Title : Where The Sea Meets The Sky
Author : Jaggie 107
Disclaimer : JAG characters belong to DPB, CBS and Paramount. 'Sue Thomas, F.B.Eye' belongs to PAX TV - and I hope all parties will allow me to have fun for a little while, and replace them all when I'm done. Thank you. (I forgot to include a disclaimer for NCIS last chapter, so here it is now...I'll leave it in for the rest of the story; makes life easier when I need to 'borrow' Gibbs and his team!)
Rating : G to PG-13
Thanks go to cbw, jtbwriter, beegirl, katydid13, ninjaturtle, capriceann, starryeyes10, kirsten, soonerfan, another tracy, tomcat-all, lori4, carol, eliv.thade, alicia5, fragmentpieces, kesh, claysmvl, chicmns, skyefire, tammy-jet, abigale, kjflygirl87, anna7 and nikki for their reviews. As before, any reviewers I miss between posts will be added to the list for the next chapter!
Replies to previous chapter reviews :
nikki I enjoyed writing that 'steamy little chapter'! Thanks for your support and hope you enjoy reading more. I try with changing the scenes - doesn't do to have too much angst/duty all the time, even in times of crisis there are funny moments, and life goes on!
abigaile I like switching between couples here and there, keeps the ideas going. Thanks for the support. Keep reading!
jtbwriter I couldn't let Harm and Mac go without nookies, and Harm is 'inventive' sometimes! Pity I wrote the baby scene in beforehand - it would have been a great story for their grandkids!!! :o) I'll remember the word for Gibbs. Sorry to hear work's a pain, hope it improves! Thanks as always.
kjflygirl87 Updates have been a bit hit and miss this week - a bit like my car! Today it's sitting alone in some repair place waiting to be fixed. :o( 'Nuff about that - thanks so much for your review, and stay tuned, Bahrain is just around the corner! (Actually, from Saudi it is! A hop and a jump and we're in Bahrain for breakfast!)
ninjaturtle ;o) I couldn't resist that one! I've been watching taped re-runs of the first series and came across the scene on the COD, and thought it would go great in this story! Stay tuned for more!
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THE BRIDGE
USS SEA HAWK
SOMEWHERE IN THE INDIAN OCEAN
THURSDAY MORNING
"JAG on deck!" Sturgis and Mac, followed by Harm and Mattie, entered the hatch onto the bridge, and came to attention - even Mattie - to salute Captain Johnson.
The man in question rose from his seat and walked across to the three senior officers, and the young woman with them. As he approached he called 'at ease' and the four relaxed, with Mattie, being the youngest and possibly still the most irreverent, giving the captain of the ship a big wink.
If Johnson saw the wink, he chose to ignore it, but still the tilt of his lips at one side belied his seriousness that morning.
"Ensign Grace, I understand you are leaving us today."
"Yes, sir." Mattie spoke up clearly, eyes focused on a point over Johnson's shoulder.
"Have you enjoyed your stay on the Sea Hawk?"
"Oh, yes!" Mattie couldn't contain her enthusiasm, and smiles came to all on the bridge at her slip in 'decorum'. Quickly reasserting her 'Ensign' stance she spoke again. "Yes, sir, Captain Johnson. Thank you, sir."
"You're very welcome, and we look forward to seeing you on board the Sea Hawk in a few years, as Ensign Rabb. I trust this is what you would like to happen also?"
"Without a doubt, sir." Harm and Mac shared a glance at that one, and hid their smiles behind Sturgis. Mattie was surprised as the captain put out his hand to shake hers, and she took it in a surprisingly firm grip and returned the gesture.
"Now, I understand Lieutenant Jorgensen and the other squadron members that are not up flying this morning are all present and correct in the briefing room. If you'd like to make your way down there with Ensign Walters, we shall join you shortly."
"Yes, sir." Mattie nodded at Louise as she came to stand at attention beside Mattie.
