett returned the salute. "Good morning, Cag. Welcome back."

"Thank you sir," he gestured to Braxton. "Commander Hayden Braxton, Captain Ethan Garrett."

The Skipper shook his hand. "I've heard good things about you Commander."

"Thank you sir." Braxton said.

"The rest of the air wing is on its way, Harm," the Skipper revealed. "Settle your Tigers then join me on the bridge."

"Aye sir," he agreed and waited until the Captain had gone before turning to the Squadron. "All right Tigers, lets get inside."

"Aye, aye sir," all chorused.

Leaving the flight deck they headed for the ready room and changed out of their flight gear, storing it and their helmets in their lockers. The Cag quickly dismissed them, heading off to the bridge.

Katherine and the rest of the squad headed out, going to the wardroom where the rest of the air wing was gathering. As soon as she walked in a strong pair of arms gathered her up in a warm hug. She laughed. "Put me down, Tonka-Toy."

The newly promoted Major Mark Leslie did so. "It's about time you got here, Phantom."

"We stopped for gas," she mused, adding. "Major."

"Hey, it had to happen," he smirked as they went and sat down. "So how's that Marine off yours?"

"He's good, back at Quantico, soon to be at OCS," she answered.

He noticed the engagement ring was gone. "You two broke up?"

"No, just put on hold. At least until it doesn't break regulations."

He nodded, letting it drop. "So where's the Cag?"

"On the bridge," Scott informed as he and Karen joined them, along with Braxton and Lt. Wills. He introduced them both, adding about the Major. "For a Prowler pilot, he's not a bad aviator."

"Thanks so much, back seat driver," Mark teased and they all laughed. It was good to be back. "I take it the Cag and the Skipper are waiting for the Wolverines to arrive."

"Most likely, they're usually the last to get here," Karen declared lightly.

"The Wolverines I take it are the Hornet Squadron," Hayden Braxton guessed.

"They are, the biggest bunch of over inflated ego's you've ever seen," Mark remarked good heartedly. "Typical Hornet pilots."

Lt. Jessie Wills chuckled quietly. "I take it you feel the same about Rhino drivers and their RIO's?"

"No, those guys have bigger ego's," he stated. "There were three Super Hornets ferried to the Tyco early this morning," he glanced at Katherine. "Know anything about it?"

She smiled. "The Cag did mention it, didn't he, Commander."

Hayden nodded. "I do remember him saying something."

Scott and Karen started to laugh, since they knew, they'd been privy to it and the extra training. Mark just looked confused. "You guys are hiding something."

Katherine stood. "Those three Super Hornets, are for the Cag, the Commander and myself, so we can stay qualified."

"Qualified?"

"That's right, Tonka-Toy, we're the guy's with the bigger ego's," she smirked, then nodded to Braxton. "Excuse me sir."

"Lt. Commander."

She patted Mark's shoulder, and then left the wardroom.

He glanced at the Tyco Tigers new squad member. "How long has Phantom been qualified to fly a Rhino?"

"Two years, she went through the transition the same time as we did," he answered referring to himself and Lt. Wills. "Piper and Mouse were trained a few weeks ago to handle the back seat."

"She's also a good plastic bug pilot," Jessie added.

Mark shook her head. "What else is she qualified to fly?"

"Including the F-14 and both Hornets. A C-130," Hayden answered. "A blackbird, a Lear Jet and I believe she owns her own stearman."

Chuckling the Prowler pilot shook his head again. "Remind me never to underestimate Katherine O'Reilly again."

"Oh we will," Scott guaranteed and they all laughed. "Constantly."

To be continued… (Sorry this chapter took so long, I wanted to wait for reviews before I continued. So once again thank you to everyone who reviewed.)

(Author's note: After receiving some information from Fozzybear, I went back and rewrote some parts of this chapter. So a big thank you to Fozzybear and her Navy husband.)