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: A very big thank you to everyone who reviewed and send emails. All information you give me is really appreciated, for most of what I do have; I get from the Internet, so thank you very much for all your help.
Winjan: Firstly, yes I do plan on having Sergei and Katherine renew their engagement, eventually. To answer you questions. A Plastic Bug is from what I can work out and if I'm wrong I apologize right now. A F/A-18 and the Rhino is the Super Hornet – the F/A-18E/F. As for having written Braxton as Squadron leader, I'm going to have to plead stupidity here, I went back and fixed it though, sorry about that. And I am planning, but I don't know how yet, to bring out what Harm's qualifications are too. I'm just not sure how yet. Oh and thanks for thinking my website is nice. I am working on it; I just haven't had a lot of time. So I'll update soon and let everyone know when I do. Thanks.
Starryeyes10: Thank you.
T: Thanks for the nice review. I'm glad you're enjoying the story and think I'm doing a good job of it.
Not A Muggle: Hi, welcome. As for your question, take a look at season one episodes 'Deja' Vu and High Ground'. They're two I can remember off by heart. I hope that helps.
Fozzy bear: Thank you so much for the nice e-mail and all the information, I really appreciate it and thank you to your husband to for his input. Give him a thank you hug from me.
Jbird7986: Welcome and thank you for reading, I hope you enjoy the rest of the story.
Chas: Thank for the e-mail and the information. It all helps.
Mary Kate113: Don't worry, as I told Winjan, I'll be getting Sergei and Kat together.
Vhosek Malacath: Hi, welcome. Thank for reading and reviewing.
AnchorsAweightNavy: I'm pleading author's privilege and saying Sergei does have a college degree. Thank you for the information on OCS. I really appreciate all the help you've given. Thank you.
Smithknk: I'm happy to have made your morning a little more exciting. Thanks for the review.
Moving OnChapter Twenty: Color of My Love
USS Ticonderoga
Somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean
(Two and a half months later)
The Tyco Tigers were suited up and ready to go when Captain Rabb walked in, he quickly pulled on his safety gear, grabbing his helmet he took to the podium and began the briefing. "All right children," Harm smirked getting their attention, they groaned, rolling their eyes at him chuckling as he did. They were back on board the Ticonderoga, participating in a combat exercise with other aircraft carriers and battleships. When they'd quieted he began. "All fighters for this exercise have been fitted with a sensor pod which will register all kills, misses and damage, as well as simulated punch outs. You'll be ordered back to the Tyco if you're receiving a kill signal or if you're given the ejection signal. Once you have that one, you get your butts on the deck. You can rejoin the exercise after twenty minutes from the time you land. Questions?"
"Do they have any ringers?" Lt. Brain Michaels asked.
"No as far as we know."
"Are they flying Rhino'sor Tomcats?" Lt. Maggie Douglas inquired.
"Rhino's, the Raptors have made the transition," Harm explained. "Which is why we're putting our tactic's against them, they think they have the advantage. Phantom, you and Hades will be flying high. Biff you'll be flying my wing."
"Aye sir," all three acknowledged.
"All right people, lets fly."
Getting to their feet they headed out, O'Reilly walked with the Cag.
"Have you heard from your admirer?" He asked her.
"Not since his acceptance to OCS, but I expected that," she answered. "How is the Colonel?"
"Due any day and complaining she hasn't seen her feet in months." He remarked grinning, knowing she'd been spending a lot of her time at Norfolk. "Not to mention my having to come out here for this exercise."
Katherine chuckled. "She's still lucky, I spent my last month in the hospital."
"Oh?"
"High blood pressure, that and I didn't put on a lot of weight and they were worried, then Jason was premature."
"How early?"
"Three weeks, he spent a week in special care before Uncle Jack and Aunt Maria could take him home."
"That must have been hard on you."
She shook her head. "I left the hospital the day after he was born, the Councilor said if I was to make the break from him, I would have to do it straight away. So I did, I went and stayed with my grandmother. It was one of the hardest things I'd ever done."
"I'm sorry Kat."
