A/N: Ok….this one is a long one to follow up the short one. I just kinda got carried away in it because it was so much fun to write and read. I'm hoping you'll all agree with me when you've finished this chapter. Oh and I'm glad you all enjoyed the last one.

Chapter 18

USS Patrick Henry
Thursday June 17, 2004
0706 Zulu

"CAG on the bridge!" Harm smiled when he heard that. He'd missed it over the last week and didn't realize it until just that moment.

"What can I do for you Skipper?" Harm asked with a smile.

"You're in a good mood this morning CAG." Captain Ingles said with an arched eyebrow.

"Uh yeah sir, I guess I am."

"You're going to be late CAG."

"Late sir?"

"Well I'd assumed you'd want to be part of the escort for the Cod. You know that we've stepped up our alert level…all outgoing flights are to be escorted…I believe that was one of your orders Commander?"

"It was sir." Harm said.

"Well then Commander, you're going to be late. Your RIO is already on the flight deck waiting for you, and the Cod takes off in…" Captain Ingles looked at the digital time display on the bulkhead. "Five minutes."

With a smile Harm came to attention. "Aye aye sir. Permission to be excused sir?"

"Have a good flight CAG, see you when you get back."

"Aye aye sir."

Harm literally flew through the passageways and down the stairwells to get to the ready room. Throwing open his locker he grabbed his protective vest and helmet. Trying to pull on his vest and helmet at the same time as trying to navigate the short corridor to the flight deck however was not conducive to arriving in one piece Harm found out when he ran straight into a closed hatch. Cursing quietly to himself he threw open the hatch and ran onto the flight deck. Skates was already in the backseat and his plane captain was already waiting to begin the launch procedures.

"All set to go CAG. Have a good flight sir." The plane captain said with a smile at the sight of the CAG still trying to get everything squared away.

His feet hardly touching the ladder Harm found himself in the front seat. Once settled he glanced in the mirror to see the huge smile on Skates' face.

"Something funny Skates?"

"Uhh…no sir. Just damn glad to be home is all."

"Amen to that Skates. Preflight…" Harm said as he began to run down the preflight checklist. When they were complete he punched the button to lower the canopy and snapped off a salute to the plane captain.

Pushed back into his seat as the cat threw them off the deck Harm couldn't help but shout out loud with pure joy. Laughing he looked in the mirror to see the smile still on Skates' face. "Welcome home Skates. Welcome home."

"You too CAG."

Glancing over his wing Harm saw the other Tomcat in the element form up close on his four o'clock.

"Mornin Tuna."

"Morning CAG…thought you were gonna miss your flight. We were making bets on how long you'd sleep."

"This old man still has a few miles left in him Tuna…just you watch."

"Aye aye CAG."

"Funny thing is CAG…your Marine almost missed her flight too." Skates said innocently. Harm chose to ignore his smart ass RIO for a change.

"Kingfisher this is Raptor 1 coming up on your four o'clock, over." Skates made the initial transmission to the Cod.

"Raptor 1, this is Kingfisher. Good to have you with us."

"Good to be here Kingfisher." Harm said as he gave a little more throttle to the Tomcat and pushed out in front of the Cod. With a quick snap of his wrist Harm threw the Tomcat into a smooth snap roll and then leveled out while still ahead of the Cod. Still laughing at the sheer joy of the moment Harm called to Skates "Call off the distance Skates."

"100 meters"

"200 meters"

"350 meters"

"Here we go!" Harm called and then yanked back on the stick to begin a steep climb. As they pushed through the top of the loop Harm could hear Tuna's laughter over the radio. Coming level again Harm once more took up his position on the Cod's wing.

"Uhh….Raptor 1…everything alright?" Kingfisher asked.

"Just enjoying the morning Kingfisher." Harm said with a smile.

"Uhh…roger that Raptor 1. Kingfisher out."

"Raptor 1 this is Henry Control…do you have a situation?"

