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. (Here's the disclaimer for NCIS, as above...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, abigaile, kjflygirl87, anna7, nikki, jbird7986, angelab, pineapplehead, rosa, manda, rinkrat, bard2003, laura carr, tj, sahc, kstorm, arian04, deb, lisa brown, smithknk, cmaf, cj, manda may, firedevil and youngest knight 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 :
cbw Hi, nice to hear from you! Thanks for your support, and please keep reading!
alicia5 Ha, I see I'm still managing to keep up the suspense! Thanks for your support, and please keep reading!
jbird7986 Ch. 52 here! Thanks for your support, and please keep reading!
dd2 Hello, and welcome to the story! Thanks for your support, and please keep reading!
arian04 Hope you're not disappointed with this next chapter! Thanks for your support, and please keep reading!
anna7 :0) I have to keep you on your toes, but I wouldn't want to kill you! Thanks for your support, and please keep reading!
starryeyes10 Thanks for your support, and please keep reading!
firedevil Hello and welcome to the story! Thank you so much for your lovely review, and for the offer. Don't worry, I'll be in touch! Thanks again, and please keep reading!
jtbwriter Hiya! This next chapter seems to have a life of it's own - I managed to stop myself typing at page 8!!! Glad you like the contents of 51, and hope 52 lives up to my 'reputation'! Ha, ha! :0) Pinky luck for the job scene, and thanks as always!
manda may When I was pregnant I was lucky enough not to be sick at all, but I used to have to lie still for a half hour every evening as I felt light headed, but after that I was fine! People experience different things, so as and when you're pregnant, your body will know what's right for you! The envelope contents are explained in this chapter. Thanks for your support, and please keep reading!
skyefire Sorry to hear you've been ill, and hope you're much better now. Thanks for your support, and please keep reading!
ninjaturtle The contents of the envelope are explained in this chapter. Glad to know you're back on the net! Thanks for your support, and please keep reading!
youngest knight Hello and welcome to the story! Thank you so much for your wonderful review! Good luck with your summer camp work, and look forward to answering another review when you get back. Thanks again, and please keep reading!
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TERRACE
JAG HEADQUARTERS
FALLS CHURCH
VIRGINIA
TUESDAY LUNCHTIME
Mac walked across the courtyard to the terrace outside the JAG Headquarters, smiling as she saw the Admiral rise to his feet at her appearance.
"Thank you, sir." It was strictly formal outside the Admiral's office, even if the amused twinkle in Chegwidden's eyes belied this fact. As Mac seated herself he returned to his own seat.
"You mentioned earlier something to do with Mattie's real father. A problem, you said?"
"Yes, sir. It would appear Mr Johnson has taken it upon himself to have me charged with fraternization."
Chegwidden raised his hand in a dismissive gesture. Mac grinned, hoping that this would have been the reaction, and happy to know she was right.
"What does he plan to do with this ploy? Use it to get Mattie back?"
"Yes, sir. But in that regard, he's also been in touch with Family Services, and they have brought the court hearing forward."
"How does that affect the Captain?"
"He may not get back in time, sir. It's been changed to this Friday. I am trying to reach Harm. He's en-route to the Sea Hawk."
"Well, we have legalities on our side, if not time. If you think it will help, I will organize to have as many of the staff free on Friday. A united front in Harm's absence may sway the judge. If not that, the fruit salad alone will dazzle him."
"'She' is not to be dazzled, sir, but thank you for the mental picture. However, some presence there would be reassuring for me, at least, if nothing else!"
"Consider it done. Now, with regard to the charge itself, of course, it will be addressed as I see fit in my capacity as your superior officer, so put it out of your mind, and concentrate on getting Harm back ASAP. In the meantime, are you going to ask for a continuance?"
"I don't think that applies in a family court, sir, but I'll do my best. Up to now Tom Johnson has been making good progress, so he could be considered fit to be able to look after Mattie again. That is a moot point outside of the court, though, as Mattie has signed an emancipation request, which I plan to submit to the judge in her chambers."
"Ah, so even if he wins custody from Harm, he will still lose his daughter."
"Sir, Harm isn't out to take Mattie from her father. He would love to officially adopt her and that's what the emancipation request would give them, the chance to do just that. But Harm would rather it be with Tom Johnson's agreement that Mattie become his daughter. Tom would at least have a relationship with Mattie, and maybe as she gets older she'd be more amenable to understanding what really happened between her parents."