She gave him a warm smile. "Don't be, sir. Jason has wonderful parents, I'm just happy to be a part of his family. Even a distant part."
Putting their helmets on they walked out onto the flight deck, walking over to their Tomcats.
"Take it easy, Phantom," the Cag bided.
"You too, Cag," she said giving him a cheeky grin as she and McGregor headed for their ride.
Lt. Lindsay chuckled, Karen was use to her friend, and so was the Cag. She followed him up, sighing as she sat down. Married or not, Harm Rabb had a great six. Colonel Rabb was a very lucky woman. Still she had a lucky guy at home, one she would be seeing on their return. Then they were going to talk, she agreed too at the end of this exercise to discuss her future, she promised.
"Hey Mouse, still with me?" The Cag asked her.
"Yeah, sorry Cag."
"No problem." He glanced at her reflection in the mirror, she had that look again, one she'd been having since they'd deployed. He had a feeling he was going to lose his RIO. Taxiing their Tomcat onto the catapult, they went through the checklist together, being ready to go.
"Call it in, Mouse."
"Aye sir," she acknowledged. "Tyco control, this is Sundance zero, zero, zero, up and ready."
"Rodger zero, zero, zero, you're clear to launch."
Harm gave the crewman a salute and they were catapulted off the deck and into the air, seconds behind them was O'Reilly and McGregor, the rest of the Tyco Tigers launching and easing into formation.
"All right Tigers; break into divisions and good hunting," Harm ordered.
They all acknowledged breaking off, including O'Reilly and Braxton, who headed for higher Angels.
"Cag, I've got incoming signals, four hundred knots and closing, angels 30." Karen announced.
"Do you have them Phantom, Hades?" He asked.
"Got them Cag," both informed.
"Biff combat spread, watch my six."
"Rodger Cag," his wingman announced.
Two Raptor Super Hornets flew up behind them firing, both Tomcats pulled off high G turns to out maneuver them, at the same time O'Reilly and Braxton drove out of the clouds and fired on both Rhino's, recording direct kills. Heading back into the clouds.
"Who in the hell were they?" Lt. Commander Medwick's voice came over the radio.
"What's the matter Tuna, getting to old to take on Phantom and her wingman," Harm taunted his old roommate from the Patrick Henry.
"Not likely Hammer," he smirked. "Just realize that tactic doesn't work twice, next time old man."
"Look forward to it, Tuna."
The two Raptor Super Hornets broke off and headed back to the Patrick Henry.
"Nice move, Phantom, Hades," Harm praised his officers.
"Thanks Cag."
By the time they returned to the carrier, the Tyco Tigers had lost only two out of their squad, the Raptors had lost four. They were discussed the exercise in the Ready Room.
"Why go high?" Brian asked Katherine.
"They were looking for you and the Cag, so that gave Hades and I the freedom to go high and come in from above. Of course it only works a couple of times, which was why we also had to go low."
"For a while I felt like we were surfing." Scott smirked and Jessie nodded her head in agreement.
"It won't work tomorrow," the Cag informed them. "They're on to Phantom and Hades now."
"So what do we do?" Ellie Carmichael asked.
"Tomorrow we make them believe that Phantom at least remained behind."
"How?
Katherine smiled catching onto what he was thinking; she retrieved his helmet putting it on. "Easy, from the cockpit they won't know any difference," She took it off and handed it back after they got the point. "So while the Cag stays here on the Tyco, I'll take his place in the air."
"That's nasty," Austin Lynch, Ellie's RIO, exclaimed, laughing.
"True, but it's going to be fun." Harm declared and they all laughed. "While they're busy looking for Hades, Phantom will be able to move freely."
"Attention on Deck!" was called as the Skipper came in. He told them to remain seated, addressing the Cag. "Captain I have some news from home for you," he revealed, and then carried on quickly before the officer could get the wrong idea. "Your wife is in labor, congratulations you're going to be a dad soon, so pack your bag, as soon as the Cod lands you're on it."
"Thank you sir," he managed as the members of the squadron slapped him playfully on the back, as he smiled to hide his nervousness. Now all he had to do was get home in time.