"Negative Henry Control, just reacquainting my RIO with G-force." Harm said with a wink to the mirror.

"Roger Raptor 1. I have a message from the Captain. Message is as follows 'You are reminded CAG that you are a naval aviator and should act accordingly.' Message complete sir."

Sill laughing Harm said "Message received. Raptor 1 out."

"Raptor 1 this is Kingfisher. We are making course for Al Basrah."

"Roger Kingfisher…we're with you until we can hand you over to the zoomies." Harm said into the radio.

For the next twenty minutes Harm and Skates chatted back and forth with Tuna and his RIO Judge to take the boredom out of flying at slower than normal speeds babysitting the 'big fish' as Tuna called it. Just as the coast hove into view on the horizon Kingfisher said "Raptor 1, we have a contact six miles out bearing 340. Please confirm."

"Roger Kingfisher, we confirm. Two bogies CAG." Skates replied.

"IFF?" Harm asked Skates.

"Negative CAG. MIGs"

Snapping his mask into place Harm keyed his mic. "Henry Control this is Raptor 1. We have possible hostiles inbound, requesting permission to investigate."

"Raptor 1, this is Henry Control. Permission granted. Go on out and take a look."

"Roger Henry Control. Raptor 1 Out. Kingfisher…we're going to go look up their skirts. Tuna, tight on my wing, combat spread."

"Roger Raptor 1. Good luck." Kingfisher replied.

"I'm with you like a smart kid on a library card CAG."

"Come again Tuna?"

"You know what I mean CAG."

"Sure. Tally Ho!" Harm called as he opened up the throttle and pushed the Tomcat into a gentle climb to gain altitude.

As they got closer to the targets the RIOs called off the distance. When they were a mile out Harm opened up his mic. "Unknown aircraft, this is Raptor 1 from the USS Patrick Henry. You are approaching an unarmed transport aircraft. Please state your intentions."

Silently the four aviators waited to hear from the approaching MIGs.

"I repeat, state your intentions or you will be forced from the area." Harm said.

Suddenly the klaxons rang out as Skates called "They're working on a lock CAG."

"Henry Control we have hostile action from unknown bogies. Request instructions."

"You are weapons free CAG. Protect the Cod."

"You don't have to tell me twice Henry. Weapons free!" Harm called as he turned his master arm switch off of safe.

"Last warning guys…we're here to play hardball."

Suddenly the klaxon became a single long shrill tone. "They have lock CAG!" Skates called.

"Tuna, you take right." Harm called. Grinning like a mad man he opened up the throttle even more and blew through the middle of the two approaching MIGs before they could fire. Working the throttle and the stick at the same time he executed an S-Turn and was tight behind the left hand MIG. Pushing down on the trigger on his stick he fired a short burst from his cannon into the MIG. At the same time Tuna triggered his cannon at his target scoring hits along the side and the wing. Both MIGS began to spew thick black smoke and then both split apart and began to dive. When they had opened some room between them and the attacking Tomcats the two MIGS leveled out and turned back to race towards shore.

"Henry Control this is Raptor 1. Two bogies, bugging out."

"Good work Raptor 1, return to formation."

"Kingfisher, this is Raptor 1, we're heading back to you. Be there lickity split." Harm said with a smile. He didn't fight with Mac this morning, he had a hell of a dream last night, and he was flying again. He just topped that by tussling with a couple MIGs. Can't get much better than that.

Shortly the two Tomcats were back in formation with the Cod escorting them towards the rapidly approaching Iraqi coast.

"Henry Control this is Raptor 1, we are feet dry." Harm reported as they crossed over the coastline.

"Roger Raptor 1. Contact Al Basrah control for an Air Force hookup."

"Roger Henry Control. Al Basrah Control this is Navy Flight 110 entering your coverage. We could use a couple of your boys to walk our Cod down." Harm said reverting to the actual designator of his aircraft. Those zoomies were so stiff about call signs. Never had any fun.