"One more thing," Johnson added, and Mattie looked directly at him. "Mr Dunstan is still on board. He's leaving on the COD at the same time as you are. Commander Turner, Colonel Mackenzie, I trust you will keep the vulture away from Miss Grace?"
"Yes, sir." Mac and Sturgis acknowledged the request. Harm had already told Mac of Mattie's encounter with Dunstan the day before in the Officer's Mess, and since then Dunstan had spent every possible moment trying to get close to Mattie to talk to her. It had been difficult as practically every man and woman on board the carrier had been protective of Mattie, and had made sure she was never alone with the reporter. Mattie had found it fun to have her own 'escort' wherever she went, and thought it was 'cool', but at the same time she knew how persistent Dunstan could be, and Harm had warned her to be calm and polite, and give 'no comment' to the man.
"Very well. Miss Grace, if you would excuse us. As I said, we will join you shortly."
"Yes, sir." Mattie did a smart about-turn, grinned at Harm, Mac and Sturgis, and left the bridge with Louise.
The three senior officers remained, at ease, waiting for Captain Johnson to speak. He did so with little pause.
"The COD leaves this afternoon at 1500 hours. Captain Rabb, your flight will be right after the COD. The base in Bahrain have been advised of your arrival. Jorgensen will stay on base and return with the COD, as instructed before. You will ensure that the Colonel makes the COD on Saturday, and then you will bring the jet back."
"Yes, sir." Harm acknowledged.
"Commander Turner, it has been a pleasure to have you on board the Sea Hawk. I look forward to seeing you again sometime. Your work with Glennan to bring him up to date on JAG business has been excellent, and I'm sure he's going to prove to be an outstanding officer during his deployment. Have a safe trip back stateside, and give my regards to Admiral Chegwidden if you would."
"Of course, sir." Sturgis stood to attention and saluted.
"One last item. Have you spoken to the prisoner yet?"
"We are on our way after this meeting, sir." Harm spoke up for the three of them.
"Correction. You will delay that until after the small function in the briefing room. Now, if my capable First Officer will take the helm, I'll lead the way."
"Yes, sir."
As the First Officer assumed his duty, the four of them left the bridge. On entering the Briefing Room they were announced by the calling out of 'Captain on deck', and as Johnson waved his hand he called out 'at ease'. Mattie was stood with Jorgensen, and she made a move to go towards Harm and Mac, but Jorgensen stopped her with a shake of her head as Captain Johnson spoke again.
"This has been an interesting few days," he announced, to a round of laughter, and all eyes focused on Mattie, who smiled tentatively, searching for and finding Harm's gaze on her in reassurance. As he nodded silently at her the smile on her face strengthened. Mac sighed, realizing that Mattie even had his killer smile. It wasn't genetically Harm's smile, nor his father's, but it was still going to break hearts and make her a force to be reckoned with as she got older. Heck, never mind older, it was working now! If the expressions on the faces of some of the younger officers present were anything to go by, Mattie Grace Rabb-to-be was already breaking hearts. Coming back to the present moment, Mac felt Harm's arm rub against hers as they stood together. Lifting her head to look up at him she grinned, memories of the previous night coming to mind, and quickly being dismissed as they roused feelings unsuitable for the squadron briefing room! Harm winked at her, remembering also, and then they both returned their gazes to Mattie as Johnson said something else to her.
"You have certainly got Captain Rabb's enthusiasm for flying, Mattie, and I don't doubt that you also have his flair. It remains to be seen how you fly under your own steam, as and when that day comes." This was said tongue-in-cheek as there were many on board who believed Mattie had already been at the controls of the jet when she went up with Harm. Harm and Mattie had volunteered nothing in that regard when they had landed.
"I'm sure I'll enjoy flying for myself, sir, as much as I enjoyed being in the back seat." Mattie replied, confirming only that she was looking forward to being in the front seat of a jet in the not too distant future.