Katherine saw through his bravo. "The Colonel will be fine sir, Josh will look after her, and so will the Admiral."
He nodded. "Thanks Kat."
"No problem sir."
On route to Bethesda Naval Hospital
From JAG Headquarters
Admiral Chegwidden glanced at this passenger quickly. "Are you all right Colonel?"
"As I'll ever be sir," Sarah Rabb remarked, during a meeting with the SecNav at JAG, she began having strong contractions. The Admiral had called a stop to the meeting and insisted on driving her to the hospital, and then he'd called the Ticonderoga, talking to the Skipper. She'd called Josh, interrupting his meeting at the Pentagon; he was meeting them at the hospital. She thought it best not to tell either man she'd been having contractions since early hours of the morning. Since Josh was nervous enough about helping her through this as it was, especially with Harm being at sea.
Out of the corner of his eye, AJ saw her breath though another contraction. "Hang on darlin' we're nearly there."
"Yes sir," she said between breaths.
Luckily she'd also contacted her doctor, so when they arrived he was waiting for them. As was Josh, the Commander had probably broken every speed limit to make it. They left the Admiral in the waiting room; he rang the JAG office from the nurse's station. "Coates, we made it to Bethesda, can you ring my wife and tell her I won't make lunch. Also ring the Burnett's and let them know, they can ring Mattie's school and pick her up."
"Yes sir. Right away sir," she said a little flustered.
"I'll ring as soon as I hear anything."
"Yes sir."
"Thank you Coates," chuckling he hung up, thanking the nurse, then found a seat, sitting down. At least he'd gotten out of the meeting, which was a bonus.
"First grandchild?" a voice next to him asked.
He glanced to his left at the gray-headed man. "In a way," he saw the look of curiosity. "One of my officer's, she's as much my family as my wife and daughter."
The man nodded. "Fourth grandchild, my youngest daughter was visiting me when she went into labor, I drove her here. Her husband is at sea."
"The Colonel's husband is at sea also, on a high note she got me out of a meeting with the SecNav, bless her."
The man chuckled and held out his hand. "Captain Joseph Rains retired."
"Admiral AJ Chegwidden, JAG," he introduced himself, shaking the retired Captain's hand. "So what did you do in the Service Captain?"
"Flew F-4's during Vietnam and then Tomcats," he answered. "After my wife died, I retired, stayed in the reserves for a while but it wasn't the same."
AJ nodded. "The Colonel's husband is a Naval Aviator, he's also a lawyer, that's how they meet, they use to work together. Now he's Cag aboard the USS Ticonderoga, he's participating in a combat exercise a the moment, I've called but I'm doubtful he's going to make it."
"I flew off the Enterprise myself, but we all heard about the Tyco Tigers during Nam."
AJ nodded. "The Cag's father flew off the first Ticonderoga during the Vietnam War."
"Did he come home? The Cag's father?"
The Admiral shook his head. "Was shot down Christmas Eve, nineteen sixty-nine."
"Lost my wingman that year," Joseph recalled solemnly.
Both men sat in silence for lost friends and comrades. The silence was quickly broken though.
"Admiral!" Harriet and Bud came over to him. "Any news, sir?"
"No Lieutenant's. Sit down and wait."
"And the Captain, sir?"
"I have my doubts, Lieutenant."
Bud tightened his grip on the bag he was carrying. "I'll give this to the nurse sir, it's the Colonel's bag from her car, she'll be needing it."
"Good idea Mr. Roberts," AJ remarked, he hadn't thought of that. He gestured to the retired Captain as Bud left. "Captain Joseph Rains retired. Lieutenant Harriet Sims, Lieutenant Roberts' wife."
"How do you do Lieutenant?"
"Fine thank you, sir."
"Young lady, you don't have to call me sir, Joe will do."
She smiled, shaking his hand. "Then I'm Harriet."
"Well it's nice to meet you Harriet."
Bud rejoined them and the Admiral introduced the two. "Nice to met you sir."
"Like I told your wife, here it's Joe."
"All right."
