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, dd2, firedevil, youngest knight, soleil2, guitarvixen and anaika skywalker 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 :
lisa brown It's coming! Thanks for your support, and please keep reading!
jbird7986 56 up and running! Thanks for your support, and please keep reading!
deb Harm's reaction is coming up next! Thanks for your support, and please keep reading!
guitar vixen No problems, all reviews gratefully received! I like the interaction between Harm and Mac too, it's working out great! Thanks for your support, and please keep reading!
starryeyes10 Thanks for your support, and please keep reading!
jtbwriter Hiya! I think the friendship established between Sue/Jack and Harm/Mac allows for the way the story is going. As for Harm missing the hearing, just the first part...there is more! Best wishes for the job hunting, and thanks as always!
manda may Updating with this chapter. More to follow! Thanks for your support, and please keep reading! Hope this helps with the cravings! :0)
abigaile Harm's the man! He'll be there! In his best bib and tucker! Or at the very least his new uniform with the Captain's stripes! Thanks for your support, and please keep reading!
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HARM'S APARTMENT
EARLY FRIDAY MORNING
Mac sipped at the just-made coffee when she heard the knock at the door. Walking across to open it, Mattie stood at the other side.
"Mattie? What is it? Come in, sweetie," Mac spoke quietly as she held the door open for the teenager to enter.
"I'm scared, Mac. What if the judge allows him...my father...to have custody. If Harm isn't back in time..."
"Mattie, I saw the judge yesterday and filed the emancipation request with her. She is aware of my current condition too, and the fraternization charges. No doubt she'll mention them tomorrow, but we have to wait and see in what context. Whatever happens, even if your father does get the custody he's after, it isn't the end of your relationship with Harm. You will always have a home with him, with us...if you don't mind me being part of the package these days?"
"Oh, Mac, of course not! I think it's great that you two have gotten together. It's just...I'd have to go with him first, before the emancipation request goes through, if it's accepted even!"
"Mattie, we can't predict what the judge will say or do. Let's just get today over with, and work with what's left."
"Okay," Mattie nodded. "You hungry, Mac?"
"Actually, yes. I was thinking of having breakfast, I just couldn't decide what the twins wanted!"
Mattie laughed at that, and went to inspect the contents of Harm's refrigerator. With Mac spending more time at Harm's, the variety of foods was definitely improving!
FAMILY COURT
WASHINGTON DC
FRIDAY MORNING
Mac and Mattie sat at the defendant's desk while the attorney for Tom Johnson sat alone at the plaintiff's desk. The judge, who had presided at the first court hearing, was again in her seat. As her gavel hit the desk, she glanced at the group sat before her. The plaintiff's attorney appeared very isolated with no one seated behind him. On the defendant's side, however, sat a positive force in military presence for, as well as Mac, there was the Admiral, Sturgis, Harriet and Bud, and Jennifer. Sue and Jack were present also, as well as Bobby.
"This court will come to order. Now, Miss Grace, I would like to thank you for appearing as requested. However, I notice that in place of Commander Rabb you now have Lieutenant Colonel Mackenzie as your counsel."
"If I may, Your Honor," the lawyer for Tom Johnson got to his feet. "This is highly irregular..."
"Sir, what is irregular is the fact that your client, whose actions brought this hearing forward, is not even present."
"I can explain, Your Honor. He has to be escorted from the Rehabilitation Center. I'm sure he'll be here shortly."
"You couldn't have collected him yourself?" The judge's eyebrow raised in question, and Mac sat quietly, watching this byplay. Despite Harm's absence, this could still work in the favor of Mattie.
"Your Honor, I called at the Center..."
"Let me guess. Mr Johnson had already left."
"Yes, Your Honor."
"By himself, or with an escort?"
"By himself."
"So, at this moment in time, you actually have no idea where your client is?"
The lawyer knew he was caught out. Shaking his head, he spoke up.
"No, ma'am. I have no idea."
"Very well." The judge turned to face Mac and Mattie. "Colonel Mackenzie, can you explain the absence of Commander Rabb at this time?"
"Captain Rabb is on a mission, Your Honor. He is currently operating in the Persian Gulf as a pilot. I have his power of attorney to represent him at this time."
"Ah, he's been promoted! Please, extend my congratulations when you see him. In the meantime, I am curious as to why these proceedings have been brought forward. I know the reason, of course; I would now like to know the circumstances."