"I don't doubt that. Well, as I had the privilege of sanctioning this visit to the Sea Hawk, I also have the temporary sadness of waving you off stateside. It has been a pleasure, Mattie, and I hope this will cheer you up before you leave." As Johson spoke, a cake was brought into the room and placed on a nearby table. Mattie sucked in a breath at the decoration of a jet flying past a carrier, with the words 'Bon Voyage' iced on the top. Mattie's smile wobbled a little, but she held it together and said 'thank you' to all those in the room. If this was any indication, her actual departure later that day was definitely going to break out the waterworks! Before she could move to cut the cake, however, Jorgensen spoke up.
"If I could just say a few words, on behalf of the squadron?"
Mattie was surprised, and looked again to Harm for some support. He walked across the room to her and stood beside her, smiling down.
"It's okay, Mattie."
"Yeah, I just...I didn't expect any of this."
"Hey, kiddo, you've made an impression all your own this trip," Harm reassured her, adding quietly. "I'm very proud of you, Mattie."
"Thanks," she murmured, leaning in to Harm's side before returning her attention to Jorgensen and the others in the room.
"Mattie, as Captain Johnson said, it's been an interesting few days having you around the carrier. We," at this Jorgensen waved a hand around the room, "and the others that are still up, have been impressed with your adaptation to carrier life, and your obvious enjoyment. I guess having Captain Rabb around helps too!" At this everyone laughed again, and Mattie blushed a little. Jorgensen continued, and the laughter died a little.
"It's also obvious that you are determined to become a naval aviator, and so we have a little parting gift for you to use later on. Every pilot has one of these, and we don't see why you should be an exception, even if you're starting your uniform issue a little early." From behind her back Jorgensen produced a flight helmet, holding it out in front of her, her hand concealing the front of the helmet where the call sign was normally printed. "We have racked our brains thinking of a good call sign for you, Mattie. Unfortunately we can't call you 'Hammer' as Captain Rabb has that privilege, and so we thought of this..." as her hand came away from the printed call sign Mattie looked from the helmet to Jorgensen, the smile turning wobbly again.
"Deuce...?" Mattie whispered. Jorgensen nodded, and explained.
"We had a word with Harm, and he confirmed that one way or another you were going to become Mattie Rabb, so we figured that as there was going to be a second Rabb going through the Academy why not call you 'Rabb the second', or Deuce. It sounded better, and shorter. What do you think?"
"I think it's...cool!" Mattie broke into her usual grin, and Harm was the first to congratulate her, hugging her close and kissing the top of her head.
"Three cheers for Mattie," Jorgensen called out, and the cheers rang out loudly, bringing a few curious faces to the hatch of the briefing room. Then a call for a speech came from somewhere in the group of pilots. Mattie, holding tight to the flight helmet in her hands, nodded and stepped forward a little. Harm waited for her to find the words, and when she did he grinned widely. Matilda Grace would always have the ability to surprise him, no matter what. Her speech was brief, but heartfelt, and funny.
"They're never going to believe this at 'show and tell' in school!"
That broke everyone up, including Captain Johnson, and as he turned to leave the briefing room he spoke to Harm.
"Captain, I'm envious. Your life is certainly going to be different with Mattie around."
"It already is, sir. But I wouldn't have it any other way."
"Keep her safe, Harm." It was a short statement, but the words left unsaid were as meaningful, and Harm nodded, catching Mac's eyes as he turned his head.
"I will, sir. Thank you."
Before Captain Johnson left the briefing room the cake was cut and pieces handed around. Mattie was congratulated for a few minutes longer, and then duty intervened and everyone left to go about their business. Mattie was informed that the remainder of the cake would be bagged to travel with her, if she wanted, but she shook her head.
"I'd like to leave some for the guys who are flying, and share what's left, if that's okay?"
"That's fine, Mattie. Will do," the carrier's head chef nodded, picking up the cake tray and taking it away to the galley to do as Mattie asked.
