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!
In order to post this chapter before I have to go out of town, I wasn't able to send out my replies to reviews. I'll do double duty on them when I get back, and hope this chapter whets the appetite to read and review again! Sorry to cut and run; I should be able to post again Tuesday. Take care... Jaggie
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PATUXENT RIVER
NAVAL AIR STATION
FRIDAY, LATE MORNING
"Colonel Mackenzie, ma'am? I'm Lieutenant Commander Briggs. I have a message for... "
"Where is Captain Rabb?" Mac snapped out, staring behind the young officer as if to conjure up Harm from nowhere. Briggs grinned.
"He said you'd interrupt me, ma'am."
"He? Who?" Mac was fast losing what little patience she had left.
"The Captain, ma'am."
"Is he all right? Where is he?"
"That's what I've been trying to tell you, ma'am. He's just fine, and he'll be with you in a minute or two."
"Lieutenant Commander Briggs, where is the Captain?" Mac enunciated every single word just to be sure the officer understood that if she didn't get a straight answer she was about to create mayhem.
Briggs grinned again and pointed at the incoming aircraft. An F-14 was on final approach to the field.
"Ma'am, the message was 'Tell the Colonel I've cost the Navy about $120 million in aircraft wrecks so far, it's about time I brought one back whole!'"
Chegwidden laughed out loud, putting his hand forward to shake Briggs' hand. "Briggs, that has to be the best news the Navy's heard in a long time! Thank you, son."
"Thank you, Admiral. The Captain's a hell of a pilot, and an officer. We picked him up on our radar coming in over the Atlantic. He decided he'd had enough of his RIO, and since he couldn't eject the guy, could he tag along and follow us in. We couldn't refuse a request like that, sir."
"I guess not. Who's his RIO?"
"Not sure of his rank, sir. Just said his name was Dunster... Dunsting... something like that, sir."
"Dunstan!" Chegwidden called out in surprise. Briggs nodded.
"I'll be damned. The guy's a ZNN reporter, Briggs."
Briggs looked surprised at that comment. "I didn't know. We just thought the Captain was flying back on business. I guessed he was off the Sea Hawk."
"I would imagine the aircraft is off the Sea Hawk, Briggs, but the Captain is a JAG officer."
"Jeez. If he'd told me that up there, sir, I'd probably have had a heart attack."
"You wouldn't be the first, son. If it's any consolation, you've been baby-sitting a man decorated twice with the DFC, among others."
"Oh, man!" Briggs whistled, and turned back to the tarmac as he heard the shift of engine noise as the now-landed Tomcat throttled back and braked on the ground. Mac had been half-listening to the conversation between her commanding officer and the transporter pilot, but now her attention was solely on the aircraft taxiing towards the transporter. As the Tomcat neared, Harm glanced out of his window and raised a gloved hand in a 'thumbs up' to those on the ground. Mac couldn't help it. She grinned, and then laughed out loud. Harriet and Bud thought she had finally lost it - as their friend and fellow officer bent double with laughter, before standing upright, turning to hug Mattie, and then pulling the teenager along with her toward the steps that had been put in place at both pilot and RIO positions.
The ground crew helped Stuart Dunstan out of his cockpit first, and as the man's feet touched the ground, he knelt down and kissed the hot, dirty tarmac.
"Hi, Stuart! I know you like me, but I never expected you to kiss the ground at my feet." Mattie looked at Mac as she spoke to the reporter. Dunstan got to his feet and grinned at Mac.
"You, Mackenzie, are as welcome a sight as your flyboy up there..." Dunstan turned as Harm stepped out of his own cockpit and slid down the outside edges of the steps, as fresh as if he had just been out for a spin over the ocean. He was clean shaven and kitted out in a fresh flight-suit.
Mattie moved forward and enveloped Harm in a hug, which he returned without hesitation.
"Hey, sweetheart. How are you?"
"Better. A lot's happened, Harm, while you've been...away."