"Navy Flight 110 this is Al Basrah control. Wait one."

Harm started whistling while they waited for the next few moments. Trust the zoomies to have to see if the sun was up before they allowed customers.

"Navy Flight 110 this is Al Basrah control. Negative on the request for escorts; we've got damage to the runway and can not put any birds in the air. We had a spot of rebel action last night."

"Al Basrah Control, Navy 110. Can we land?"

"Affirmative Navy 110. Landing isn't a problem, its getting up again that is."

"That's ok boys, we don't need a lot of runway." Harm said with a wink at Skates. He loved baiting zoomies.

"Whatever you say Navy 110."

"Henry Control this is Raptor 1. We're going to walk the Cod down, Air Force can't get any birds off the ground."

"Roger Raptor 1."

"Kingfisher, Raptor 1. Looks like you're stuck with us for the duration. Zoomies aren't out of bed yet."

"Roger Raptor 1…I have a message from the two star we have on board. You want it?"

How did Harm know Chegwidden would say something. "Sure, why not?"

"Message is as follows: 'Rabb! Do you want to go to Alaska?' Message complete."

"Roger Kingfisher, message received. Give the two star this message back 'Thought I wasn't your problem sir.'"

"Uhh…your transmission was garbled Raptor 1. No way I'm gonna talk back to a two star."

Harm laughed at the pilot of the Cod and his prudence. "How long until Al Basrah Mac?" Harm asked.

"'scuse me CAG?"

"What's up Skates?"

"You just called me Mac sir."

"I did?"

"You did CAG" Tuna piped up. Harm glanced over and could see his wingman laughing.

"Sorry Skates…"

"Its ok CAG…I'll take it as a compliment. Twenty minutes is the answer to your question." Skates answered knowing exactly who the CAG was thinking about. Maybe there was more to Tuna's theory that there was a connection between the Marine and the Pilot being late for their flights.

Fifteen minutes later Harm had the air station at Al Basrah in sight. The army had constructed a quick airbase for the Air Force when the Coalition Forces had taken the area from Hussien's troops. A simple two runway system was used, one for landing and one for take offs. Simple and easy to construct, it did have its limitations. Harm could see craters and smoking vehicles on the runway he assumed was for take offs. Someone had had some fun.

"Al Basrah Control this is Navy 110 on approach. We'll put the Cod down first and then follow them in."

"Roger Navy 110."

Easing back on the throttle Harm reduced speed so that the Cod would gain some distance as they made their approach. It would save on the amount of time he would have to fly in circles. As much as he loved flying, he didn't really enjoy circling airfields.

With the rising sun's light glinting off the metallic structure of the aircraft the Cod made a clean approach and was soon on the ground. As it was taxied off the runway Harm gave a thumbs up to Tuna through the canopy window.

"Take it on down Tuna. We'll be right behind you."

"You bet CAG."

As they waited for Tuna to land Skates asked "So, how long until we have to go back CAG?"

"Couple hours I suppose. We'll need to refuel, see what they can do about the runway. Worst comes to worst we can see if they'll let us take off of their open strip."

"Gonna say goodbye to your friends?"

"Didn't get the chance this morning, only seems right."

"You didn't say goodbye sir?" Skates said with a knowing tone in her voice.

"Look, Tuna's down." Harm said, glad that Skates couldn't see his blush. "Al Basrah Control this is Navy 110 requesting permission to land." Harm said glad for the chance to get away from Skates questioning.

"Navy 110, Al Basrah control, you are cleared to land."

"Roger, we'll be right down." Harm said as he nudged the stick forward to deepen his angle of approach.

"Too much runway." Harm said as they coasted to a stop just off the runway. Popping the canopy he pulled off his helmet as he saw three people walking towards the parked Tomcats.

"Looks like you'll get that chance to say goodbye sir."