Harm and Mac, and Sturgis, were still in the briefing room with Mattie, but she knew they had to go to the brig, so she turned back to face the three of them and grinned widely.
"So, 'Hammer', do I get to wear this when we're in Sarah?"
Harm laughed and shook his head. "You might be a bit overdressed in that, Mattie! If we were to do a roll over you'd fall out with the weight of the helmet! Keep it for the jets; it works better with high-g's. Doesn't feel as heavy."
"Yeah. I wish I was coming in the jet with you to Bahrain."
"I know. Unfortunately, I can't swing this flight for you, kiddo, and besides, Jorgensen was beginning to miss the back seat."
Mattie hugged the helmet to her, and all three adults came up to hug her, Harm's being the last and the longest, pulling her into his side as they left the briefing room and made their way back towards the brig and the crew quarters.
"Mac and I are going to be at the brig for a while, with Sturgis. Are you packed and ready for later?" Harm asked. Mattie nodded.
"I got most of my stuff sorted last night."
"Good. If you wouldn't mind staying in your cabin till we get back, it will keep you out of Dunstan's way..." Harm began, but Ensign Walters interrupted.
"Sir, if it's all right with you, Captain Johnson thought that Mattie might like to spend a little more time on the bridge. You can come there when you've finished in the brig."
"Okay with you, Mattie?" Harm had to ask, even though he already knew the answer, as Mattie's eyes sparkled and her grin widened. At the obvious acceptance, Harm turned back to Louise Walters. "I'd say that was a definite yes, Ensign. If you'd like to escort Mattie to the bridge, the Colonel and I will come by later. If Dunstan does try to bother you, let Captain Johnson know."
"Aye, sir. Thank you, Captain Rabb."
"Not a problem," replied Harm, and then grinned as he saw all three females giving the sign for 'no problem'. "Sue has a lot to answer for," he murmured, turning to walk away, with Mac grinning back at Mattie and Louise before she followed Harm and Sturgis.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To be continued
Author : Jaggie 107
Disclaimer : JAG characters belong to DPB, CBS and Paramount. 'Sue Thomas, F.B.Eye' belongs to PAX TV - and I hope all parties will allow me to have fun for a little while, and replace them all when I'm done. Thank you. (I forgot to include a disclaimer for NCIS last chapter, so here it is now...I'll leave it in for the rest of the story; makes life easier when I need to 'borrow' Gibbs and his team!)
Rating : G to PG-13
Thanks go to cbw, jtbwriter, beegirl, katydid13, ninjaturtle, capriceann, starryeyes10, kirsten, soonerfan, another tracy, tomcat-all, lori4, carol, eliv.thade, alicia5, fragmentpieces, kesh, claysmvl, chicmns, skyefire, tammy-jet, abigale, kjflygirl87, anna7 and nikki for their reviews. As before, any reviewers I miss between posts will be added to the list for the next chapter!
Replies to previous chapter reviews :
nikki I enjoyed writing that 'steamy little chapter'! Thanks for your support and hope you enjoy reading more. I try with changing the scenes - doesn't do to have too much angst/duty all the time, even in times of crisis there are funny moments, and life goes on!
abigaile I like switching between couples here and there, keeps the ideas going. Thanks for the support. Keep reading!
jtbwriter I couldn't let Harm and Mac go without nookies, and Harm is 'inventive' sometimes! Pity I wrote the baby scene in beforehand - it would have been a great story for their grandkids!!! :o) I'll remember the word for Gibbs. Sorry to hear work's a pain, hope it improves! Thanks as always.
kjflygirl87 Updates have been a bit hit and miss this week - a bit like my car! Today it's sitting alone in some repair place waiting to be fixed. :o( 'Nuff about that - thanks so much for your review, and stay tuned, Bahrain is just around the corner! (Actually, from Saudi it is! A hop and a jump and we're in Bahrain for breakfast!)
ninjaturtle ;o) I couldn't resist that one! I've been watching taped re-runs of the first series and came across the scene on the COD, and thought it would go great in this story! Stay tuned for more!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE BRIDGE
USS SEA HAWK
SOMEWHERE IN THE INDIAN OCEAN
THURSDAY MORNING
"JAG on deck!" Sturgis and Mac, followed by Harm and Mattie, entered the hatch onto the bridge, and came to attention - even Mattie - to salute Captain Johnson.