"I bet. Don't worry, I have it on good authority I can have as much liberty as I need, so we'll have plenty of time to catch up. I'm just so glad to see you. I'm very proud of you."
"How come?"
"For keeping Mac in one piece," Harm grinned, and Mattie laughed, both turning to face the woman in question. Dropping his arm from Mattie's shoulders Harm moved to stand in front of Mac.
Mattie moved to stand beside Stuart Dunstan. Mac had told Mattie some things about Stuart Dunstan since her return to DC, and the teenager now had an easier acceptance of the journalist. They would never be 'best friends', but at least they could be civil to each other.
"Welcome back, flyboy. I've missed you," Mac whispered, looking up at Harm. Without a word he simply pulled her into his arms and kissed her. And kissed her again. And kissed her some more to make sure that he wasn't really dreaming. When he pulled away, Mac pulled him back and kissed him instead!
It was the sound of a throat clearing that roused the pair of them, and both turned to face the Admiral, Bud, and Harriet, whose face was aglow and she was beaming from cheek to cheek. Bud was still standing open-mouthed in disbelief.
Harm, still holding onto Mac with his arm around her waist, managed to salute his commanding officer in a suitable manner. Chegwidden returned the salute, and then said quietly, "At ease, Captain. Welcome back."
"Thank you, sir. It's good to be back." As Harm had his arm around Mac's waist, he had felt a thickening there, and a sudden feeling of deja-vu hit him. As he turned away from Chegwidden, he apologized, and then looked down at Mac.
"You've grown, Mac!"
"Yes...you've made double-good on your baby promise."
There was a hint of confusion for a few seconds, and then Harm's face lit up with the most amazing smile, and Mac knew everything was going to be right in their world now. What niggling doubts she'd had over her pregnancy in the last few days had been related to Harm being away, but now with him back in her arms, their new family was complete.
"Twins," he whispered, looking down at her figure, which he now realised was housed in a slightly bulging jacket.
"Yeah," Mac whispered back.
"I love you, Sarah." It came out, loud, clear and for all to hear. Harriet's face blanched though, and as Bud asked her if she was feeling ill, Chegwidden grinned.
"It's all right, Lieutenant. Admiral's privilege," he informed her. Harriet nodded, and then a thought came to mind.
"But what about being unmarried, sir?"
"Well, I guess they've got that covered too. You are still married, aren't you, Colonel?"
Mac and Harm nodded together, and Mac removed the gloves she had been wearing, to reveal the diamond eternity ring, and the wedding ring. They had chosen an eternity ring over an engagement ring, as it symbolized so much in their lives.
Harriet could only stand and stare. "Married?" she managed on a choked sob, and then burst into tears and came towards them. Both Harm and Mac enveloped the younger officer in their arms and hugged her. Bud shook his head slowly, then walked up to the trio.
"Sir, you don't do things the easy way, do you?"
"Not usually," Harm admitted, and then grinned. "Thank you, Bud, for looking after my family."
"My pleasure, sir, always." He went straight up to Harm and hugged him.
"Mushy," said Mattie, as she moved to stand beside Chegwidden.
"Definitely," he answered in agreement.
"I should have had my camera," added Dunstan, and both of them turned to him and glared, and then Mattie broke into laughter as Dunstan smiled.
"Gotcha!" he said.
Briggs stood with his arms crossed, and tipped his head back.
"What a family!" was his addition to the conversation, and then he moved towards Harm to shake hands. Harm returned the gesture and pulled the officer into a brief hug.
"Thanks, Briggs. I owe ya,"
"Nah, not a problem. Just glad you've returned the jet, sir. The captain of the Sea Hawk said he'd bill you personally if you ditched this one."
Everyone laughed at that as they moved away from the two aircraft and walked towards the waiting vehicles.
There were questions to be asked and explanations to be given, but all Harm wanted at that moment was to be alone with Mac.
