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:
Winjan: The song was written by my cousin, I thought it was really nice so I used it. To answer your question, Harm switched form the Cod to the Tomcat; because it lost it's tailhook and couldn't land. That was what I meant when I wrote it chucked its tailhook.
Random: Peaky, peaky. Hey we all make mistakes.
TomcatGM: Life is always complicated when it comes to Harmon Rabb, no need to stop now. Ha, ha.
Mary Kate113: It was cute wasn't it? Thanks enjoy.
Starryeyes10: Thanks.
Moving OnChapter Twenty-one: And baby makes four
Chegwidden's Residence
MacLean, Virginia
Meredith Chegwidden chuckled to herself as her husband came into the kitchen, he looked worse for wear then the two aviators he'd brought home with him. "Good morning," she greeted happily.
AJ groaned. "It is?"
"Yes," she giggled and handed him a cup of coffee. "Jack O'Reilly had your car ferried back earlier, Harm and Kat are on the pouch recovering."
He groaned again and sat on a stool, sipping his coffee. "Next time Rabb has a baby, I'm going on leave."
Meredith chuckled. "It was your idea to go for a few drinks, AJ."
"I know, but they're younger and can handle it better," he moaned. "Either that or I'm getting old."
She smiled and kissed the top of his head. "You're getting old dear."
"Thanks so much, darlin."
Patting his shoulder she went past him into the laundry, getting the clothes from the dryer. She's insisted Harm and Kat give her their clothing and she'd wash, after all they didn't have a change clothes with them. She folded the underclothing and quickly pressed the two flight suites. Carrying everything back into the kitchen. Harm and Kat were seated with her husband, she'd given them the matching bathrobes she and AJ had been given as a wedding present to wear.
"How are you two feeling now?" She asked, smiling warmly.
"Better Ma'am, the aspirin helped." Kat acknowledged.
"None of that Ma'am business young lady; just call me Meredith."
"Yes Ma'am."
Meredith knew she was being teased; she put the clothing on the counter. "Go and get dressed Lt. Commander, Captain, while I make breakfast."
All three looked pale. "We'll pass thanks Meredith," Harm insisted. "I don't think I could take breakfast."
"Neither could I." Kat agreed.
"They've made a good case," AJ agreed. "Besides I have to get to the office, then arrange to get these two back to Norfolk."
"Then hop to it Admiral."
"Yes Ma'am," he jeered.
Harm and Katherine chuckled, but stopped when they saw the Admiral frown. "We'll get dressed." They decided.
"Good idea."
Grabbing their clothing they hurried out of the kitchen.
Meredith chuckled. "Sarah is going to have her hands full with a new baby and Harm."
"She's a Marine, she can handle them both." He finished his coffee and stood. "Are you going to see Mac today?"
"This morning before class."
"Say hello for me and give our grandson a kiss."
"I will."
He smiled and went to get dressed, when he returned both Harm and Katherine were dressed and ready to go. "Lets move people."
"Yes sir."
"Thank you for letting us stay, Meredith." Harm thanked.
"You're quite welcome, Harm," she assured and hugged him. "You're family remember and family look after family."
"Thank you anyway."
She smiled and then gave Katherine a hug too, surprising the young woman. "Your family too, Kat. Don't forget that."
"I won't Ma'am," she said a little embarrassed. "Thank you."
"You're welcome."
AJ kissed his wife, then grabbed his briefcase and cover. "Lets move," he insisted and they didn't argue.
When they arrived at JAG headquarters, no one took any notice of the two officers in flight suites with the Admiral. Not that it was an everyday occurrence; still both wore visitor's badgers and were chatting happily with the Admiral.
Lt. Bud Roberts was talking with Ensign Tiner when they walked in. "Morning Admiral, Sir, Ma'am."
"Morning Lieutenant, Ensign," they greeted.
Bud took an envelop from underneath the file he was holding. "Captain, I took the liberty of printing these out for you."
Harm took the envelope. "What are they?"