The man in question rose from his seat and walked across to the three senior officers, and the young woman with them. As he approached he called 'at ease' and the four relaxed, with Mattie, being the youngest and possibly still the most irreverent, giving the captain of the ship a big wink.
If Johnson saw the wink, he chose to ignore it, but still the tilt of his lips at one side belied his seriousness that morning.
"Ensign Grace, I understand you are leaving us today."
"Yes, sir." Mattie spoke up clearly, eyes focused on a point over Johnson's shoulder.
"Have you enjoyed your stay on the Sea Hawk?"
"Oh, yes!" Mattie couldn't contain her enthusiasm, and smiles came to all on the bridge at her slip in 'decorum'. Quickly reasserting her 'Ensign' stance she spoke again. "Yes, sir, Captain Johnson. Thank you, sir."
"You're very welcome, and we look forward to seeing you on board the Sea Hawk in a few years, as Ensign Rabb. I trust this is what you would like to happen also?"
"Without a doubt, sir." Harm and Mac shared a glance at that one, and hid their smiles behind Sturgis. Mattie was surprised as the captain put out his hand to shake hers, and she took it in a surprisingly firm grip and returned the gesture.
"Now, I understand Lieutenant Jorgensen and the other squadron members that are not up flying this morning are all present and correct in the briefing room. If you'd like to make your way down there with Ensign Walters, we shall join you shortly."
"Yes, sir." Mattie nodded at Louise as she came to stand at attention beside Mattie.
"One more thing," Johnson added, and Mattie looked directly at him. "Mr Dunstan is still on board. He's leaving on the COD at the same time as you are. Commander Turner, Colonel Mackenzie, I trust you will keep the vulture away from Miss Grace?"
"Yes, sir." Mac and Sturgis acknowledged the request. Harm had already told Mac of Mattie's encounter with Dunstan the day before in the Officer's Mess, and since then Dunstan had spent every possible moment trying to get close to Mattie to talk to her. It had been difficult as practically every man and woman on board the carrier had been protective of Mattie, and had made sure she was never alone with the reporter. Mattie had found it fun to have her own 'escort' wherever she went, and thought it was 'cool', but at the same time she knew how persistent Dunstan could be, and Harm had warned her to be calm and polite, and give 'no comment' to the man.
"Very well. Miss Grace, if you would excuse us. As I said, we will join you shortly."
"Yes, sir." Mattie did a smart about-turn, grinned at Harm, Mac and Sturgis, and left the bridge with Louise.
The three senior officers remained, at ease, waiting for Captain Johnson to speak. He did so with little pause.
"The COD leaves this afternoon at 1500 hours. Captain Rabb, your flight will be right after the COD. The base in Bahrain have been advised of your arrival. Jorgensen will stay on base and return with the COD, as instructed before. You will ensure that the Colonel makes the COD on Saturday, and then you will bring the jet back."
"Yes, sir." Harm acknowledged.
"Commander Turner, it has been a pleasure to have you on board the Sea Hawk. I look forward to seeing you again sometime. Your work with Glennan to bring him up to date on JAG business has been excellent, and I'm sure he's going to prove to be an outstanding officer during his deployment. Have a safe trip back stateside, and give my regards to Admiral Chegwidden if you would."
"Of course, sir." Sturgis stood to attention and saluted.
"One last item. Have you spoken to the prisoner yet?"
"We are on our way after this meeting, sir." Harm spoke up for the three of them.