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!
In order to post this chapter before I have to go out of town, I wasn't able to send out my replies to reviews. I'll do double duty on them when I get back, and hope this chapter whets the appetite to read and review again! Sorry to cut and run; I should be able to post again Tuesday. Take care... Jaggie
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PATUXENT RIVER
NAVAL AIR STATION
FRIDAY, LATE MORNING
"Colonel Mackenzie, ma'am? I'm Lieutenant Commander Briggs. I have a message for... "
"Where is Captain Rabb?" Mac snapped out, staring behind the young officer as if to conjure up Harm from nowhere. Briggs grinned.
"He said you'd interrupt me, ma'am."
"He? Who?" Mac was fast losing what little patience she had left.
"The Captain, ma'am."
"Is he all right? Where is he?"
"That's what I've been trying to tell you, ma'am. He's just fine, and he'll be with you in a minute or two."
"Lieutenant Commander Briggs, where is the Captain?" Mac enunciated every single word just to be sure the officer understood that if she didn't get a straight answer she was about to create mayhem.
Briggs grinned again and pointed at the incoming aircraft. An F-14 was on final approach to the field.
"Ma'am, the message was 'Tell the Colonel I've cost the Navy about $120 million in aircraft wrecks so far, it's about time I brought one back whole!'"
Chegwidden laughed out loud, putting his hand forward to shake Briggs' hand. "Briggs, that has to be the best news the Navy's heard in a long time! Thank you, son."
"Thank you, Admiral. The Captain's a hell of a pilot, and an officer. We picked him up on our radar coming in over the Atlantic. He decided he'd had enough of his RIO, and since he couldn't eject the guy, could he tag along and follow us in. We couldn't refuse a request like that, sir."
"I guess not. Who's his RIO?"
"Not sure of his rank, sir. Just said his name was Dunster... Dunsting... something like that, sir."
"Dunstan!" Chegwidden called out in surprise. Briggs nodded.
"I'll be damned. The guy's a ZNN reporter, Briggs."
Briggs looked surprised at that comment. "I didn't know. We just thought the Captain was flying back on business. I guessed he was off the Sea Hawk."
"I would imagine the aircraft is off the Sea Hawk, Briggs, but the Captain is a JAG officer."
"Jeez. If he'd told me that up there, sir, I'd probably have had a heart attack."
"You wouldn't be the first, son. If it's any consolation, you've been baby-sitting a man decorated twice with the DFC, among others."
"Oh, man!" Briggs whistled, and turned back to the tarmac as he heard the shift of engine noise as the now-landed Tomcat throttled back and braked on the ground. Mac had been half-listening to the conversation between her commanding officer and the transporter pilot, but now her attention was solely on the aircraft taxiing towards the transporter. As the Tomcat neared, Harm glanced out of his window and raised a gloved hand in a 'thumbs up' to those on the ground. Mac couldn't help it. She grinned, and then laughed out loud. Harriet and Bud thought she had finally lost it - as their friend and fellow officer bent double with laughter, before standing upright, turning to hug Mattie, and then pulling the teenager along with her toward the steps that had been put in place at both pilot and RIO positions.
The ground crew helped Stuart Dunstan out of his cockpit first, and as the man's feet touched the ground, he knelt down and kissed the hot, dirty tarmac.
"Hi, Stuart! I know you like me, but I never expected you to kiss the ground at my feet." Mattie looked at Mac as she spoke to the reporter. Dunstan got to his feet and grinned at Mac.
"You, Mackenzie, are as welcome a sight as your flyboy up there..." Dunstan turned as Harm stepped out of his own cockpit and slid down the outside edges of the steps, as fresh as if he had just been out for a spin over the ocean. He was clean shaven and kitted out in a fresh flight-suit.
Mattie moved forward and enveloped Harm in a hug, which he returned without hesitation.
"Hey, sweetheart. How are you?"
"Better. A lot's happened, Harm, while you've been...away."