"Photo's of baby Ashley, I though you'd like to show them around the Tyco."
"Thanks Bud."
"You're welcome sir."
Before anyone else could comment, they all chuckled as Katherine's stomach rumbled. "Sorry sir," she apologized. "I guess my appetite is coming back."
AJ felt envious, his wasn't. "Go check out the break room, Lt. Commander. I'll have Coates put in a call to the Tyco and Captain Garrett."
"Thank you sir."
"I'll come with you, Kat," Harm told her and with a nod from the Admiral they wandered off.
Shaking his head, AJ continued to his office, informing PO Coates what he wanted. By the time he was settled behind his desk, the call was ready to be taken. He put it on the speaker. "Good morning, Skipper."
"Good morning, Admiral. Are the Cag and Phantom behaving themselves?"
"Other then the fact they drank me under the table last night, yes," the Admiral remarked. "They're at this moment raiding my break room for food."
"Well they're aviators, they have cast iron stomachs," Garrett stated chuckling. "So Admiral what did the Colonel have, I need to settle the air wing baby pool?"
"A boy, Ashley Harmon Rabb, six pounds exactly. Looks like the Cag according to the proud grandmother."
Captain Garrett laughed. "I'll let everyone know."
In the break room, Katherine was making coffee to go with the breakfast bars they'd found. Turning she found the Cag staring into space, he'd been looking at the photo's Bud had printed out. "Cag?" When he didn't answer she went closer. "Cag…Hammer."
Harm blinked. "Sorry Kat, I was just thinking."
"About Ashley?"
He nodded. "It's all so…" his voice faded.
"Real," she finished.
"Yes," he looked once more at the photos in his hand. "What kind of father am I going to be Kat? I lost mine so early and then when Frank came a long I gave him such a hard time."
"You're going to be a great father, you are with Mattie."
"Mattie's a teenager, not a newborn."
Sighing she took the photos from his hands and left them on the counter. "Cag, you're going to be a great father because it comes natural to you. You feel with your instincts and act on them, just like you do with the squadron."
"The squadron isn't a bunch of children, Kat."
"Aren't we, we were so eager to please when you first arrived? So much we tried too hard, but you sat us down and told us what you expected. You're there if we need advice or just to talk. You encouraged us to be the best we can be. You're the big brother we all need and at times the father we all need. Even to me."
He laughed a little. "I'm not old enough to have a twenty-eight year old daughter, Kat."
She grinned. "No, but you were there when I needed you and you're always there when any of us needs you. That's what any child needs, a father who will be there to answer questions, to be a friend as well as a dad."
"I can't do that at sea."
"You're not always at sea."
"But I am at Norfolk a lot, Sarah is here."
Smiling, Katherine hugged him. "Whether you're here or at Norfolk, you'll always be in your son's life."
He wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. "Thanks Kat."
"You're welcome sir," she stepped back, still smiling. "That's what friends are for."
"That's what family is for," he corrected her. "Come on, lets take the Admiral a cup of coffee, I think he'll need it by now."
"Good idea, sir," she agreed.
AJ had just hung up from Norfolk NAS when the two aviators he's been discussing came in. "I have a ride for you two to Norfolk and your F-14 is being prepped as we speak," he informed.
Harm handed his former CO the coffee. "When do we leave, sir?"
"The helio should be here in twenty, unfortunately Captain Garrett wants you both back ASAP or I'd send you to Bethesda first to see Mac and the baby."
Both had sat down on his assistance. "I'm sure Sarah understands, sir," Harm told him.
"Of that I have no doubt," he addressed Katherine who was munching on a breakfast bar. "Lt. Commander, it seems you coursed quite a stir during the combat exercise. So much that the Raptors are demanding your return to get even."
She swallowed her food before laughing quietly. "I believe its Tuna – Lt. Commander Medwick who wants the chance to get even, sir. He hasn't forgiven us for switching tactic."
"Oh?"