"Your Honor, Mr Johnson is bringing both fraternization and other unspecified charges against myself, and as I haven't actually been charged as yet, they should not relate to the outcome of this hearing."
"Perhaps not, Colonel, but the fact that you have made me aware of them is not exactly in your favor."
"The Captain and I have nothing to hide, Your Honor. The charges will be dealt with as and when they are filed officially."
"Have you been fraternizing, Colonel?"
"The Captain and I are a couple, yes. However, with the Captain out in the Gulf, he is not in my chain of command, which invalidates Mr Johnson's claims."
"What about when Captain Rabb returns?" This came from the plaintiff lawyer, and Mac gave him a sidelong glance before returning her attention to the judge.
"My transfer to the Judiciary will be in effect by the time Captain Rabb returns officially. As this hearing has been brought forward, it was not possible for the Captain to be here on this date. Your Honor, under the circumstances, I would like to request a continuance at this time."
"I think, under the circumstances, that you have grounds for such a request, Colonel. Do you have any idea when Captain Rabb will be able to attend the court?"
"I am hoping to hear from him today, Your Honor. His current commanding officer is Captain Johnson, of the USS Sea Hawk. Prior to his deployment, it had been agreed by Captain Johnson that he would be given leave to attend the hearing on the original date."
"Then I will adjourn until that date. However, if the Captain is unable to attend at that time, I will render my decision regardless."
"Yes, Your Honor. Thank you." Mac put her hand on Mattie's shoulder and squeezed reassuringly. Mattie grinned up at her, and then across at the judge, who winked in response.
"Miss Grace, I will see you in a week."
"Yes, ma'am."
"This court is adjourned." The gavel hit the desk one more time, and the judge rose and left the room.
OUTSIDE THE COURTROOM
FAMILY COURT
WASHINGTON DC
"Where do you think he is?" Mattie asked, without actually mentioning Tom Johnson. Mac shook her head.
"I have no idea." Mac was distracted, wondering where Harm might be at that very moment.
"I wish we knew where Harm was too!" Mattie muttered, almost as though she had read Mac's mind, and Mac put her arm around the teenager.
"I'm sure he's okay, Mattie, wherever he is."
At that moment Admiral Chegwidden stepped up to the pair of them, a smile on his face.
"Admiral?"
"Colonel, Mattie, I have good news. Harm is on his way into Pax River as we speak. We can be there before he lands."
"He's coming in on a transporter?" Mac asked, unsure as to why Harm should be flying anything other than the Tomcat. Unless there was a problem. "Is he okay, sir?"
"I know nothing more than the fact that Harm is on his way in, and there is a transporter heading to Pax River, so one may presume the two are connected. Are you ready to leave?"
"Yes, sir. Thank you." Mac nodded, and followed behind as Mattie walked alongside the Admiral. "Sir...?" Mac asked hesitantly, and Chegwidden turned to face her.
"Colonel?"
"Nothing, sir...thank you." Mac continued to follow the Admiral and Mattie, with Sturgis beside Mac, and behind them Harriet, Bud and Jennifer brought up the rear. Sue, Jack and Bobby had already returned to the FBI building, with the promise that they would be back for the hearing when it was due again.
PATUXENT RIVER
NAVAL AIR STATION
FRIDAY, LATE MORNING
The party waiting on the tarmac at Pax River were quiet, each wondering what they were about to witness. They knew Harm was alive, but had no idea of his condition. Scuttlebutt had him on a stretcher, in a wheelchair, on crutches even! But who was right? All the transporter crew had told them was that he was conscious, and in one piece. When Mac had spoken to him the night before, he had promised he would be careful. Just what had happened between then and now?
As the transporter came to a stop on the tarmac and the rear ramp door lowered, Mac raised a hand to her eyes, shading them against the sun as she looked for the familiar tall figure. Slightly behind her, Mattie held tight to her other hand, and waited in silence. Bud and Harriet stood together, holding hands too. Albeit against regulations, given that they were both in uniform, the Admiral didn't seem to notice. If he did, he gave no sign of it, his own gaze pinned on the same point as Mac, waiting for the emergence of his officer, in whatever state.