"Shut up Skates."

"Aye aye CAG" Skates said with a smirk.

"RABB! What the hell do you think you were doing up there?" the Admiral bellowed as soon as Harm had his feet on the ground.

"Gas her up and do the windows. Check the oil while you're at it." Harm said to the crew chief that was standing by for instructions. Nodding the crew chief ran as fast as he could to get away from the man being yelled at by a two star Admiral.

"I was testing the combat readiness of my aircraft Admiral." Harm said after a moment's thought as he came to attention. Hidden by the Admiral's tall frame, Harm couldn't see the smiles that both Bud and Mac were not succeeding in hiding.

"The combat readiness of your aircraft?"

"Yes sir. And seeing as we hadn't been up in a week I thought I'd best reacquaint my RIO to g-forces Admiral." Harm said.

"Reacquaint your RIO with g-forces?"

'Aye aye Admiral." Harm said with a smile. "And if I may Admiral…the exercise apparently worked as we emerged victoriously from a glorious mid flight engagement."

"Glorious. Mid flight. Engagement." All this had become too much for the Admiral and he just started shaking his head. "Commander, are you perhaps considering making your billet permanent?"

"Admiral?" Harm asked somewhat confused.

"If you're going to continue to cause problems like this when you return to JAG at the end of this deployment, I'm not sure we can handle you." The Admiral said shaking his head. Suddenly he smiled his little smile at Harm. "Good job up there Rabb. Just try to cut down on the aerobatics next time."

"Aye aye sir." Harm forcing himself not to smile at the Admiral's praise.

"Oh stand at ease, all of you." The Admiral said to Harm and his wingman and their RIOs.

"Rabb, I'd like a word with you."

"Aye aye sir." Harm said as he fell in beside the Admiral.

"Son, I've known you what? Almost ten years now. I ended my career bailing you out."

"Admiral, I am truly sorry you had to come out here."

"I'm not."

"Sir?"

"Harm, I got to go out with one last fight. You think a SEAL wants to go quietly? You gave me that chance son. I'm sorry you had to do it, but I'm not sorry I got it." The Admiral said with what could only be described as a vicious grin. After a moment's silence he continued. "Some time ago before you deployed to the Henry I gave you some advice. Do you remember it?"

Nodding Harm looked back at where Mac and Bud stood chatting with Tuna, Skates and Judge. "I do sir."

"And what do you intend to do about it?"

"I don't think I can walk away sir. I've had the chance to do some thinking while I've been out here…and I just don't think I can sir."

"Then fight for her son. I appreciate you and her not wanting to contravene regulations, but I remember what it was like Harm. To feel alive when you woke up because someone loved you. The joy with which you face the day…the joy you apparently felt this morning?"

Blushing Harm looked up at the Admiral. "Sir, nothing has taken place between the Lieutenant Colonel and I."

"I think more than you think has 'taken place' between the two of you son, thing is neither one of you can bring yourselves to admit it. I'm going to ask you something Harm, and you think long and hard about how you answer it. Well maybe not long, we have to catch a Herc stateside as soon as they can get one off the ground. But think about it before you answer me. Do you want to return to JAG?"

Harm looked at the Admiral in shock. Why was he asking if he wanted to return to JAG? Didn't he think he should return to JAG? Suddenly it dawned on him…the Admiral was giving him an out with Mac. His transfer out of her chain of command could be arranged. "Sir, are you asking this for the reason I think you are?"

"Consider it my last gift to you and the Colonel if you want it."

Silently Harm looked around; at the Tomcats, at Tuna and Skates, at Bud and finally at Mac. "Admiral, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't tempted. I'm real tempted sir. But the thing is I've also been doing a lot of thinking about my career. I couldn't remain CAG on the Henry, they already have a posted CAG and he's going to be returning in a couple months. I don't think a carrier is where I belong anymore sir…it just took me some time to realize that."