"Phantom and Hades have been flying aggressive tactic's during the exercise, flying high, or low, then suddenly appearing to take the shot, then head high or low again," Harm explained. "Except when she swooped places with me. The Raptors were leaked that Kat had remained onboard due to an ear infection, when in fact she took my place, wore my helmet and flew my F-14."
AJ laughed. "And I suppose they didn't know what hit them?"
"No sir they didn't," she agreed.
He shook his head laughing. "Young lady you're getting more like Harm, then anyone knows."
"Thank you sir," she said proudly.
Harm couldn't help but laugh as he put his coffee cup on the Admiral's desk.
The intercom buzzed and the Admiral hit the talk button. "Yes Coates."
"Sir, Mr. and Mrs. Burnett are here."
"Send them in Coates."
"Aye sir."
Harm got to his feet as his mother and stepfather came in, he was hugged by both of them. "What are you doing here?"
"Well, we rang Meredith this morning to find out if you two were alright and she told us you'd survived and were here," his mother explained. "So we thought we'd try and catch you before you both left."
"I hope we're not interrupting, Admiral." Frank stated.
"Not at all."
Katherine had put her cup down and stood, joining the Cag and his parents. Trish gave her a hug, Sarah had told her what had happened between the young aviator and Sergei.
"You look tired, honey."
"I am a little but I'll be fine." Katherine assured.
They heard the approaching helio. "That will be your ride," the Admiral announced.
"Thank you for everything Admiral," Harm said shaking his hand.
"Any time Cag."
"We'll walk you out, son," Frank offered.
"Thanks Dad."
Bidding the Admiral goodbye they left, in the elevator Trish looked at the photos Bud had printed out, deciding she was going to have a chat with the Lieutenant to get copies for herself.
The helio was landing in the deserted car park as Harm grabbed his and Katherine's flight gear. He gave hers to her.
Trish gave her son another hug. "Be careful, Harm."
"I will Mum, I have a lot to come home too."
"You certainly do."
She then hugged Katherine. "That goes for you too, young lady."
"Yes Ma'am," she said with a grin.
"We have to go, Mum." Harm informed, seeing the helio crewman gesturing them over.
Trish nodded, letting them leave. Feeling her husband slip his arm around her shoulders as they boarded the helio and it took off, both Harm and Katherine waved as they left.
"They'll be fine, Trish," Frank reassured.
She forced a smile, pushing the dread down deep that she'd starting feeling since her son had announced his return to flying.
On arrival at Norfolk NAS, they were driven to the squad room where they used the facilities before pulling on their flight gear. Ensign Gavin came in and handed O'Reilly an envelope. "This came for you this morning Ma'am."
"Thanks Corde," she said as they left the locker room. She opened the envelope and removed the papers inside, reading them over."
"Everything all right?" Harm asked as they followed Gavin out to the hummer.
"Yeah, everything is fine sir," she gave refolded the papers and put them back inside the envelope. "When my grandfather died I received a large sum of money, which Uncle Jack insisted I put into the bank in a trust account. I also invested the money I got from the Navy after Dad was reported MIA, the benefits stopped when I was eighteen so I used some of the money to buy the Vette and fix it up," she paused as they climbed into the hummer, Ensign Gavin was driving them out to the tarmac. "I also used some of it to buy the apartment and the building."
"Wait, you bought the building?"
She nodded. "It's a good investment."
"That must of made a hole in your account?"
Katherine shrugged. "It was a good investment," she dismissed. "Uncle Jack is looking after it and I trust him."
At the tarmac they said goodbye to Ensign Gavin, put their helmets on and climbed aboard the F-14, this time through Harm took the front seat. Secured the ground crew moved out of the way as he lowered the canopy, igniting the engines before quickly going through the checklist, being ready to fly.
Katherine called it in. "Norfolk tower, this Tomcat zero, zero, zero, requesting clearance to take off."
"Tomcat zero, zero, zero, you're cleared on run way two."
"Rodger Norfolk tower," she acknowledged, then teased the Cag. "Lets move it, Hammer."
