Title: Life's Consequences
Author: Anaika Skywalker
Author's Email:
Rating: PG -13
Summery: A ramp strike brings to life a secret Harm has been keeping since law school.
Disclaimer: I don't own JAG; I just like to spread my wings occasionally.
Author's Note: After a late night conversation or I should say an early morning one with a JAG fan on the Internet, I was challenged to do a little creative writing with one of my own stories. The challenge: take the characters from my story Gold Wings and Dress Whites and fit them into the JAG universe after season nine. It wasn't easy since here in Australia we haven't seen season nine and I only know what I read on the Internet. So forgive me if I get things wrong. So here it is. There are some familiar aspects and some new ones. Please let me know if I should continue with this or just remove it all together.
Life's Consequences
Chapter One: Harm's secret
Harm's apartment: North of Union Station
Harm woke to the ringing of the phone, groaning when he saw the clock's red LED display showing 04:09. Grabbing the phone he hit the talk button before putting it to his ear. "Rabb."
"Dad. Dad it's Corey, they've brought Mom to Bethesda. They won't tell me anything, Captain Church is trying to find out what's going on, but…" the boys voice broke and a raw sob came from his throat. "I need you here Dad, please."
Harm was now wide awake and climbing out of the bed, forgoing the light. "I'm on my way, Corey, hang on son," he said aguishly. "Hang on kiddo."
"I will Dad, hurry please."
"I will."
The call was disconnected and Harm through the phone on the bed and dressed in a hurry, grabbing his wallet and keys as he rushed out the door. Taking the stairs because it was faster, he did so at a run, bolting out of the building and to his SUV. As he drove he found his heart beating rapidly. God she didn't deserve this. What in the hell had happened?
He'd known Sera Mitchell for years; he'd served with her late husband, before his ramp strike. He'd felt at first a little awkward about going to law school with his friends wife especially because he'd fallen in love with her from the moment they'd meet; the attraction had been electrifying for both of them right from the start. They'd fought it at first since both had started law school with emotional baggage. Harm still coming to terms with having to start a new career and Sera wandering whether she'd made a mistake marring so young. Then their relationship had become strong enough that they'd flirted with their attraction, and then one night after a few drinks at his apartment their relationship went to the next level. What started out as a good night kiss ended up with them making love. After that they could never go back. Which made it hard when Sera's husband, Lt. Chris Riggs arrived home on a three-day pass and though Chris had noticed the tension; he'd dismissed it as stress from studying. A week after Chris had gone back two men in uniform had arrived at her apartment and told her, her husband was dead. Killed in a training exercise. She'd collapsed in Harms' arms, her life torn apart in a single moment, raked by guilt because she'd decided she wanted a divorce. Harm had stood by her, comforted her, making sure the guilt didn't consume her even though he felt it too. He got her through the funeral and the Will reading. The news that followed shocked them both though. She was pregnant. Everyone just assumed the baby was her late husband's, but he and Sera had known different. They agreed to not say anything – to let everyone believe it. It was the hardest thing either of them had done. No one expected anything, not even when her son had been born. They had thought him premature and he had been born early, just not as early as they thought. Harm had been there with Sera through the delivery, he'd had tears of joy in his eyes when they'd laid his son in his arms for the first time – his son. Then she'd started to hemorrhage and for a brief moment they thought they were going to loose her. He'd been forced from the room with a nurse, the baby still secure in his arms. Hours later after they'd brought her out of surgery, he'd found out the doctors had performed a hysterectomy to save her life. She wouldn't be able to have any more children, but she was alive. Her son – Corey Harmon Rabb was perfect and only the two of them knew his birth certificate would hold his real fathers name. Everyone else would just assume Chris Riggs' name would be listed as the father, though Sera had insisted Corey take Harm's name. She wanted to give Harm that. Her mother-in-law had known as soon as she saw the infant, even with the pain of betrayal in her eyes, she couldn't turn the love she felt for the child from her heart. She accepted it, accepted her son was not perfect and the marriage had been a mistake. Sera had just been too young and her son too set in his ways. The consequences to his and Sera's careers were also great and they decided to keep it a secret. Only in desperation had Harm told his mother the truth and she'd promised to keep his secret too on the condition he kept her up to date on her grandson. And no matter what people though he saw his son, as much as he could, birthdays, Christmas, when he couldn't, he sent presents. He was Corey's father and no one was going to take his son from him or the boy's mother. He loved them both.