"Correction. You will delay that until after the small function in the briefing room. Now, if my capable First Officer will take the helm, I'll lead the way."
"Yes, sir."
As the First Officer assumed his duty, the four of them left the bridge. On entering the Briefing Room they were announced by the calling out of 'Captain on deck', and as Johnson waved his hand he called out 'at ease'. Mattie was stood with Jorgensen, and she made a move to go towards Harm and Mac, but Jorgensen stopped her with a shake of her head as Captain Johnson spoke again.
"This has been an interesting few days," he announced, to a round of laughter, and all eyes focused on Mattie, who smiled tentatively, searching for and finding Harm's gaze on her in reassurance. As he nodded silently at her the smile on her face strengthened. Mac sighed, realizing that Mattie even had his killer smile. It wasn't genetically Harm's smile, nor his father's, but it was still going to break hearts and make her a force to be reckoned with as she got older. Heck, never mind older, it was working now! If the expressions on the faces of some of the younger officers present were anything to go by, Mattie Grace Rabb-to-be was already breaking hearts. Coming back to the present moment, Mac felt Harm's arm rub against hers as they stood together. Lifting her head to look up at him she grinned, memories of the previous night coming to mind, and quickly being dismissed as they roused feelings unsuitable for the squadron briefing room! Harm winked at her, remembering also, and then they both returned their gazes to Mattie as Johnson said something else to her.
"You have certainly got Captain Rabb's enthusiasm for flying, Mattie, and I don't doubt that you also have his flair. It remains to be seen how you fly under your own steam, as and when that day comes." This was said tongue-in-cheek as there were many on board who believed Mattie had already been at the controls of the jet when she went up with Harm. Harm and Mattie had volunteered nothing in that regard when they had landed.
"I'm sure I'll enjoy flying for myself, sir, as much as I enjoyed being in the back seat." Mattie replied, confirming only that she was looking forward to being in the front seat of a jet in the not too distant future.
"I don't doubt that. Well, as I had the privilege of sanctioning this visit to the Sea Hawk, I also have the temporary sadness of waving you off stateside. It has been a pleasure, Mattie, and I hope this will cheer you up before you leave." As Johson spoke, a cake was brought into the room and placed on a nearby table. Mattie sucked in a breath at the decoration of a jet flying past a carrier, with the words 'Bon Voyage' iced on the top. Mattie's smile wobbled a little, but she held it together and said 'thank you' to all those in the room. If this was any indication, her actual departure later that day was definitely going to break out the waterworks! Before she could move to cut the cake, however, Jorgensen spoke up.
"If I could just say a few words, on behalf of the squadron?"
Mattie was surprised, and looked again to Harm for some support. He walked across the room to her and stood beside her, smiling down.
"It's okay, Mattie."
"Yeah, I just...I didn't expect any of this."
"Hey, kiddo, you've made an impression all your own this trip," Harm reassured her, adding quietly. "I'm very proud of you, Mattie."
"Thanks," she murmured, leaning in to Harm's side before returning her attention to Jorgensen and the others in the room.
"Mattie, as Captain Johnson said, it's been an interesting few days having you around the carrier. We," at this Jorgensen waved a hand around the room, "and the others that are still up, have been impressed with your adaptation to carrier life, and your obvious enjoyment. I guess having Captain Rabb around helps too!" At this everyone laughed again, and Mattie blushed a little. Jorgensen continued, and the laughter died a little.
"It's also obvious that you are determined to become a naval aviator, and so we have a little parting gift for you to use later on. Every pilot has one of these, and we don't see why you should be an exception, even if you're starting your uniform issue a little early." From behind her back Jorgensen produced a flight helmet, holding it out in front of her, her hand concealing the front of the helmet where the call sign was normally printed. "We have racked our brains thinking of a good call sign for you, Mattie. Unfortunately we can't call you 'Hammer' as Captain Rabb has that privilege, and so we thought of this..." as her hand came away from the printed call sign Mattie looked from the helmet to Jorgensen, the smile turning wobbly again.