"I understand, Mac. Well, we have to hope Mr Johnson comes to his senses between now and Friday, and that we can expedite Captain Rabb's six back stateside in the next two days to bring him up to speed on the matter."
"I have Harm's power of attorney to represent his interests if he isn't able to attend court, but that may just tip the matter in Tom's favor in front of the judge. It would look bad for Harm that he didn't turn up for a cause he was so apparently 'passionate' about."
"That's where I come in. The man is off defending his country, dammit, and if that doesn't count for anything in this world, what does?"
Mac smiled. Fighting talk. Now 'that' she could relate to!
"Semper Fi, sir."
For all that the officers and visitors sitting on the terrace were trying to look disinterested in the conversation going on between the Admiral and the Lieutenant Colonel, they couldn't miss the shaking of hands in mutual agreement on a topic, and then the laughter as the pair then began eating their lunches.
DOCTOR'S OFFICE
WASHINGTON DC
TUESDAY AFTERNOON
This was obviously going to be a day of surprises, Mac thought to herself, as her obstetrician examined her much-bigger stomach.
"You've gained weight, Mac, since the last time I saw you."
"I expect to gain weight, I'm pregnant, or so I'm told," Mac tried to joke, but the butterflies in her stomach were dancing with all the grace of elephants! "There's nothing wrong, is there?"
The obstetrician smiled and shook her head.
"Oh, no, there's definitely nothing wrong," she grinned as she continued, "...with this one, or this one!"
"Oh, great. You had me worried there for...what did you say?" Mac's voice rose, and then dropped to a whisper. "Two..." she squeaked.
The obstetrician nodded, pointing to the two definite shapes on the screen. Mac could see for herself. Yep, there were definitely two! Two heads, four arms, four legs, two bodies, and was that what she thought it was...?
"How come...why..." Mac tried to formulate a question, and her doctor relented and helped her.
"At the time of the first scan we can only surmise that number two was hiding behind number one. Do you want to know the sex?"
"I think I've figured out at least one of them!" Mac's voice was stronger as she laughed huskily. "Oh, boy, Rabb. You don't do things by half measures, do you flyboy?" This was a thought in her head, but it came out as a husky murmur. Mac grinned at the obstetrician.
"I take it this is good news, if unexpected?"
"Very good news, doctor. Thank you. It's going to blow the socks off Daddy."
"I bet it will!" replied the doctor, smiling back at Mac.
HARM'S APARTMENT
NORTH OF UNION STATION
TUESDAY EVENING
Mac opened the apartment door to the sound of a knock and a short bark. As she pulled the door back Levi trotted in ahead of Sue, and then the two women hugged warmly.
"Hi! Thank you for coming! It's been so long since I've seen you!"
"Thank you for inviting me," Sue replied, grinning at Mac as she pulled off her coat. "Jack and I have been wracking our brains wondering what it is that you're so fired up about. You sounded so excited on the telephone!"
Mac took the coat from Sue and turned to hang it on the hook by the door. As she looked back at Sue she noticed the flash of light on her left hand from the lamp by the door.
"Sue Thomas, what is that?" Mac swung round fully and grasped Sue's hand, holding it up to examine the ring that now graced the third finger. As her eyes lifted from the engagement ring to Sue's face there were tears in her eyes. "You're engaged! I'm so happy for you!" There was another hug of delight and squeals of congratulations, and then the pair calmed down a little and walked across the floor to the kitchen island, where Sue took a seat while Mac finished preparing their meal. Levi was settled by the side of the island, a bowl of water put down for him by Mac.
"So! Tell me all! When did Jack propose? How did he propose? Where is he, anyway?"
"He'll be by later to pick me up; he wanted to say hello again, too, but wanted to give us time for a 'girlie' reunion."
"Remind me to thank him for his thoughtfulness. Does your office know about this?" Mac asked, and Sue nodded, smiling.
"We went in to see our boss yesterday morning. For now, we go on as we have been, working together, or with others in the team. If anyone raises a stink before Ted Garrett, our boss, gets the official arrangements sorted, I'll just take an extended leave. If necessary I can change from a special agent to a consultant, and still stay with the team. The main thing is that Jack will still keep his job. I couldn't bear if he was affected by our engagement, but he wouldn't let me take the ring off for work."
"Well, it sounds like your boss is as amenable as the Admiral. We're very lucky people, Sue."
"We certainly seem to be. Now, you asked me here for a favor..." Sue prompted, and Mac nodded, her smile fading slightly.