"Just remember who had the eagles, Phantom," he jeered.
She chuckled, sitting back and enjoying the ride as he got them into the air and on course. "Norfolk tower, this is Tomcat zero, zero, zero. We're on course for the USS Ticonderoga."
"Tomcat zero, zero, zero, you have clear skies. Switch to Washington center."
"Acknowledged," she switched frequencies. "Washington Center, this is Navy Tomcat zero, zero, zero, on route to USS Ticonderoga."
"Rodger Navy zero, zero, zero. We have you on radar, remain on this frequency and heading."
"Acknowledged," she checked both the frequency and radar, seeing both were fine. "Cag."
"Yeah, Phantom."
"I lied before."
"About what?" He glanced at her reflection in the mirror."
"Buying the building didn't make a hole in my account."
He looked at her confused. "So just how much do you have in it?"
"Enough that I could quite the Navy tomorrow and never have to work again."
That surprised him a great deal. "You're kidding?"
"No."
He started to laugh. "I wouldn't let that bit of information out if I were you."
"I don't intend to say anything sir," Katherine declared. "It'll be our secret."
"You've got that right."
She laughed as a thought that popped into her head. "You could say my admirer wants to marry me for my money."
"Hell Phantom, if I wasn't already married, I'd marry you for your money," he joked.
"You couldn't handle me, Hammer," she teased him. "I'm a Naval Aviator, not a Marine lawyer."
He laughed harder. "I wouldn't let my wife hear you say that."
"I won't tell her if you won't."
"Not a chance." Harm remarked and they both laughed.
USS Ticonderoga
Somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean
Captain Rabb and Lt. Commander O'Reilly came onto the bridge, standing at attention.
Captain Garrett turned, smiling. "At easy," he ordered. "Welcome back Cag, Phantom."
"Thank you sir," both responded.
"So where are the pictures?"
Harm chuckled and took the photo's Bud had given him from the pocket of his flight suite, showing the Skipper. "Both mother and baby are fine, sir."
"Excellent," he looked at the photo's. "He's your son all right, Cag. Damn handsome."
Katherine smiled. "And has his mother wrapped around his finger all ready sir."
Garrett handed the photo's back. "Well we'll get this exercise finished so you can get back to them, Cag."
"I'd appreciate that sir."
"Captain who won the baby pool?" Katherine asked.
"I believe you and Piper did, Phantom. Much to Major Leslies disgust."
She laughed. "Thank you sir."
"Get going the air wing is waiting for a full report on the newest Rabb."
"Aye, aye, sir," both said, then turned and left the bridge. Finding everyone had gathered in the wardroom, the photo's were past around and everyone congratulated the Cag.
"So where is the proud Papa?" A voice behind them asked.
Harm turned to find Lt. Commander Medwick and Lt. Commander Elisabeth Hawks. "Tuna, Skates. What are you guys doing here?"
Both hugged him, congratulating him on becoming a father. "Well we couldn't let you just sneak back aboard without congratulating you and giving you this," Medwick stated.
Hawks handed Harm a wrapped package. "It's nothing fancy, just something for the baby from us Raptors."
"Thanks guys."
Medwick addressed the young aviator standing next to the Cag. "You must be Phantom?"
"Yes sir, Lt. Commander Katherine O'Reilly," she introduced herself, shaking his hand.
"You're a hand person to kill, Phantom."
"Thank you sir," she said grinning.
Hawks also shook her hand. "I also believe you've joined the club," she stated and saw the curious look. "Of people to have ejected out of an aircraft with Hammer."
"Oh," she chuckled. "Yes Ma'am. Over Baghdad."
"The Atlantic," Hawks supplied, then jabbed a thumb at Harm. "His wife was with him, when they bailed out in Russia."
"It's been an adventure with the Cag, Ma'am."
"With Hammer, life is always an adventure." Medwick teased.
"Thanks guys," Harm grumbled and everyone laughed.