Mac gasped as a lone figure stepped off the ramp, and walked towards them, stopping to salute the assembled officers. All four officers present returned the salute.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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. (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, dd2, firedevil, youngest knight, soleil2, guitarvixen and anaika skywalker 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 :
lisa brown It's coming! Thanks for your support, and please keep reading!
jbird7986 56 up and running! Thanks for your support, and please keep reading!
deb Harm's reaction is coming up next! Thanks for your support, and please keep reading!
guitar vixen No problems, all reviews gratefully received! I like the interaction between Harm and Mac too, it's working out great! Thanks for your support, and please keep reading!
starryeyes10 Thanks for your support, and please keep reading!
jtbwriter Hiya! I think the friendship established between Sue/Jack and Harm/Mac allows for the way the story is going. As for Harm missing the hearing, just the first part...there is more! Best wishes for the job hunting, and thanks as always!
manda may Updating with this chapter. More to follow! Thanks for your support, and please keep reading! Hope this helps with the cravings! :0)
abigaile Harm's the man! He'll be there! In his best bib and tucker! Or at the very least his new uniform with the Captain's stripes! Thanks for your support, and please keep reading!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HARM'S APARTMENT
EARLY FRIDAY MORNING
Mac sipped at the just-made coffee when she heard the knock at the door. Walking across to open it, Mattie stood at the other side.
"Mattie? What is it? Come in, sweetie," Mac spoke quietly as she held the door open for the teenager to enter.
"I'm scared, Mac. What if the judge allows him...my father...to have custody. If Harm isn't back in time..."
"Mattie, I saw the judge yesterday and filed the emancipation request with her. She is aware of my current condition too, and the fraternization charges. No doubt she'll mention them tomorrow, but we have to wait and see in what context. Whatever happens, even if your father does get the custody he's after, it isn't the end of your relationship with Harm. You will always have a home with him, with us...if you don't mind me being part of the package these days?"
"Oh, Mac, of course not! I think it's great that you two have gotten together. It's just...I'd have to go with him first, before the emancipation request goes through, if it's accepted even!"
"Mattie, we can't predict what the judge will say or do. Let's just get today over with, and work with what's left."
"Okay," Mattie nodded. "You hungry, Mac?"
"Actually, yes. I was thinking of having breakfast, I just couldn't decide what the twins wanted!"
Mattie laughed at that, and went to inspect the contents of Harm's refrigerator. With Mac spending more time at Harm's, the variety of foods was definitely improving!
FAMILY COURT
WASHINGTON DC
FRIDAY MORNING
Mac and Mattie sat at the defendant's desk while the attorney for Tom Johnson sat alone at the plaintiff's desk. The judge, who had presided at the first court hearing, was again in her seat. As her gavel hit the desk, she glanced at the group sat before her. The plaintiff's attorney appeared very isolated with no one seated behind him. On the defendant's side, however, sat a positive force in military presence for, as well as Mac, there was the Admiral, Sturgis, Harriet and Bud, and Jennifer. Sue and Jack were present also, as well as Bobby.
"This court will come to order. Now, Miss Grace, I would like to thank you for appearing as requested. However, I notice that in place of Commander Rabb you now have Lieutenant Colonel Mackenzie as your counsel."
"If I may, Your Honor," the lawyer for Tom Johnson got to his feet. "This is highly irregular..."
"Sir, what is irregular is the fact that your client, whose actions brought this hearing forward, is not even present."
"I can explain, Your Honor. He has to be escorted from the Rehabilitation Center. I'm sure he'll be here shortly."
"You couldn't have collected him yourself?" The judge's eyebrow raised in question, and Mac sat quietly, watching this byplay. Despite Harm's absence, this could still work in the favor of Mattie.
"Your Honor, I called at the Center..."
"Let me guess. Mr Johnson had already left."
"Yes, Your Honor."
"By himself, or with an escort?"
"By himself."
"So, at this moment in time, you actually have no idea where your client is?"
The lawyer knew he was caught out. Shaking his head, he spoke up.
"No, ma'am. I have no idea."
"Very well." The judge turned to face Mac and Mattie. "Colonel Mackenzie, can you explain the absence of Commander Rabb at this time?"
"Captain Rabb is on a mission, Your Honor. He is currently operating in the Persian Gulf as a pilot. I have his power of attorney to represent him at this time."
"Ah, he's been promoted! Please, extend my congratulations when you see him. In the meantime, I am curious as to why these proceedings have been brought forward. I know the reason, of course; I would now like to know the circumstances."