"You remember we have a court date for the six-month hearing on Mattie's custody case?" Sue nodded without speaking, and Mac continued. "Well, Mattie's real father has been in touch with Family Court Services and the date has been brought forward to this coming Friday. I don't know if Harm will be back in time, and if not, it could impact on his subsequent adoption of Mattie."
"You would like some moral support in court?" Sue spoke, then, and reached out to hold Mac's hand. "No problem," she said, as she signed the same words, and Mac smiled. "What's so funny?" Sue asked.
"Harm said that you had a lot to answer for, teaching Mattie and I sign language!"
Both women laughed at that, and then Mac continued preparing the meal as she spoke.
"If you could be there, it would be great. I'm going to need all the support I can get, for Mattie especially. She has really taken to you and Jack, and it would mean a lot to her too if you were there."
"Consider it done, just let me know when and where. So, what else?"
Mac turned sideways, and ran her hand over her stomach. Sue's expression was puzzled for a moment, and then she realized that where Mac's figure was usually slender, there was a definite bulge in a certain area!
"Mac, have you been overdoing the burgers, or are you pregnant?"
"Burgers, no, can't face them right now. Pregnant, yes!"
Sue hopped off the stool she had sat on and hugged Mac again, tears in both their eyes. As she released her hold on Mac and stepped back, Mac wiped the tears from her eyes and face.
"I cry at the least little thing, these days. It's the hormones..."
"They're happy tears, so it doesn't count! That news beats mine hands down!"
"No...not at all...we both have something wonderful to celebrate now," Mac stated.
"Does Admiral Chegwidden know?" Sue asked, and Mac nodded.
"He's been so helpful, Sue. Mattie's father, Tom, has charged me with fraternization, which is what brought about the court date being changed. He informed FCS of his decision to charge me."
"What a creep!" Sue was indignant, and Mac grinned.
"No problem," replied Mac, signing too, and then added, "I transfer to the Judiciary soon anyway, and Harm has been designated as naval aviator while he's been on duty on the Sea Hawk, so technically we're not in the same chain of command. The admiral told me not to worry about the charge. So I'm not going to. I just haven't been able to get hold of Harm yet to let him know what's happening."
"When was he due back originally?"
"In time for the court date a week on Monday. The original date, that is. Now, I don't know. Even if he is back on board the Sea Hawk, he may not be able to get away."
"I'm sure he will, Sarah."
"That's what worries me. If Harm took it into his head that he needed to be back here 'yesterday', he's just likely to con the ship's captain into loaning him an F-14!"
"An F-14? What is that?"
"A jet, a Tomcat to be precise."
"I'm sure Harm will be careful, after all he has you and his child to come home to now. He does know, doesn't he?"
"Oh, he knows I'm pregnant, yes, but there's one other little surprise he's not aware of..." Mac answered, and her smile went from humorous to dreamy. Sue tipped her head slightly and watched the expression on her friend's face for a moment.
"Twins! You're having twins!"
Mac nodded, tears running down her cheeks again, and Sue hugged her again. As she stepped back from Mac once more they both laughed huskily.
"At this rate our meal is going to be late, 'and' water-logged."
"It doesn't matter, Sarah! Does anyone else know about you expecting twins?"
"So far, no. Just me, my doctor, and you. I'm torn between telling Harm over the telephone, or waiting until he gets here. I'm leaning toward the latter, as the idea of the Tomcat would move up a notch higher if I used the telephone."
"He'd probably forego the jet and fly himself, he'd be so excited!" Sue laughed, and Mac joined in, loving the words Sue had spoken. It painted quite a comical picture, but if it were possible it would be true...Harm wouldn't need artificial wings to get him home. He'd zoom in under his own power!
As the two of them settled down again to chat more about their combined news, Mac finished preparing the meal and they took seats at the dining table. In between mouthfuls, they discussed everything from wedding plans to baby showers. They both agreed there was so much to be done, in such a short time, and would they be able to manage it? Raising their glasses of ginger ale, they both shouted a unanimous 'yes!'.
As they left the table to take a comfy seat on the couch with their coffees, 'decaf' in Mac's case, Sue asked if Mac would mind her telling Jack the news. Mac shook her head, her smile bright.
"Of course not! You're friends to both of us, Sue, and if Harm were here, you'd both be here too. It still doesn't seem quite real, twins, after all this time..." Mac trailed off, her eyes closlng and her hand drifting to her stomach as she pictured Harm's face in her mind.