And both had come a long way since law school, right after NJS, Sera applied for flight school and been accepted. After gaining her wings she'd been assigned to a land based squadron that did carrier TAD's. She found herself in the courtroom as well as the air, once they'd gone up against each other in court. They'd fought hard against each other in court during the day, and then made love with as much vigor at night. Having her so close when they did connect made him ach to touch her, to run his fingers through her mousy brown hair. To see the desire in her sea green eyes, to feel the way her body responded to him. Which at times made things so confusing, he seemed to hold back and so did she. Neither had wanted to make the next move and that was keeping them apart. He knew he would have married her after Corey had been born, in fact he'd asked her. She'd said no, saying it wasn't the right time. He didn't take it as a rejection; he knew she needed to do things on her own for a while. So with being able to see his son anytime he wanted, he'd supported her emotionally, her and Corey. There were times when they didn't see each other for months, and then fate would bring them together again. And the attraction was just as strong and explosive.
It was Sera he'd rang when Annie had left, when his Vette had been stolen. When he'd had surgery to fix his eyes. When he'd had the argument with Mac about returning to a combat squadron. When Jordan had given him the ultimatum, her or flying. He'd made his chooses with Sera's advice.
He'd e-mailed Sera regularly when he'd been stationed onboard the Patrick Henry, more then he'd done Mac. Before he'd returned to Washington, he'd made a quick stop over in Pensacola and spent the weekend with her and his son. Airing his concerns about returning to JAG, his feelings about his and Mac's friendship. How he was feeling about Jordan. She'd soothed his soul and loved his body without hesitation, her love shone through so strongly and he'd ignored it. Now he may lose her. He couldn't lose her - he'd never stopped loving her and he knew he never would. No matter what he couldn't dismiss his feelings for her. He'd tried – with Annie, Jordan and even Renee. But he'd never been drawn to them like he was to Sera; his feelings had never reached that feverish point even with Mac. Not even before Paraguay. Perhaps this was why he'd hesitated in Sydney that night with Mac; maybe deep down in his heart he'd always known he and Sera were meant to be. Perhaps that's was why after he'd joined the CIA, it had been Sera he'd trusted. Had gone to see when not on assignment.
Damn why had he ignored her feelings and his own! He slammed his hand onto the steering wheel in frustration after he parked the SUV. Jumping out he reefed free the keys, locked it and ran inside the hospital. Making inquires at the duty nurses station he found his way to the waiting room.
"Dad!" The pre-teen rushed to him when he saw him.
Harm took his son in his arms, holding him tight. "I'm here, son."
"They won't tell us anything dad," Corey told him, the distress evident in his voice. The eleven year old was afraid he was going to lose his mother.
Harm took his son by the shoulders, looking eye to him, which was like looking into his own blue eyes. "Your Mom isn't going to die. I promise, all right?" He saw his son nod, it was then he realized both Corey and Captain Jeff Church – Sera's CO, were both wearing flight suites. He straightened and looked questioningly over his son's head at him.
Jeff Church ran his fingers through his black hair; he'd know Rabb from flight school. If the man hadn't of suffered his ramp strike, it's possible Harm would have been running the Arch Angeles instead of him. "I needed to get here fast and I didn't want Corey left behind, so…" His voice faded as he shrugged. "Lets just say your son is a born aviator."
Drawing Corey back into his arms, Harm was proud of his son and gratefully his son was there. "Well talk about later okay," he said ruffling his son's brown hair. "Lets sit down kiddo, you're exhausted."
"I'm fine Dad."
"Yes and you're also as stubborn I am, now do what you're told young man."
"Yes sir," he said with a sheepish but tried grin.
Jeff chuckled a little. Corey Rabb was the image of his father as a young man. His father looks and his mother's brains, at eleven the boy was already in High School. Not to mention he wasn't lying when he said Corey was a born aviator, because he was.
Once they'd sat down, Harm asked the question that had been burning inside of him. "What happened Captain?"
"Her landing was perfect according to the LSO, then suddenly the front landing gear collapsed, the momentum throw her rhino over. It sat on its nose before falling forward, hitting the deck, neither Angel or her RIO could have ejected, there just wasn't enough time." Jeff reported. "Zapper, came out of it better then she did. He'll be back on deck in a few days."
"And Sera?" He asked feeling Corey tense beside him.
"Her right ankle is broken, her right wrist is too, and she had internal bleeding. The stick slammed into her chest, she hit her head hard enough to crack her helmet. In short, Harm, Sera is lucky to be alive."
A shocked sob came from Corey and he buried his head into his fathers chest, Harm held him, rubbing his back. "You're mom is going to be all right, Core. I promised, didn't I?"
"Yeah," came his muffled reply.
Jeff put his hand on Corey's shoulder. "I'm sorry kiddo, I just didn't want to sugar coat it," he stated. "They stabilized her on the Henry then transferred her to here. The nurse said they rushed her back into surgery as soon as they arrived."
Corey hugged tighter to his father, feeling him continuing to rub his back. He needed to be in his arms, to feel he was there with him.