"I bet. Don't worry, I have it on good authority I can have as much liberty as I need, so we'll have plenty of time to catch up. I'm just so glad to see you. I'm very proud of you."
"How come?"
"For keeping Mac in one piece," Harm grinned, and Mattie laughed, both turning to face the woman in question. Dropping his arm from Mattie's shoulders Harm moved to stand in front of Mac.
Mattie moved to stand beside Stuart Dunstan. Mac had told Mattie some things about Stuart Dunstan since her return to DC, and the teenager now had an easier acceptance of the journalist. They would never be 'best friends', but at least they could be civil to each other.
"Welcome back, flyboy. I've missed you," Mac whispered, looking up at Harm. Without a word he simply pulled her into his arms and kissed her. And kissed her again. And kissed her some more to make sure that he wasn't really dreaming. When he pulled away, Mac pulled him back and kissed him instead!
It was the sound of a throat clearing that roused the pair of them, and both turned to face the Admiral, Bud, and Harriet, whose face was aglow and she was beaming from cheek to cheek. Bud was still standing open-mouthed in disbelief.
Harm, still holding onto Mac with his arm around her waist, managed to salute his commanding officer in a suitable manner. Chegwidden returned the salute, and then said quietly, "At ease, Captain. Welcome back."
"Thank you, sir. It's good to be back." As Harm had his arm around Mac's waist, he had felt a thickening there, and a sudden feeling of deja-vu hit him. As he turned away from Chegwidden, he apologized, and then looked down at Mac.
"You've grown, Mac!"
"Yes...you've made double-good on your baby promise."
There was a hint of confusion for a few seconds, and then Harm's face lit up with the most amazing smile, and Mac knew everything was going to be right in their world now. What niggling doubts she'd had over her pregnancy in the last few days had been related to Harm being away, but now with him back in her arms, their new family was complete.
"Twins," he whispered, looking down at her figure, which he now realised was housed in a slightly bulging jacket.
"Yeah," Mac whispered back.
"I love you, Sarah." It came out, loud, clear and for all to hear. Harriet's face blanched though, and as Bud asked her if she was feeling ill, Chegwidden grinned.
"It's all right, Lieutenant. Admiral's privilege," he informed her. Harriet nodded, and then a thought came to mind.
"But what about being unmarried, sir?"
"Well, I guess they've got that covered too. You are still married, aren't you, Colonel?"
Mac and Harm nodded together, and Mac removed the gloves she had been wearing, to reveal the diamond eternity ring, and the wedding ring. They had chosen an eternity ring over an engagement ring, as it symbolized so much in their lives.
Harriet could only stand and stare. "Married?" she managed on a choked sob, and then burst into tears and came towards them. Both Harm and Mac enveloped the younger officer in their arms and hugged her. Bud shook his head slowly, then walked up to the trio.
"Sir, you don't do things the easy way, do you?"
"Not usually," Harm admitted, and then grinned. "Thank you, Bud, for looking after my family."
"My pleasure, sir, always." He went straight up to Harm and hugged him.
"Mushy," said Mattie, as she moved to stand beside Chegwidden.
"Definitely," he answered in agreement.
"I should have had my camera," added Dunstan, and both of them turned to him and glared, and then Mattie broke into laughter as Dunstan smiled.
"Gotcha!" he said.
Briggs stood with his arms crossed, and tipped his head back.
"What a family!" was his addition to the conversation, and then he moved towards Harm to shake hands. Harm returned the gesture and pulled the officer into a brief hug.
"Thanks, Briggs. I owe ya,"
"Nah, not a problem. Just glad you've returned the jet, sir. The captain of the Sea Hawk said he'd bill you personally if you ditched this one."
Everyone laughed at that as they moved away from the two aircraft and walked towards the waiting vehicles.
There were questions to be asked and explanations to be given, but all Harm wanted at that moment was to be alone with Mac.