"Sarah? Are you okay?" Sue's concerned voice brought Mac's eyes open sharply, and she grinned at the younger woman.
"Sorry, I tend to drift off like that a lot, too. More hormones!"
"Well, here's to hormones, happy times, and the wonderful men in our lives," Sue proposed, raising her cup to Mac's.
"Hear, hear..." Mac returned.
It was almost eleven when Jack knocked on Harm's door and was greeted by Mac with a warm hug, and by Sue with a hug and a kiss. Levi huffed his greeting, and Jack bent down to ruffle the golden fur.
"Girl talk, eh, Levi?" he commiserated, and Sue pretended to slug him. Jack grinned and slipped his arm around Sue's waist as she seemed to positively bounce beside him in excitement.
"Something I should know about?" he asked, after he had greeted Mac and asked about Harm.
"Harm's going to be a daddy!" Sue burst out, and Mac smiled. Jack simply nodded. He knew about Harm's plans to adopt Mattie, and thought that was what Sue was talking about, but he was puzzled as to why she should be so excited. It wasn't as if she didn't know about Mattie.
"No, silly! They're expecting! Mac's pregnant!"
"Oh, that's wonderful!" Jack leaned in to hug Mac and kiss her cheek. As he stepped back to Sue he could still feel her excitement bubbling. "And? I know there's more...you're still buzzing!" he told Sue, and then looked between her and Mac for an answer, which Mac supplied, grinning widely.
"What Harm doesn't know yet is that I'm pregnant with twins."
"Twins? Oh, Mac...that is such great news! When is Harm due back?"
"Debatable right now. Sue will fill you in on the rest of our conversation - well, at least the bits that don't concern you and Harm and what we said about you both..."
"Ha, I'll bet! No wonder my ears have been burning all night!"
"They have not!" Sue protested, and then looked as Mac tried to hide a yawn. "Time to go, I think." Hugging Mac once more for the night, and then stepping back as Jack did the same, Sue smiled widely. "Sarah, promise me you will sleep tonight. You need all the rest you can get. Between Harm, Mattie and twins, you're never going to sleep much again."
"Don't you believe it, Sue. I'm going to delegate big-time when Harm's back here. Mattie's already offered baby-sitting services, but of course she doesn't know it comes in the plural now! Maybe I can rope Jen in to help too!"
"In that case, you can count Sue and I in too, and Bobby! If Jen's involved, he won't be far behind!"
All three of them said goodnight at that point, and as Jack walked down the corridor to the elevator, one arm around Sue again, and holding Levi's leash with the other, Mac watched him drop a kiss on Sue's head as they waited. Once they had gone from her sight, Mac stepped back inside Harm's apartment and crossed the floor to the couch again, settling down on the cushions and closing her eyes. There was a smile on her face as she let her thoughts drift.
VOQ QUARTERS
USS SEA HAWK
SOMEWHERE IN THE INDIAN OCEAN
EARLY WEDNESDAY MORNING
"Captain Rabb, I need to speak with you a moment." Captain Johnson stood at the door to the cabin, and Harm stepped back to let the man in.
"Sir?" Looking from the senior officer to Dunstan, who was sitting up on the top bunk in the cabin, and back to Johnson again, Harm waited.
"It's all right. This concerns Mr Dunstan too. I've just had word that there is a helo outbound to the ship later this morningwith a representative of the government on board. They're a little ticked off, to say the least, that we're holding Mr Dunstan incommunicado."
"What do they want with him? We got them their transmitter back," Harm grinned up at Dunstan, smiling as he recalled Dunstan clambering into the back seat of the Tomcat as attention was diverted so that Harm could fire up the engines and taxi onto the runway, leaving the transmitter, and the official from the embassy, standing on the tarmac.
"That's not going to be good enough for this guy, Harm. He's after blood. Yours, to be exact. His words were 'I want the Captain grounded. Tell him it's a direct order!'"
Harm groaned. "Oh, hell," he muttered. "Webb!" Looking Johnson straight in the eye he spoke again.
"Sir, I need a favor..."
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To be continued
A/N :
1) ASAP - as soon as possible (there are still some people out there who don't know what it means!)
2) The legal point of 'continuance' in civil/military court is pure guesswork, and if I am wrong, I apologize on all counts! (Your Honor!)
3) Remember, Webb isn't dead in my story.