"You realize that if you were stationed aboard a carrier you and the Colonel would be free to…consider other arrangements."

"I do sir." Harm could see the confusion in the older man's eyes. "I'm not saying I'm not going to try and get Mac to consider other arrangements as you put it sir…and we're going to have to find a way to not contravene the UCMJ obviously."

"But you are going to fight for her?"

"She needs me now more than ever sir, with Webb's death. She needs someone who cares for her sir."

"We all care for her son."

"Yes sir, and that will help until I return…but not in the way I think I can help her sir."

"So you wish to return to JAG?"

"To be honest sir, JAG doesn't feel quite right either…or at least it hasn't. I think Mac and I have taken steps towards getting back what we had before. That will go a long way towards making JAG feel like it did sir…but it will never be the same without you."

Nodding at Harm's words the Admiral put a hand on his shoulder. "Harm…never forget that you and Mac aren't the same people you used to be. You've both grown and changed…and the most recent changes you've both gone through have been away from each other. You'll never be able to have what you had before. You can't live in the past son…no matter how much you may want to."

"You have a point sir. I'm not sure exactly what's going to happen, but I'm going to fight for her sir."

"Good…its about damn time. And don't forget to send me an invitation to the wedding when you two finally get your heads out of your sixes."

"Aye aye Admiral." Harm said with a smile and a slight blush.

"So…you still aiming for the big chair?"

"I won't be there when its filled Admiral. Besides there are more senior officers than me who will be considered without my…colourful past."

"True Commander, very true. But I think you don't give your colourful past enough credit…it has gotten results where others wouldn't have. You never know what's going to happen. Maybe in a few years…"

"Sir, my twenty is up in a couple years."

"Thinking of retiring already Commander?"

"Its been something I've thought about often this year Admiral. Can't say I haven't considered it a lot with how uncomfortable things have been."

"Well son, you have a couple years left to make up your mind. And a lot can happen in a couple years. I'd best let you say good bye to Mac and Bud or I'll never hear the end of it from them."

"Aye aye sir." Harm said coming to attention. Slowly he brought his right hand up in a crisp salute. "Admiral Chegwidden. Although it hasn't always been easy sailing, it has been a distinct pleasure to serve under your command at JAG sir. I wish you the best in your retirement."

Returning Harm's salute the Admiral smiled at the younger man before him. "You've been a pain in my ass more times than I can remember Commander, but you're a hell of a lawyer, a hell of a pilot and a good man. You just need to make an honest woman out of that marine and you'll make me happy. It has been an honor to serve with you Commander. Now go say your good byes. You need to get back to your carrier."

As Harm started to walk back to where the small group of his friends stood in front of the Tomcats the Admiral called out "Oh and Harm…"

"Yes sir?" Harm asked turning around.

"My daughter and I are going to be touring all of the major league ball parks in the country this summer. Should I give her your best?" the Admiral asked knowing about the flirtation that Harm and his daughter had at times shared.

Smiling his 'flyboy' grin Harm nodded. "Yes sir. You can give Francesca my very best sir."

"I'll do that son."

Turning around Harm covered the rest of the distance to where his friends, lawyer and pilot, stood. It was then that he noticed Mac was wearing his flight jacket and he smiled at the sight. It would be nice to see her wearing nothing but his flight jacket, but maybe in time.

"You still in one piece?" Mac asked with a grin.

"I am actually. He just wanted to say good bye and give me some advice. Some good advice. He also wanted to know if he was to give Francesca any messages from me." Harm said with a grin.

Mac raised her eyebrow and look at him curiously. "And is he?"

"I told him to give her my best. Now…I think the two of you have a flight to catch and I need to take these ruffians home or Dad will ground us." Harm said. Stretching out his hand he took Bud's in a firm grasp and shook it. He then gave a small tug and pulled Bud into a back slapping hug. "Take care of yourself Bud, and give my love to Harriet and AJ." Stopping Harm remembered something, a promise he'd made. "Can you give AJ something for me Bud?"