Harm squeezed his eyes shut, trying to block out the pain he was feeling, the dread that pulled at his gut. He knew what it was like to ramp strike, Sera had probable been tenser then her RIO – David Smith, which accounted for her more serious injuries. He also knew what it was like to lose someone he loved. God he hated the waiting, the not knowing?
"Captain?"
All looked, seeing Lt. David Smith coming down the corridor in sweets, slippers and a hospital robe. A nurse trailed along behind him frowning.
"Zapper, you shouldn't be up," Jeff informed, getting quickly to his feet to help the young man to a chair, sitting next to him. The nurse lingering near by, ready to return the Lieutenant to his room.
"Sorry sir, I just wanted to know Angel was all right," he declared, worry laced his gray eyes. He nodded to Rabb. "It's good to see you sir, though I wish it were under better circumstances."
"So do I, Zapper. So do I."
David put his hand on Corey's shoulder. "How are you holding up, kiddo?"
"I'm good. Especially now Dad's here."
"Yeah, superman here is pretty special," the Lieutenant, teased. "Or so you keep telling me."
Harm couldn't help but smile. His son was so proud of him and his mother and he didn't mind telling everyone who'd listen.
A man in theater greens and a white coat approached. "Captain Church?"
Jeff stood as did everyone else, David a little slower then the rest, his CO helping him to his feet before addressing the doctor. "I'm Captain Church."
"Doctor Marshall," he introduced himself. "I'm looking after Lt. Commander Mitchell."
Jeff nodded, then gestured to those with him. "Lt. David Smith, Mitchell's RIO, her son Corey and…" hesitated only for a brief second. "Commander Rabb, the Lt. Commander's fiancé." He was relieved to see none of them blinked at that, he just wanted to make sure Rabb got to see Sera.
The doctor acknowledged them all. "Lt. Commander Mitchell is out of surgery, and is being settled in ICU. When she arrived, she was bleeding internally again; we've stopped that and set all broken bones. At the moment she's on a respirator to help her breath, her chest she badly bruised. We also had to relieve some pressure on the brain, which is what we're most concerned about right now."
"In short doc?" Harm asked bluntly.
"Your fiancé is in a coma, Commander. Until she wakes up, we want know the extent of the damage done."
Corey crushed into his father again, frightened by what he'd just heard. Harm held him close. "It's okay Core," he addressed the doctor. "Can we see her?"
"Yes, we've found with coma patients it helps if you talk to them, touch them. Contact can help recovery," he answered. "Have the Lt. Commander's parents been notified."
Captain Church nodded. "Admiral Mitchell and his wife are flying in from Pearl, her mother should be here soon. I'll wait for Judge Ronan, Harm, you and Corey go with the doctor. Take Zapper with you, I doubt he'll rest until he sees her."
"I'll do that, Captain. Then order him back to his room."
"Sir you wouldn't?" David complained.
"Yes I would Lieutenant."
"Aye sir."
The doctor didn't comment, showing them the way, the nurse who'd come with David stuck to him. Corey held tight to his father's hand. The boy was dreading what he was going to see, but he didn't want to stay away. He needed to do this.
Harm was dreading it too; frightened he was going to lose Sera. Lose her before he could say how much of a fool he'd been. His friendship with Mac had shown him that, especially over the last few months. They'd settled into a new found relationship based solely on friendship, he was there if she needed him and they'd found a comfortable peace in their lives.
The doctor guided them into ICU and straight to Mitchell.
Corey wasn't prepared for this, not to see his mom like this – so helpless. So pale, the medical equipment around her, the respirator that was helping her breath, her head was bandaged, a cast on her ankle and wrist. There were bruises on her face, and an IV drip in her left hand.
Harm was just as shocked by what he saw. He squeezed his son's hand and pulled him closer to the bedside.
Doctor Marshall knew they were in for a long haul. "I'll have an orderly set up a cot in here for you, you all look like your ready to drop. Try and get some sleep." Seeing them nod he left them alone, talking briefly to the nurse before he did.
Harm pulled a couple of chairs closer for himself and Corey, pushing his son into one before sitting down. He took Sera's hand being careful of the drip. "Corey and I are here, Sera. Everything is going to be all right now, you just have to wake up sweetheart."
Corey blinked back tears. "Sure it will Mom, Dad promised and you know he never brakes a promise."
David felt helpless, seeing his driver like this. She'd taken the full blunt of the crash; he'd just been plane lucky.
The nurse saw him sway on his feet. "That's it Lieutenant, back to bed." She announced grabbing hold of his arm.
He nodded. "Sir?"
Harm understood. "I'll keep you informed, David."
"Thank you sir." He said, and then reluctantly went with the nurse.