Meredith arrived while they were talking, she was quickly introduced and they all sat down and waited. The Burnett's came along with Mattie, who opted to remain with her 'grandparents', all were introduced to the retired Captain. Silence settled over them once Joseph was called away to see his new granddaughter, leaving them still waiting.
Josh came down the corridor a litter later, his uniform was rumpled and he had a silly grin on his face.
They all stood, aguishly wanting to know.
"He's beautiful, six pounds. Brown hair and blue eyes," he reported. "Mac is fine, a little sore, they're settling her in a room now."
"Did they decide on a name or are we going to call him baby Rabb?" Harriet asked him, grinning.
"Ashley," he answered grinning still amazed by it all.
"Ashley Harmon Rabb." Mattie filled in, excitedly.
Frank gave his wife a hug. "Congratulations grandma."
She playfully smacked him. "Watch it grandpa," she smirked and they laughed. "Harm is going to be so disappointed he missed it, and we have to ring Sergei and let Kat know."
"I'll do it as soon as I get back to the office, Mrs. Burnett." AJ told her.
"Thank you Admiral."
"As for the Captain, I think once he sees his son, he'll forget all about missing the birth."
"Commander?" The young nurse who'd taken the bag from Bud, came up to Josh. "Sir, the Colonel is settled and waiting for you all."
"Thank you Lieutenant."
"This way sir," she guided them to the room, letting them all go in.
Sarah was sitting up leaning against her pillows, her son in her arms. Mattie perched on the bed next to her to get a close look at her baby brother. "He's so cute."
Trish gave her daughter-in-law a gentle hug, being careful of the baby. "He's beautiful, Sarah."
"He is adorable, Mac," Meredith agreed.
"Thank you Meredith," she said, then addressed her CO. "Sir, I'm sorry about the meeting," Sarah apologized.
"Darlin' I'm not, you got me out of a meeting with the SecNav," he dismissed.
"She got me out of a meeting with the Vice President," Josh bragged.
"Oh Josh, I'm sorry,"
"Don't be, how do you think I got here so quickly. As soon as he found out you were in labor and Captain Rabb ordered me to be with you through the delivery if he couldn't. He had me on a helio and at Bethesda before I could even think."
"The main thing is Ashley is fine," Frank declared. "And so are you."
She nodded and looked to the Admiral. "And Harm, do you know if he's on his way?"
"Captain Garrett was going to do all he could."
"Thank you, Admiral," she said hoping Harm would be there soon. She had a feeling he would, so she didn't mind making the next announcement without him. "Admiral, would you like to hold your grandson sir?"
He was confused. "Grandson?"
"Harm and I decided, since my father isn't alive, we'd like you and Meredith to be Ashley's other grandparents."
"We'd be honored, sweetheart," Meredith accepted.
"We certainly are darlin'," he said eagerly moving closer.
She laid the newborn in his arms and settled back into against the pillows, smiling tiredly as the Admiral stepped back.
"Harm is going to be so proud, Sarah," Trish told her.
"They've probably got him on the Cod as we speak," Bud declared.
Mattie had been thinking the same thing. "Or he's probably borrow a F-14 and is flying back here."
"Knowing Harm, anything is possible." Frank remarked and they all laughed.
"Sir, would you like me to go and ring Petty Officer Coates, so she can let everyone know?" Harriet suggested.
"Please Lieutenant, Coates has most likely worn a hole from pacing. Tell Commander Turner, everyone can secure early this afternoon so they may come and visit the Colonel."
"Yes sir," she said, and then hurried out.
Sundance One, on route to Norfolk NAS.