Rabb's Residence
Alexandria, Virginia
(Three Weeks later)
Harm went into the nursery; he'd woken up hearing crying. Beside him Sarah had groaned and mumbled about having just gotten back to bed. He told her he'd go and gotten out of bed, wandering sleepily into the nursery.
He gentle lifted his son from his crib. "Hey little man," he said quietly. "You should be asleep, you've been feed, your dry." The baby stopped crying, content in his father's arms. "Just wanted some company huh." He mussed and left the nursery, taking his son with him down to the lounge, setting on the couch. "You better not get to use to this, your mum might not like it."
Baby Ashley looked up at his father with bright blue eyes, making his father swear he knew exactly what he was talking about.
When Sarah came down the next morning, she found Harm curled up on the couch with Ashley snug against him, safe in his father's arms asleep.
Mattie came up beside her and smiled, she quickly went and got the digital camera. Grinning as she walked quietly around to the front of the couch and took a photo of them.
Sarah chuckled and gestured her into the kitchen. "We'll have to down load that one and send a copy to his mum."
"I'll do it late and email a copy to her, she'll love it." Mattie insisted.
"Just don't let Harm see it just yet."
"I won't," she giggled.
A few minutes later Harm came in mines his son; he saw his wife's questioning look. "I put him back up in his crib, he was still asleep."
"I'll check on him later," Sarah told him, and slipped into his arms. "Morning."
He kissed her. "Morning beautiful."
Mattie groaned and rolled her eyes. "Get a room."
"Maybe later," Sarah smirked. "You can baby sit while we do."
The teenager groaned again. "I walked into that one."
"Yes you did, smarty," Harm smirked. "I'm going to go take a quick shower, then I'll get breakfast for us all."
"I'll check on Ashley then," his wife announced and went with him. She found he was still asleep and slipped in for a shower too, by the time they got out and dressed he was awake and ready for a feed.
Harm watch for a moment as his son suckled at Sarah's breast, it was a beautiful sight. He smiled and headed down to the kitchen to start breakfast.
Mattie was dressed and seated at the counter. "When do you have to go back to work?"
"Not for another two weeks, why tied of me all ready?"
"No, just asking."
He lent on the counter. "Out with it Mattie?"
She shrugged and smiled. "Could we go flying?"
Chuckling he straightened. "Sure we can."
"Great. What about now?"
"Breakfast first, then we'll talk to Sarah and see what she says."
"All right."
Harm had breakfast ready and on the table when the phone rang, Sarah was coming down the stairs, Ashley in her arms. "I'll get it?" He told her and answered it. "Rabb."
"Morning darling how's my grandson?"
"He's fine mum," he answered with a warm smile.
"Grandma Sarah rang last night and wanted to know when you're going out to the farm to see her?"
"I'm not sure Mum, I'm on leave so it'll be soon."
"Well don't keep her waiting."
"I won't mum,"
"All right son, I just thought I'd let you know."
"I'll give her a ring Mum."
"Okay, Harm, love to Sarah and Mattie and give my grandson a kiss."
"I will Mum," he assured. "Bye."
"Bye darling."
He hung up. "Grams rang Mum, she wanted to know when we were going out to the farm to see her."
"Why don't we drive out this morning?" Sarah suggested.
"I promised Mattie I'd take her flying."
"I'm sure she want mind."
"What won't I mind?" Mattie asked as she walked in.
"If we go out to Grams' farm instead of going flying," Harm announced. "We can go flying when we get back."
"Sure," she agreed. "But you owe me."
He laughed. "I'll make it up to you squirt."
"Sure you will," she grumbled, and then headed back to the kitchen.
Sarah laughed. "She takes after you," she smirked.
Harm sighed. "I know," he mused. "Which means Grams is going to love her."
"Oh yeah," his wife agreed whole-heartedly.
To be continued…
(This chapter was written a little quick, so please forgive me for any mistakes, the computer has done it's best. I am warning you, Moving On is coming to an end. I'm just trying to think of a good ending to finish it, so say tuned.)