A couple of orderly's came in and set up the portable bed on the far side, doing it quietly and quickly. Hurrying out when they'd finished.
Harm put a hand on his son's shoulder. "Why don't you try and get some sleep kiddo, you're exhausted. You won't do your mom any good if you collapse on her. Not to mention she'd kick my six if you did."
He forced a chuckle. "Okay dad. You'll wake me though if anything happens?"
"I will."
Reluctantly he got up and walked over to the cot, lying on his side so he could watch his parents. Their relationship had always been a mystery to him from the moment he could understand it. They loved each other that was obvious, yet neither seemed to want to take the next step. Being an adult was confusing, he decided as he drifted off.
Harm brought Sera's hand to his lips, kissing it softly. He kept his voice low. "Don't you dare leave us, sweetheart, we need you. God Sera we love you; don't leave us." He whispered, tears running down his face. "Don't leave us."
He jumped as the hand clumped down on his shoulder. Glancing back he saw Rebecca Ronan, Sera's mother.
She slipped into the chair next to his and wrapped her arms around him, worry written all over her face. "Everything is going to be fine, Harm. She won't leave you."
He silently prayed she was right.
JAG Headquarters: Falls Church Virginia, Washington DC.
Lt. Colonel Sarah Mackenzie, better known as Mac, walked into the bullpen feeling as if something was very wrong. It ate at her gut, and she had a feeling it had to do with Harm.
Coates hurried up to her. "Ma'am, Admiral Carmichael wants to see you ASAP."
She nodded. "I'll be right there Coates," she quickly put her briefcase, cover and coat in her office, then hurried to the Admiral's. Getting a nod from Coates as she walked into the outer office. Knocking on the door, she opened it and went in. Seeing Commander Tuner was already seated before the Admiral's desk. Admiral James Carmichael had taken over as the Judge Advocate General when Admiral Chegwidden had retired.
"Take a seat, Colonel." Carmichael ordered and continued when she had. "Last night there was a mishap on the Patrick Henry. A Super Hornet took a nose dive on the deck and flipped over," the Admiral had been an aviator and carrier commander; he knew the workings of a fighter as well as he did a law book. "The pilot; was seriously injured and is in a coma at Bethesda, her RIO was lucky, he walked away with bruised ribs and a slight concussion."
"Sir, who was the pilot?" Sturgis asked.
The Admiral looked. "Lt. Commander Sera Mitchell, XO of the Arch Angels," he saw recognition cross the man's face. "You know the Lt. Commander?"
"Yes sir. Angel. She's a close friend of Commander Rabb's."
Mac's head snapped around, she didn't know that. She looked back to the Admiral, wondering why Harm had never mentioned the Lt. Commander before.
Carmichael hadn't missed her reaction. "I realize that, Commander Tuner. Rabb is at Bethesda at the moment; he's been there since about oh four hundred this morning. Commander you'll head out to the Henry and start the investigation," he handed him a file, then one to Mackenzie. "Colonel, I want you to go to Bethesda and interview the RIO and check on Rabb."
"Yes sir."
A knock sounded and Lt. Commander Roberts came in. "You wanted to see me sir."
"Yes Lt. Commander," Carmichael acknowledged. "I'd like you to take over Commander Rabb's cases until further notice."
"Yes sir, is anything wrong?"
"His fiancé was involved in a mishap last night and is in the hospital," he said bluntly. "I've put him on emergency leave for the moment." He saw the shocked faces of the three of them at the mention of fiancé. "I take it Rabb didn't mention Lt. Commander Mitchell was his fiancé?"
"No sir," Sturgis answered.
"Well I'm sure he'll mention it when he's ready. Dismissed."
Sturgis and Mac stood and followed Bud out, Coates handed Sturgis his travel details as they headed out.
"Sir, Ma'am," Bud said confused. "Why didn't the Commander mention he was getting married?"
"I don't know, Bud, but I'll ask him when I see him." Mac said sternly.
"Mac," Sturgis grabbed her arm. "Harm has known Sera since law school, they've had a special relationship over the years."
"I'm sure he'll tell us when he's ready," Bud agreed. "Just as the Admiral said."
Mac nodded. However she still wanted to get to the bottom of it. "I'll see you when you get back Commander," she said, and then hurried to her office. Dropping the file on her desk as she sat down. She didn't understand why Harm had never mentioned Sera Mitchell to her. She'd heard him talk of Angel and the Arch Angels. Everyone had heard of the Arch Angels at one time or another. Harm had bragged about flying with them when he'd been stationed aboard the Patrick Henry and when he was with the CIA. But he'd never even hinted about his relationship with the Lt. Commander or she was Angel.