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. (Here's the disclaimer for NCIS, as above...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, abigaile, kjflygirl87, anna7, nikki, jbird7986, angelab, pineapplehead, rosa, manda, rinkrat, bard2003, laura carr, tj, sahc, kstorm, arian04, deb, lisa brown, smithknk, cmaf, cj, manda may, firedevil and youngest knight 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 :
cbw Hi, nice to hear from you! Thanks for your support, and please keep reading!
alicia5 Ha, I see I'm still managing to keep up the suspense! Thanks for your support, and please keep reading!
jbird7986 Ch. 52 here! Thanks for your support, and please keep reading!
dd2 Hello, and welcome to the story! Thanks for your support, and please keep reading!
arian04 Hope you're not disappointed with this next chapter! Thanks for your support, and please keep reading!
anna7 :0) I have to keep you on your toes, but I wouldn't want to kill you! Thanks for your support, and please keep reading!
starryeyes10 Thanks for your support, and please keep reading!
firedevil Hello and welcome to the story! Thank you so much for your lovely review, and for the offer. Don't worry, I'll be in touch! Thanks again, and please keep reading!
jtbwriter Hiya! This next chapter seems to have a life of it's own - I managed to stop myself typing at page 8!!! Glad you like the contents of 51, and hope 52 lives up to my 'reputation'! Ha, ha! :0) Pinky luck for the job scene, and thanks as always!
manda may When I was pregnant I was lucky enough not to be sick at all, but I used to have to lie still for a half hour every evening as I felt light headed, but after that I was fine! People experience different things, so as and when you're pregnant, your body will know what's right for you! The envelope contents are explained in this chapter. Thanks for your support, and please keep reading!
skyefire Sorry to hear you've been ill, and hope you're much better now. Thanks for your support, and please keep reading!
ninjaturtle The contents of the envelope are explained in this chapter. Glad to know you're back on the net! Thanks for your support, and please keep reading!
youngest knight Hello and welcome to the story! Thank you so much for your wonderful review! Good luck with your summer camp work, and look forward to answering another review when you get back. Thanks again, and please keep reading!
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TERRACE
JAG HEADQUARTERS
FALLS CHURCH
VIRGINIA
TUESDAY LUNCHTIME
Mac walked across the courtyard to the terrace outside the JAG Headquarters, smiling as she saw the Admiral rise to his feet at her appearance.
"Thank you, sir." It was strictly formal outside the Admiral's office, even if the amused twinkle in Chegwidden's eyes belied this fact. As Mac seated herself he returned to his own seat.
"You mentioned earlier something to do with Mattie's real father. A problem, you said?"
"Yes, sir. It would appear Mr Johnson has taken it upon himself to have me charged with fraternization."
Chegwidden raised his hand in a dismissive gesture. Mac grinned, hoping that this would have been the reaction, and happy to know she was right.
"What does he plan to do with this ploy? Use it to get Mattie back?"
"Yes, sir. But in that regard, he's also been in touch with Family Services, and they have brought the court hearing forward."
"How does that affect the Captain?"
"He may not get back in time, sir. It's been changed to this Friday. I am trying to reach Harm. He's en-route to the Sea Hawk."
"Well, we have legalities on our side, if not time. If you think it will help, I will organize to have as many of the staff free on Friday. A united front in Harm's absence may sway the judge. If not that, the fruit salad alone will dazzle him."
"'She' is not to be dazzled, sir, but thank you for the mental picture. However, some presence there would be reassuring for me, at least, if nothing else!"
"Consider it done. Now, with regard to the charge itself, of course, it will be addressed as I see fit in my capacity as your superior officer, so put it out of your mind, and concentrate on getting Harm back ASAP. In the meantime, are you going to ask for a continuance?"
"I don't think that applies in a family court, sir, but I'll do my best. Up to now Tom Johnson has been making good progress, so he could be considered fit to be able to look after Mattie again. That is a moot point outside of the court, though, as Mattie has signed an emancipation request, which I plan to submit to the judge in her chambers."
"Ah, so even if he wins custody from Harm, he will still lose his daughter."
"Sir, Harm isn't out to take Mattie from her father. He would love to officially adopt her and that's what the emancipation request would give them, the chance to do just that. But Harm would rather it be with Tom Johnson's agreement that Mattie become his daughter. Tom would at least have a relationship with Mattie, and maybe as she gets older she'd be more amenable to understanding what really happened between her parents."