"Certainly sir." Bud said with a smile.

"I know I told him I'd be home for his birthday, and I wasn't able to…and you also missed it Bud because of me…"

"Sir…"

"You did Bud, and so did Mac. I'm guessing this won't be one of his favorite birthdays because of that. But I also promised him a gift and I'm gonna make damn sure I come through for my godson on that one." Reaching up Harm worked his fingers behind the squadron patch on his flight suit. With a little working he managed to break through the seam and get his fingers behind it and with a sharp tug ripped it off. Turning he sprinted back to him Tomcat and quickly climbed the ladder. Reaching into the cockpit he rummaged around until he found the ballcap he'd jammed in there the last time he'd gone up. Pulling it out he dropped back down to the ground.

"I know its not much Bud, but could you give these to AJ for me? Tell him I'll bring him lots of other stuff back when I come home."

Smiling Bud took the patch and ballcap from Harm. "He'll love them sir. They're from his Uncle Harm. Oh sir! I got an email from Harriet this morning before we left. We're going to have twins!" Bug said with a big goofy grin on his face.

"Congratulations Bud! When are they due?"

"Late November we think."

"Good, I'll be around to spoil the newest Roberts members." Harm said with a smile. He loved spending time with Bud and Harriet and AJ, and two more would just make it that much better.

A discreet cough drew everyone's attention to an Air Force sergeant who had come upon them.

"Sirs, Ma'ams. The Admiral requests Lieutenant Colonel MacKenzie and Lieutenant Commander Roberts join him at their earliest convince. Commander, the refuel trucks will be here in fifteen minutes."

"Thank you Sergeant."

With a salute the sergeant turned crisply and made his way back across the tarmac.

"Good bye Bud. I'll see you soon."

"Yes sir. It'll be good to have you back."

Turning to Mac he noticed moisture gathering in her eyes again. Stepping up to her he used a thumb to lightly wipe the moisture from her eyes. "Hey marine." He said softly.

"Hey flyboy."

"You're going to miss your flight."

"They won't leave without me."

"You still need to go. I'll be home soon, and then you'll get sick of me again." Harm said with a big smile.

"Not a chance Harm." Mac said earnestly.

"Permission to hug the Lieutenant Colonel?" Harm asked with a little smile.

"Permission granted." Mac said with a tiny sob.

Harm wrapped his arms around her and pulled her in close. As he held her to him he brought his face to her hair to breath in as much of her scent as he could. Softly he placed his lips against her hair and gave her the tiniest of kisses.

"Its ok Sarah. I'll be back soon."

"I'll miss you." Mac admitted.

"Like an infected wound?" Harm asked with a smirk she could feel against her hair.

"Maybe a bit more." Mac answered with a smile. "Stay safe out there Harm. I can't lose you too….I just can't."

"I'll be ok Sarah. You and I need to discuss the anniversary we celebrated this year, and I need to be in one piece to do that." Harm said softly as he gave her one more squeeze and then stepped back. Running his hand down her arm he took her hand in his and then brought it up to his lips and lightly brushed a kiss across the tips of her fingers.

"Anniversary?" she dazedly asked.

"What time is it?" he asked tenderly.

"I don't know." Mac answered without realizing what she was saying.

Smirking Harm stepped back from Mac and looked at Bud and smiled. "I'll see you both soon, I promise."

"And Harmon Rabb keeps his promises." Mac mimicked with a smile.

"Now get, I don't need one more reaming out by the Admiral before he retires."

"Good bye Commander." Bud said with a salute.

"Bye." Mac said with a small wave as she backed away from him.

Silently Harm watched one of the men he admired most and the woman he loved walk across the tarmac. He and Mac had a lot to talk about when he got back.

"So when's the wedding?" Tuna asked innocently.

"Shut up Tuna."

"Aye aye CAG."