Sighing she opened the file and looked over the information given. Included were service records of both pilot and RIO, a lot was blacked out and classified, but what she did read was enough to convince her these two were the best at what they did. Closing it she shoved it into her briefcase, standing she took it, her coat and cover and headed out. She wanted to get the interview with Lt. Smith out of the way so she could see Harm and find out what was going on.
The drive to Bethesda wasn't eventful; she parked her Vette and headed inside, getting directions to Lt. Smith's room. She knocked and went in, stopping sharply. A very pregnant, blond headed woman was seated beside the Lieutenant's bed. "I'm sorry for interrupting Lieutenant Smith, I'm Lieutenant Colonel Mackenzie from JAG."
The blond headed woman smiled warmly as she stood, holding out her hand. "Commander Med Austin-Smith, Ma'am, Harm's told me so much about you."
Mac arched an eyebrow as she shook the Commander's hand. "He has?"
"Yes Ma'am," Meg returned to her seat, gesturing for the Colonel to sit also. "I was Harm's partner for a while at JAG before I transferred. We kept in contact over the years, especially after I married David."
Mac was starting to realize she didn't know her partner as well as she thought she did. "I'm here to interview you about the mishap Lieutenant, then I'll go and see Commander Rabb."
He nodded. "What do you need to know, Ma'am?"
She removed a note pad and pen. "Just start from the beginning, Lieutenant."
He nodded again and felt his wife take his hand. "We'd been TAD onboard the Henry for the past three months, it was our last hop before we were heading back to Pensacola. We were coming in to land, all was green across the board, the landing was one of Angel's usual perfect ones. Then suddenly she was yelling the hydraulics was failing, the rhino nosed dived and the momentum pushed us up onto our nose. We fell forward and landed on the canopy, I don't remember much after that, except for waking up in sickbay with a hell of a headache. They told me Angel was in surgery, and that she was bad. Apparently her lap belt broke and she hit hard."
"Apparently?"
"That's what they told me, Colonel. Sera hit hard enough to crack her helmet. The only way for that to happen was if her harness failed."
Mac made note of that. "Lieutenant is there anyone you know who would want Lt. Commander Mitchell dead?"
"That list is long, Colonel. Angel has made some enemy's over the years, both in and out of the courtroom," Meg supplied and saw the Colonel's curious expression. "I'm assigned to NLSO Pensacola, Colonel. Angel is known for her tenacity in the air as well as in the courtroom. I can have a list of her cases sent to you if you like."
"It might not be a bad idea, Commander."
"I'll get on it Ma'am."
Mac closed her notebook. "Thank you Commander, Lieutenant."
"You're welcome Ma'am."
"Sera, Lt. Commander Mitchell is in ICU, Ma'am," Meg revealed. "Harm is still with her."
"Thank you," she stood. "I'll be in touch Lieutenant."
"Yes Ma'am."
Leaving the room, Mac went straight to ICU, talking with the duty nurse, explaining whom she was and whom she wanted to see. The nurse called Dr. Marshall, who gave Mac a full report before the nurse escorted her to Lt. Commander Mitchell, saying she could stay a few minutes. Mac thanked her.
Harm hadn't moved from Sera's bedside, he still held her hand. He'd convinced Corey to go home with his grandmother and have a shower and something to eat. Rebecca insisting she'd bring something back for him when she and her grandson got back, she was also going to drop into his apartment and get him a change of clothes, some music and a CD player. Harm wasn't going to argue with her, she needed to do this. Captain Church had returned to Pensacola, but would be returning. For Harm he just needed to talk to Sera, he had a feeling she could hear him and knew he was there. "I remember the first time we took Corey flying in 'Sarah', you had him strapped to you in that baby snuggly I brought. You were worried he would be cold, but he loved it. We flew to Gram's, remember, she was so excited to see you and Corey," he paused, his sixth sense told him someone else had come into the room. Turning he saw Mac, he gestured her in. "Hi Mac."
"Harm," she left her briefcase beside the door, out of the way and went closer. "The Admiral told us you were here, Sturgis has gone out to the Patrick Henry to begin the investigation and Bud is taking over your cases. The Admiral put you on emergency leave, I think he believes you're better off here."
"He's right."
She sat down in the empty chair. "Why didn't you say anything, Harm. I thought we were best friends."
"What are you talking about? I've told you about Angel."
"Yes, but you didn't tell me you were marring her."
Harm now understood, he smiled slightly. "Captain Church told the doctor that so I could stay."
"So you're not engaged?"
"No Mac," he said quietly, then looked back to they woman lying unconscious in the bed. "But I do love her."
She put her hand on his arm, the pain he felt was clear in his voice. He was worried he was going to lose her. It was obvious why Harm had always held back when it came to their relationship, why they would never be anything but friends. "I'm sure she's going to be fine, Harm. You've always said Angel was a fighter."