"I understand, Mac. Well, we have to hope Mr Johnson comes to his senses between now and Friday, and that we can expedite Captain Rabb's six back stateside in the next two days to bring him up to speed on the matter."
"I have Harm's power of attorney to represent his interests if he isn't able to attend court, but that may just tip the matter in Tom's favor in front of the judge. It would look bad for Harm that he didn't turn up for a cause he was so apparently 'passionate' about."
"That's where I come in. The man is off defending his country, dammit, and if that doesn't count for anything in this world, what does?"
Mac smiled. Fighting talk. Now 'that' she could relate to!
"Semper Fi, sir."
For all that the officers and visitors sitting on the terrace were trying to look disinterested in the conversation going on between the Admiral and the Lieutenant Colonel, they couldn't miss the shaking of hands in mutual agreement on a topic, and then the laughter as the pair then began eating their lunches.
DOCTOR'S OFFICE
WASHINGTON DC
TUESDAY AFTERNOON
This was obviously going to be a day of surprises, Mac thought to herself, as her obstetrician examined her much-bigger stomach.
"You've gained weight, Mac, since the last time I saw you."
"I expect to gain weight, I'm pregnant, or so I'm told," Mac tried to joke, but the butterflies in her stomach were dancing with all the grace of elephants! "There's nothing wrong, is there?"
The obstetrician smiled and shook her head.
"Oh, no, there's definitely nothing wrong," she grinned as she continued, "...with this one, or this one!"
"Oh, great. You had me worried there for...what did you say?" Mac's voice rose, and then dropped to a whisper. "Two..." she squeaked.
The obstetrician nodded, pointing to the two definite shapes on the screen. Mac could see for herself. Yep, there were definitely two! Two heads, four arms, four legs, two bodies, and was that what she thought it was...?
"How come...why..." Mac tried to formulate a question, and her doctor relented and helped her.
"At the time of the first scan we can only surmise that number two was hiding behind number one. Do you want to know the sex?"
"I think I've figured out at least one of them!" Mac's voice was stronger as she laughed huskily. "Oh, boy, Rabb. You don't do things by half measures, do you flyboy?" This was a thought in her head, but it came out as a husky murmur. Mac grinned at the obstetrician.
"I take it this is good news, if unexpected?"
"Very good news, doctor. Thank you. It's going to blow the socks off Daddy."
"I bet it will!" replied the doctor, smiling back at Mac.
HARM'S APARTMENT
NORTH OF UNION STATION
TUESDAY EVENING
Mac opened the apartment door to the sound of a knock and a short bark. As she pulled the door back Levi trotted in ahead of Sue, and then the two women hugged warmly.
"Hi! Thank you for coming! It's been so long since I've seen you!"
"Thank you for inviting me," Sue replied, grinning at Mac as she pulled off her coat. "Jack and I have been wracking our brains wondering what it is that you're so fired up about. You sounded so excited on the telephone!"
Mac took the coat from Sue and turned to hang it on the hook by the door. As she looked back at Sue she noticed the flash of light on her left hand from the lamp by the door.
"Sue Thomas, what is that?" Mac swung round fully and grasped Sue's hand, holding it up to examine the ring that now graced the third finger. As her eyes lifted from the engagement ring to Sue's face there were tears in her eyes. "You're engaged! I'm so happy for you!" There was another hug of delight and squeals of congratulations, and then the pair calmed down a little and walked across the floor to the kitchen island, where Sue took a seat while Mac finished preparing their meal. Levi was settled by the side of the island, a bowl of water put down for him by Mac.
"So! Tell me all! When did Jack propose? How did he propose? Where is he, anyway?"
"He'll be by later to pick me up; he wanted to say hello again, too, but wanted to give us time for a 'girlie' reunion."
"Remind me to thank him for his thoughtfulness. Does your office know about this?" Mac asked, and Sue nodded, smiling.
"We went in to see our boss yesterday morning. For now, we go on as we have been, working together, or with others in the team. If anyone raises a stink before Ted Garrett, our boss, gets the official arrangements sorted, I'll just take an extended leave. If necessary I can change from a special agent to a consultant, and still stay with the team. The main thing is that Jack will still keep his job. I couldn't bear if he was affected by our engagement, but he wouldn't let me take the ring off for work."
"Well, it sounds like your boss is as amenable as the Admiral. We're very lucky people, Sue."
"We certainly seem to be. Now, you asked me here for a favor..." Sue prompted, and Mac nodded, her smile fading slightly.