"Your Honor, Mr Johnson is bringing both fraternization and other unspecified charges against myself, and as I haven't actually been charged as yet, they should not relate to the outcome of this hearing."
"Perhaps not, Colonel, but the fact that you have made me aware of them is not exactly in your favor."
"The Captain and I have nothing to hide, Your Honor. The charges will be dealt with as and when they are filed officially."
"Have you been fraternizing, Colonel?"
"The Captain and I are a couple, yes. However, with the Captain out in the Gulf, he is not in my chain of command, which invalidates Mr Johnson's claims."
"What about when Captain Rabb returns?" This came from the plaintiff lawyer, and Mac gave him a sidelong glance before returning her attention to the judge.
"My transfer to the Judiciary will be in effect by the time Captain Rabb returns officially. As this hearing has been brought forward, it was not possible for the Captain to be here on this date. Your Honor, under the circumstances, I would like to request a continuance at this time."
"I think, under the circumstances, that you have grounds for such a request, Colonel. Do you have any idea when Captain Rabb will be able to attend the court?"
"I am hoping to hear from him today, Your Honor. His current commanding officer is Captain Johnson, of the USS Sea Hawk. Prior to his deployment, it had been agreed by Captain Johnson that he would be given leave to attend the hearing on the original date."
"Then I will adjourn until that date. However, if the Captain is unable to attend at that time, I will render my decision regardless."
"Yes, Your Honor. Thank you." Mac put her hand on Mattie's shoulder and squeezed reassuringly. Mattie grinned up at her, and then across at the judge, who winked in response.
"Miss Grace, I will see you in a week."
"Yes, ma'am."
"This court is adjourned." The gavel hit the desk one more time, and the judge rose and left the room.
OUTSIDE THE COURTROOM
FAMILY COURT
WASHINGTON DC
"Where do you think he is?" Mattie asked, without actually mentioning Tom Johnson. Mac shook her head.
"I have no idea." Mac was distracted, wondering where Harm might be at that very moment.
"I wish we knew where Harm was too!" Mattie muttered, almost as though she had read Mac's mind, and Mac put her arm around the teenager.
"I'm sure he's okay, Mattie, wherever he is."
At that moment Admiral Chegwidden stepped up to the pair of them, a smile on his face.
"Admiral?"
"Colonel, Mattie, I have good news. Harm is on his way into Pax River as we speak. We can be there before he lands."
"He's coming in on a transporter?" Mac asked, unsure as to why Harm should be flying anything other than the Tomcat. Unless there was a problem. "Is he okay, sir?"
"I know nothing more than the fact that Harm is on his way in, and there is a transporter heading to Pax River, so one may presume the two are connected. Are you ready to leave?"
"Yes, sir. Thank you." Mac nodded, and followed behind as Mattie walked alongside the Admiral. "Sir...?" Mac asked hesitantly, and Chegwidden turned to face her.
"Colonel?"
"Nothing, sir...thank you." Mac continued to follow the Admiral and Mattie, with Sturgis beside Mac, and behind them Harriet, Bud and Jennifer brought up the rear. Sue, Jack and Bobby had already returned to the FBI building, with the promise that they would be back for the hearing when it was due again.
PATUXENT RIVER
NAVAL AIR STATION
FRIDAY, LATE MORNING
The party waiting on the tarmac at Pax River were quiet, each wondering what they were about to witness. They knew Harm was alive, but had no idea of his condition. Scuttlebutt had him on a stretcher, in a wheelchair, on crutches even! But who was right? All the transporter crew had told them was that he was conscious, and in one piece. When Mac had spoken to him the night before, he had promised he would be careful. Just what had happened between then and now?
As the transporter came to a stop on the tarmac and the rear ramp door lowered, Mac raised a hand to her eyes, shading them against the sun as she looked for the familiar tall figure. Slightly behind her, Mattie held tight to her other hand, and waited in silence. Bud and Harriet stood together, holding hands too. Albeit against regulations, given that they were both in uniform, the Admiral didn't seem to notice. If he did, he gave no sign of it, his own gaze pinned on the same point as Mac, waiting for the emergence of his officer, in whatever state.
Mac gasped as a lone figure stepped off the ramp, and walked towards them, stopping to salute the assembled officers. All four officers present returned the salute.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To be continued