"Damn well better be, she's put up with him for this long," a voice stated from behind them, making them look.
Harm smiled and got up, going over to the woman, hugging her. "Hi Sammy."
"Hi handsome."
Mac did a double take, thinking she was seeing double. Other then the fact the woman standing had long brown hair and Sera didn't, they were identical. Twins.
Harm released her, introducing her to Mac. "Samantha Elliot, Lt. Colonel Sarah Mackenzie."
"Nice to meet you, Colonel," she said, then walked over to her sister, her bravo dropping. "God Sera, what have you done to yourself this time."
Coming up behind her, Harm drew her into his arms. "She's going to pull through, Sammy."
"I know."
Mac stood feeling she was intruding. "I'd better go, it was nice meeting you, Mrs. Elliot."
"Please call me Sam, and you don't have to leave."
"I have to get back to work," Mac said, she put her hand on Harm's back. "I'll drop by later and see how you are."
"Thanks Mac."
Just as she was going to leave, a boy of eleven came in. "Dad, we're back. Hi Aunt Sammy."
Samantha took her nephew into her arms, hugging him. Seeing the shock look on Sarah Mackenzie's face.
So did Harm. "I'll be back in a minute kiddo," he said patting his son on the shoulder. "Come on Mac, I'll walk you out."
She nodded and followed him numbly. The boy was Harm's son; there was no doubting that. His blue eyes were wells of emotions, just like his father.
Rebecca was coming in as they were leaving, carrying one of his overnight bags.
"I want be long," Harm told her.
"Take you time, son, you've been cooped up for hours, take a break," she said gently. "We'll find you if anything happens."
He nodded and guided Mac out. Neither saying anything as they left ICU, taking the elevator to the ground floor.
"You never said you had a son," she stated as they walked towards her Vette.
"I'm sorry Mac, I knew I should have."
"So why didn't you?"
Harm sighed. "I suppose I've kept it a secret for so long now, it's become second nature."
"A secret? Why?"
"It's a long story."
"I've time," she unlocked the Vette and they sat inside. "Talk Harm."
He did, telling her everything. By the time he'd finished he had tears in his eyes. "God Mac what am I going to do if she doesn't wake up. I've been such a fool."
"No you haven't Harm, you were trying to protect Sera and Corey. I'm sure she knows that," she wiped the falling tears. "At least I understand why you've held back with me, Annie, Jordan and even Renee."
"Yeah, me too."
Smiling she lent over and hugged him. "Don't give up on Sera yet. I have a feeling she's going to pull through this just fine."
"Thanks Mac."
"You're welcome, squid. Get some sleep huh."
"I will."
She kissed his cheek and he got out of the Vette and started back inside the hospital. Mac just sat there for a moment before putting her seatbelt on. She started the car and drove out of the car park and back to Falls Church.
Bud greeted her as she walked in. "How did it go Ma'am, how's the Commander?"
"Taking it hard, Bud, but he's optimistic the Lt. Commander is going to pull through."
"Did he say why he hadn't mentioned about getting married?"
Mac rubbed her temples, if she told him the truth, then the Admiral would have to be told and that could course problems. "They hadn't told anyone yet, Bud. The only person who knew was Captain Church," she lied. "So just keep it to yourself for now. Don't even tell Harriet."
"I'll do that Ma'am."
"Thanks Bud," she went to her office and dropped her briefcase, cover and coat off before going to Harm's office. She wasn't sure why she was there, she just was. For the first time she noticed a photo on the shelf. She picked it up. In it Harm was standing with Sera Mitchell and her son, Mattie was with them, all four were smiling happily. It hurt Mac to think Mattie had known what was going on in Harm's life and she hadn't. But then again things hadn't been that good between her and Harm during that time. Sighing she put the photo back.
"I had a feeling you'd be here, Colonel."
Mac jumped, finding the Admiral standing behind her. "Sir, I didn't hear you come in."
"Then I'm sorry to have startled you," he declared. He stood taller then her, near Harm's height. His dark hair was graying, but he was still a handsome man. He walked around her and picked up the photo. "Lt. Commander Mitchell is an extraordinary woman."
"You know her, sir?" Mac asked turning.
"Yes, her father and I served together," he put the photo back and turned. "I flew F-4's, Colonel during Vietnam, her father and I served together in the same squadron we flew off the Enterprise and for a short time the Ticonderoga."
She was surprised. "You served with Harm's father, sir?"
"I did," he lent against Harm's desk.
Now it all fell into place. "That was what you and Harm spoke about the day you arrived," she guessed.
"Yes." Standing he patted her shoulder and walked out.