"You remember we have a court date for the six-month hearing on Mattie's custody case?" Sue nodded without speaking, and Mac continued. "Well, Mattie's real father has been in touch with Family Court Services and the date has been brought forward to this coming Friday. I don't know if Harm will be back in time, and if not, it could impact on his subsequent adoption of Mattie."
"You would like some moral support in court?" Sue spoke, then, and reached out to hold Mac's hand. "No problem," she said, as she signed the same words, and Mac smiled. "What's so funny?" Sue asked.
"Harm said that you had a lot to answer for, teaching Mattie and I sign language!"
Both women laughed at that, and then Mac continued preparing the meal as she spoke.
"If you could be there, it would be great. I'm going to need all the support I can get, for Mattie especially. She has really taken to you and Jack, and it would mean a lot to her too if you were there."
"Consider it done, just let me know when and where. So, what else?"
Mac turned sideways, and ran her hand over her stomach. Sue's expression was puzzled for a moment, and then she realized that where Mac's figure was usually slender, there was a definite bulge in a certain area!
"Mac, have you been overdoing the burgers, or are you pregnant?"
"Burgers, no, can't face them right now. Pregnant, yes!"
Sue hopped off the stool she had sat on and hugged Mac again, tears in both their eyes. As she released her hold on Mac and stepped back, Mac wiped the tears from her eyes and face.
"I cry at the least little thing, these days. It's the hormones..."
"They're happy tears, so it doesn't count! That news beats mine hands down!"
"No...not at all...we both have something wonderful to celebrate now," Mac stated.
"Does Admiral Chegwidden know?" Sue asked, and Mac nodded.
"He's been so helpful, Sue. Mattie's father, Tom, has charged me with fraternization, which is what brought about the court date being changed. He informed FCS of his decision to charge me."
"What a creep!" Sue was indignant, and Mac grinned.
"No problem," replied Mac, signing too, and then added, "I transfer to the Judiciary soon anyway, and Harm has been designated as naval aviator while he's been on duty on the Sea Hawk, so technically we're not in the same chain of command. The admiral told me not to worry about the charge. So I'm not going to. I just haven't been able to get hold of Harm yet to let him know what's happening."
"When was he due back originally?"
"In time for the court date a week on Monday. The original date, that is. Now, I don't know. Even if he is back on board the Sea Hawk, he may not be able to get away."
"I'm sure he will, Sarah."
"That's what worries me. If Harm took it into his head that he needed to be back here 'yesterday', he's just likely to con the ship's captain into loaning him an F-14!"
"An F-14? What is that?"
"A jet, a Tomcat to be precise."
"I'm sure Harm will be careful, after all he has you and his child to come home to now. He does know, doesn't he?"
"Oh, he knows I'm pregnant, yes, but there's one other little surprise he's not aware of..." Mac answered, and her smile went from humorous to dreamy. Sue tipped her head slightly and watched the expression on her friend's face for a moment.
"Twins! You're having twins!"
Mac nodded, tears running down her cheeks again, and Sue hugged her again. As she stepped back from Mac once more they both laughed huskily.
"At this rate our meal is going to be late, 'and' water-logged."
"It doesn't matter, Sarah! Does anyone else know about you expecting twins?"
"So far, no. Just me, my doctor, and you. I'm torn between telling Harm over the telephone, or waiting until he gets here. I'm leaning toward the latter, as the idea of the Tomcat would move up a notch higher if I used the telephone."
"He'd probably forego the jet and fly himself, he'd be so excited!" Sue laughed, and Mac joined in, loving the words Sue had spoken. It painted quite a comical picture, but if it were possible it would be true...Harm wouldn't need artificial wings to get him home. He'd zoom in under his own power!
As the two of them settled down again to chat more about their combined news, Mac finished preparing the meal and they took seats at the dining table. In between mouthfuls, they discussed everything from wedding plans to baby showers. They both agreed there was so much to be done, in such a short time, and would they be able to manage it? Raising their glasses of ginger ale, they both shouted a unanimous 'yes!'.
As they left the table to take a comfy seat on the couch with their coffees, 'decaf' in Mac's case, Sue asked if Mac would mind her telling Jack the news. Mac shook her head, her smile bright.
"Of course not! You're friends to both of us, Sue, and if Harm were here, you'd both be here too. It still doesn't seem quite real, twins, after all this time..." Mac trailed off, her eyes closlng and her hand drifting to her stomach as she pictured Harm's face in her mind.