"Deuce...?" Mattie whispered. Jorgensen nodded, and explained.
"We had a word with Harm, and he confirmed that one way or another you were going to become Mattie Rabb, so we figured that as there was going to be a second Rabb going through the Academy why not call you 'Rabb the second', or Deuce. It sounded better, and shorter. What do you think?"
"I think it's...cool!" Mattie broke into her usual grin, and Harm was the first to congratulate her, hugging her close and kissing the top of her head.
"Three cheers for Mattie," Jorgensen called out, and the cheers rang out loudly, bringing a few curious faces to the hatch of the briefing room. Then a call for a speech came from somewhere in the group of pilots. Mattie, holding tight to the flight helmet in her hands, nodded and stepped forward a little. Harm waited for her to find the words, and when she did he grinned widely. Matilda Grace would always have the ability to surprise him, no matter what. Her speech was brief, but heartfelt, and funny.
"They're never going to believe this at 'show and tell' in school!"
That broke everyone up, including Captain Johnson, and as he turned to leave the briefing room he spoke to Harm.
"Captain, I'm envious. Your life is certainly going to be different with Mattie around."
"It already is, sir. But I wouldn't have it any other way."
"Keep her safe, Harm." It was a short statement, but the words left unsaid were as meaningful, and Harm nodded, catching Mac's eyes as he turned his head.
"I will, sir. Thank you."
Before Captain Johnson left the briefing room the cake was cut and pieces handed around. Mattie was congratulated for a few minutes longer, and then duty intervened and everyone left to go about their business. Mattie was informed that the remainder of the cake would be bagged to travel with her, if she wanted, but she shook her head.
"I'd like to leave some for the guys who are flying, and share what's left, if that's okay?"
"That's fine, Mattie. Will do," the carrier's head chef nodded, picking up the cake tray and taking it away to the galley to do as Mattie asked.
Harm and Mac, and Sturgis, were still in the briefing room with Mattie, but she knew they had to go to the brig, so she turned back to face the three of them and grinned widely.
"So, 'Hammer', do I get to wear this when we're in Sarah?"
Harm laughed and shook his head. "You might be a bit overdressed in that, Mattie! If we were to do a roll over you'd fall out with the weight of the helmet! Keep it for the jets; it works better with high-g's. Doesn't feel as heavy."
"Yeah. I wish I was coming in the jet with you to Bahrain."
"I know. Unfortunately, I can't swing this flight for you, kiddo, and besides, Jorgensen was beginning to miss the back seat."
Mattie hugged the helmet to her, and all three adults came up to hug her, Harm's being the last and the longest, pulling her into his side as they left the briefing room and made their way back towards the brig and the crew quarters.
"Mac and I are going to be at the brig for a while, with Sturgis. Are you packed and ready for later?" Harm asked. Mattie nodded.
"I got most of my stuff sorted last night."
"Good. If you wouldn't mind staying in your cabin till we get back, it will keep you out of Dunstan's way..." Harm began, but Ensign Walters interrupted.
"Sir, if it's all right with you, Captain Johnson thought that Mattie might like to spend a little more time on the bridge. You can come there when you've finished in the brig."
"Okay with you, Mattie?" Harm had to ask, even though he already knew the answer, as Mattie's eyes sparkled and her grin widened. At the obvious acceptance, Harm turned back to Louise Walters. "I'd say that was a definite yes, Ensign. If you'd like to escort Mattie to the bridge, the Colonel and I will come by later. If Dunstan does try to bother you, let Captain Johnson know."
"Aye, sir. Thank you, Captain Rabb."
"Not a problem," replied Harm, and then grinned as he saw all three females giving the sign for 'no problem'. "Sue has a lot to answer for," he murmured, turning to walk away, with Mac grinning back at Mattie and Louise before she followed Harm and Sturgis.
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To be continued