Mac followed a few minutes later, nothing should have surprised her. Carmichael and Rabb were aviators, they had a connection because of that and now because Rabb, Sr. had flown with the Admiral, that gave them an even stronger correlation.
Bethesda Naval Hospital: Maryland Virginia.
Admiral Ryan Mitchell walked slowly towards the bed, shocked by what he saw. This wasn't supposed to happen to his daughter, not his little girl. He saw Rabb was asleep on the cot that had been set up; his grandson was dozing in a chair beside the bed. He'd left Tiffany in the cafeteria with his ex-wife and Sera's twin. He needed to come here alone, to face this alone.
Corey woke. "Grandpa?"
Ryan sat next to him. "How are you holding up kiddo?"
"I'm fine, I have Dad here."
"I can see that," he kept his voice down. "How's he holding up?"
"I think he's feeling guilty, though I don't know why?"
"It's an adult thing kiddo," he told his grandson. He took his daughters hand. "I actually tried to stop her from going to the Naval Academy. Did your Mum ever tell you that?"
Corey nodded. "She said she'd go anyway."
He smiled sadly. "This is why I didn't want her to go, Corey. Because I knew she'd want to be a pilot, because I always knew some day I could lose her."
"We're not going to lose her Grandpa," the boy said convincingly. "She's never given up on us and we shouldn't give up on her."
Nodding, Ryan drew his grandson into his arms. "I'm sorry, kiddo. I'm just scared."
"We all are Grandpa."
Lt. Colonel Matthew Mitchell came in, he was the poster boy of the Marine Core; he's good looks had done for the Core what Harm's stint on TV had done for the Navy. And he was handsome, tall, board shoulders, and dimples to die for. A lawyer who could speak five different languages and was flight qualified, being at that time assigned to NLSO Norfolk. He'd only just heard about his sister, having been on a carrier for a case. "Dad."
Ryan looked back. "Come in Matt."
He did. "Hey Corey."
"Hey Uncle Matt," the boy greeted, thankful he wasn't again asked how he was feeling. It was getting kind of trying.
"How is she?" Matt asked.
"There's been no change Uncle Matt."
He moved closer, having noticed Rabb asleep. "How long has Harm been here?"
"Since after four this morning," Corey informed. "I called him as soon as we arrived. Where's Emily?"
"With friends," he answered but his attention was on his sister. "How did this happen?"
His father told him what Captain Church had revealed to him. "Until the investigation is done, that's all we know."
"Who's running the investigation, do you know?"
"No, Harm would though."
Matt nodded. "I'll ask him later," he decided. "Has Shawn been in?"
"Aunt Shawn dropped by earlier, she said she'd be back, has surgery." Corey revealed.
Harm woke hearing the voices; he sat up swing his legs off the bed.
Ryan saw him. "Stand up young man and I'll have you court marshaled."
"With all due respect, sir, I think I'll just sit," Harm said with a weary smile.
"Good man."
Matt went round and preached beside him. "How you holding up?"
"Better then I thought I would."
"She'll be fine Harm, Sera's too damn stubborn to let something like this beat her," Matt told him, and then suggested. "How about I buy you a cup of coffee."
"Sure," they stood and Harm addressed his son. "Come on kiddo, I'll buy you a soda."
Ryan patted his grandson's back. "Go on son, I'm staying."
"Yes sir." He got up and left with them.
Switching chairs Ryan took his daughters hand. "I know you can hear me Sera Elizabeth. Don't you think it's time you woke up," he paused. "You've got everyone worried about you darlin." He brushed the tears that were sliding down his cheeks away. "Look at me, Sera. You've got me crying like a baby, I bet you never thought you'd accomplish that huh? Me an Admiral, former aviator and Captain of an aircraft carrier, crying like a baby," he heard a noise and looked back, seeing a Lt. Colonel standing in the doorway.
"Sorry sir. I was looking for Commander Rabb," she announced quickly.
"That's all right Colonel," he stood, offering his hand. "Admiral Ryan Mitchell."
Mac shook it. "Lt. Colonel Mackenzie sir, I'm part of the investigating team."
"You're Mac. Harm talks about you all the time."
She was surprised. "He does?"
The Admiral nodded and returned to his seat, he gestured for her to sit down. "Both Harm and Sera do. My daughter respects you, Colonel. You've been there for Harm when she hasn't been able too."
"To be quiet honest sir, I didn't even know about Harm's relationship with your daughter until this morning," Mac admitted; she looked at the young woman lying in the bed. She looked younger then her thirty-one years, youthful beauty that she was sure what attracted Harm to her at first. But deep down she knew Sera Mitchell was a very intelligent young woman.