"Sarah? Are you okay?" Sue's concerned voice brought Mac's eyes open sharply, and she grinned at the younger woman.
"Sorry, I tend to drift off like that a lot, too. More hormones!"
"Well, here's to hormones, happy times, and the wonderful men in our lives," Sue proposed, raising her cup to Mac's.
"Hear, hear..." Mac returned.
It was almost eleven when Jack knocked on Harm's door and was greeted by Mac with a warm hug, and by Sue with a hug and a kiss. Levi huffed his greeting, and Jack bent down to ruffle the golden fur.
"Girl talk, eh, Levi?" he commiserated, and Sue pretended to slug him. Jack grinned and slipped his arm around Sue's waist as she seemed to positively bounce beside him in excitement.
"Something I should know about?" he asked, after he had greeted Mac and asked about Harm.
"Harm's going to be a daddy!" Sue burst out, and Mac smiled. Jack simply nodded. He knew about Harm's plans to adopt Mattie, and thought that was what Sue was talking about, but he was puzzled as to why she should be so excited. It wasn't as if she didn't know about Mattie.
"No, silly! They're expecting! Mac's pregnant!"
"Oh, that's wonderful!" Jack leaned in to hug Mac and kiss her cheek. As he stepped back to Sue he could still feel her excitement bubbling. "And? I know there's more...you're still buzzing!" he told Sue, and then looked between her and Mac for an answer, which Mac supplied, grinning widely.
"What Harm doesn't know yet is that I'm pregnant with twins."
"Twins? Oh, Mac...that is such great news! When is Harm due back?"
"Debatable right now. Sue will fill you in on the rest of our conversation - well, at least the bits that don't concern you and Harm and what we said about you both..."
"Ha, I'll bet! No wonder my ears have been burning all night!"
"They have not!" Sue protested, and then looked as Mac tried to hide a yawn. "Time to go, I think." Hugging Mac once more for the night, and then stepping back as Jack did the same, Sue smiled widely. "Sarah, promise me you will sleep tonight. You need all the rest you can get. Between Harm, Mattie and twins, you're never going to sleep much again."
"Don't you believe it, Sue. I'm going to delegate big-time when Harm's back here. Mattie's already offered baby-sitting services, but of course she doesn't know it comes in the plural now! Maybe I can rope Jen in to help too!"
"In that case, you can count Sue and I in too, and Bobby! If Jen's involved, he won't be far behind!"
All three of them said goodnight at that point, and as Jack walked down the corridor to the elevator, one arm around Sue again, and holding Levi's leash with the other, Mac watched him drop a kiss on Sue's head as they waited. Once they had gone from her sight, Mac stepped back inside Harm's apartment and crossed the floor to the couch again, settling down on the cushions and closing her eyes. There was a smile on her face as she let her thoughts drift.
VOQ QUARTERS
USS SEA HAWK
SOMEWHERE IN THE INDIAN OCEAN
EARLY WEDNESDAY MORNING
"Captain Rabb, I need to speak with you a moment." Captain Johnson stood at the door to the cabin, and Harm stepped back to let the man in.
"Sir?" Looking from the senior officer to Dunstan, who was sitting up on the top bunk in the cabin, and back to Johnson again, Harm waited.
"It's all right. This concerns Mr Dunstan too. I've just had word that there is a helo outbound to the ship later this morningwith a representative of the government on board. They're a little ticked off, to say the least, that we're holding Mr Dunstan incommunicado."
"What do they want with him? We got them their transmitter back," Harm grinned up at Dunstan, smiling as he recalled Dunstan clambering into the back seat of the Tomcat as attention was diverted so that Harm could fire up the engines and taxi onto the runway, leaving the transmitter, and the official from the embassy, standing on the tarmac.
"That's not going to be good enough for this guy, Harm. He's after blood. Yours, to be exact. His words were 'I want the Captain grounded. Tell him it's a direct order!'"
Harm groaned. "Oh, hell," he muttered. "Webb!" Looking Johnson straight in the eye he spoke again.
"Sir, I need a favor..."
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To be continued
A/N :
1) ASAP - as soon as possible (there are still some people out there who don't know what it means!)
2) The legal point of 'continuance' in civil/military court is pure guesswork, and if I am wrong, I apologize on all counts! (Your Honor!)
3) Remember, Webb isn't dead in my story.