Harm forced himself to relax, if the damn Cod hadn't off chuck it's tailhook he'd be with Sarah right now instead of in a F-14 on the way to Norfolk. Not that he was flying either; the Skipper had ordered O'Reilly to fly him back. She was humming; he didn't recognizing the turn, so he listen to the words as she began sing softly:
"I'll paint my mood in shades of blue
Paint my soul to be with you
I'll sketch your lips in shaded tones
Draw your mouth to my own
I'll draw your arms around my waist
Then all your doubt I shall erase
I'll paint the rain the softly lands
On your wind-blown hair
I'll trace a hand to wipe out your tears
A look to calm your fears
A silhouette of dark and light
While we hold each other oh so tight
I'll paint a sun to warm your heart
Swearing that we'll never part
That's the color of my love
I'll paint the truth
Show how I feel
Try to make you completely real
I'll use a brush so light and fine
To draw you close and make you mine
I'll paint a sun to warm your heart
Swearing that we'll never part
That's the color of my love
I'll draw the years all passing by
So much to learn so much to try
And with this ring our lives will start
Swearing that we'll never part
I offer what you cannot buy
Devoted love until we die
That's the color of my love."
She stopped, glancing in the mirror, realizing he was watching her; she blushed.
"Where did you lean that? It was beautiful?" He asked her.
"I found it one night on the Internet; and put it to music," she admitted, blushing still. "I thought you might like it."
"It was beautiful, Kat, thank you."
"You're welcome sir."
The radio crackled to life. "Tomcat zero, zero, zero, this is NSA Norfolk."
"NSA Norfolk, this is Tomcat zero, zero, zero," Harm responded.
"Sir, I have a message from Admiral Chegwidden," the controller announced. "He said to tell you to hurry up and get your six home, your wife and son are waiting to see you. Congratulations sir."
A son. He had a son. He gave out of his daze. "Thank you, NSA Norfolk."
"You're welcome sir."
Up front, Katherine whooped happily and sent the Tomcat into a roll, straightening out as both she and the Cag laughed happily.
"Hey Phantom?"
"Yeah Cag."
"Sarah and I discussed it and we'd like you to be Ashley's godmother."
She smiled, tears of happiness welled in her eyes. "I'd be honored sir."
"Well Kat, your family. Even my mum and Frank think so."
"I think of them as family too, Cag," she acknowledged, grinning as she glanced in the mirror. "Now lets get you home to see your son."
"I'm for that, Phantom," he agreed.
When they landed at NAS Norfolk, they were ushered straight to a waiting helio, not even given the chance to change. The helio took off as soon as they were on board.
"Complacence of Admiral Chegwidden!" The Ensign on board yelled to them and they both nodded.
The helio flew directly to Bethesda Naval Hospital, being given permission to land. A Marine Corporal, who took their helmets and flight gear, before giving them the floor and room number of Colonel Rabb, ushered them inside. Harm took off with Katherine behind him, finding the nearest elevator, they took it to the right floor, and then found the correct room number, going in. The room was quiet, the lights had been dimmed, on the bed before them, Sarah Rabb was asleep.
"About time you got here, Captain," a Commanding voice said quietly.
Harm saw the Admiral stand from where he was seated in the chair near the bed. "Sir," he acknowledged.
"Relax Harm and come meet your son,"
It was then Harm realized the Admiral had the baby cradled in his arms. He went closer and let the baby be placed in his arms. "He's so small."
AJ chuckled softly. "They all are at this stage, Harm."
Katherine moved closer to the Cag, looking at her newest godson. "He's gorgeous, sir."
"Yes he is," a tired voice said.
"Sarah," Harm gentle lay his son in Katherine's arms and went over to his wife, perching on the bed he drew her into his arms. "I'm sorry I'm late sweetheart."
"It's all right, the Admiral explained," she forgave. "You're here now."
"There's no where else I'd rather be sweet thing," he said tenderly. "I love you Sarah."
"I love you too, Harm."
AJ glanced at O'Reilly. "Lt. Commander, you look like you could do with some coffee."
"I could sir," she agreed and gentle transferred the newborn back into his father's arms. "Congratulations, Ma'am."
"Thank you, Kat."
She nodded and followed the Admiral out.
Sarah looked at her husband, the love evident on his face and in his eyes. Now life was perfect.
To be continued… (My cousin, wrote the poem 'Color of my love', she also helped me set up my web page. So this is my thank you to her. I also went back and adjusted chapters 16 and 19 so everything fits together now thanks to the information Fozzy bear gave me. AS)