"I'm not surprised, Colonel," Ryan once more took his daughters hand. "Sera has beautiful sea green eyes," he said casually. "They go very blue/green when she gets flustered or angry. Harm always says Sera's eyes are windows to her soul, he knows her emotions by her eyes."
"Then she's a lot like Harm, his are the same."
"They're a good pair."
Mac hesitated. "Sir, NCIS are investigating the mishap. They believe and so do we that someone is trying to kill your daughter. This wasn't an accident; the hydraulic leads to the front landing gear were tempered with. Her Hornet would of crashed no matter what she did. Admiral Carmichael has authorized a Marine to be outside at all times, no one gets in here without prier authorization."
He was shocked that someone would want his daughter dead. "Do you have any leads?"
"A number, Commander Austin-Smith had a list of your daughters cases sent to me, she's also arranging for her files to be sent through. Even though we're working with NCIS with this, being able to talk with your daughter may help. I'd also like to talk to her son, he may be able to tell me if his mother had received any threats."
"You'll have to talk to Harm about that, Colonel. He's in the cafeteria with the rest of the family."
"Thank you sir," she stood. "I hope the Lt. Commander wakes up soon, sir."
"So do I Colonel," he declared.
She left the room, briefing the Marine on guard before going down to the cafeteria, spotting Harm on the far side of the room with a Marine Lt. Colonel and three other women and his son. She walked over to them. Both Harm and Matt stood as she approached.
"Afternoon Ma'am," Matt greeted.
"Lt. Colonel Sarah Mackenzie, Lt. Colonel Matthew Mitchell," Harm introduced. "Sera's brother."
"Good afternoon Colonel," she greeted.
Harm then introduced the others. "This is Sera's mother, Rebecca Ronan, her stepmother Tiffany Mitchell and you already know Sam," he put his hand on his son's shoulder. "And this is Corey."
"Hello," Mac suddenly felt like she was intruding again.
"It's about time we got to meet you Mac, sit down," Rebecca insisted.
She did as did Matt and Harm. "I apologize for intruding, I wanted to talk to Harm and Corey."
"Me?" Corey looked at her curiously. "Why me?"
Mac felt all eyes on her. "I wanted to know if your Mom has received any threats in the past few months?"
"Not that I know off, but she's been TAD to the Patrick Henry for the past three months," he answered honestly. "And if she had, she would of told Dad or Uncle Jeff about them."
"Uncle Jeff?" She looked to Harm for an explanation.
"Captain Jeff Church, Sera's CO."
Nodding she made a mental note to talk to him too. "So there was nothing before she went to the Henry?"
"No."
Mac sat back in her chair. "I'll have to go through her cases and see if anything pops up."
"Could you use a hand?" Matt offered. "I don't have to be back at Norfolk NLSO until the end of the week."
She nodded before she realized she was doing it, there was something about Matt Mitchell that made her feel very at ease. "I'd appreciate that."
"Well lets get to it shell we."
She nodded again. "Admiral Carmichael has authorized a Marine to be outside the Lt. Commander's room at all times, he's got orders not to let anyone in unless previously authorized."
"Thank you Colonel." Rebecca said relieved.
"You're welcome Ma'am." She stood along with Matt, looking to Harm. "If you need anything give me a ring."
"I will, thanks Mac."
She smiled and left with her fellow Marine.
Tiffany, a pretty red head, not much older then her own stepdaughters, smiled. "They're a good match those two."
"Don't go there, Tiff," Harm warned. "Mac does fine on her own."
She chuckled. "All right."
"So how do you like having Admiral Carmichael as a CO?" Rebecca inquired.
Harm smiled slightly. "He's different from Admiral Chegwidden, but we're getting along."
"And the rest of the staff?"
"They like him, but it'll take time to get that same repose as they had with Chegwidden but it'll happen."
"So how does AJ like retirement?"
"We received a post card from him from Italy, he seems to be enjoying spending time with this daughter," he saw his son yawn. "Hey kiddo, how about a walk with your old man."
Corey smiled. "Your not that old Dad."
"Thanks Core," he messed his hair. "Come on, some fresh air will do us good. Then we'll head back up to your mum."
"Okay."
Getting up they left the cafeteria, going outside, they walked for a while around the hospital gardens.
"Dad, is Mom going to be able to fly again?"
"Once she gets better, Corey."
"And if she can't?"
They stopped and Harm faced his son, putting his hands on his shoulders. "Corey, your mom is going to be fine. She'll recover from this and go back to flying and if she can't, then she has the law to full back on."
"I just can't imagine her doing anything else but flying, she loves it."
"I know kiddo," he drew him closer. "We'll get through this Core, I promise."
"Will you stay with us then?"
"I'm thinking about it kiddo." Harm told him and he was. Seriously thinking about his personal life and career.
To be continued…