Title: Life's Consequences

Author: Anaika Skywalker

Author's Email:

Rating: PG -13

Disclaimer: I don't own JAG or NCIS; I just like to spread my wings occasionally.

Author's Note: Thank you once again to those of you who reviewed the last chapter. This chapter had taken some time to get out, I jarred my back and arm, so typing wasn't high on my to do lists. But I did eventually get around to it, so enjoy.

Winjan: I'm glade you enjoyed the last chapter and the answer to your question is in this chapter.

Jbird7986: Thanks for reading and reviewing.

Sann3187: I'm not sure how far I'll go with this; I'll just have to see how things go.

Lyn: Thanks for the review; I hope you enjoy the story.

Life's Consequences

Chapter Four: Long Goodbyes

Chegwidden Residence: McLean, Virginia.

Special Agent Gibbs fished up in the kitchen and went into the living room. All were present who needed to be; the two Marines were on their way to Bethesda. Rabb was back in uniform going over a file with Mackenzie. "I leave you lot alone and come back to a war zone."

"You were warned, Gibbs." AJ reminded.

"So I was," he muttered talking a seat.

"What about Chief Rowan, my plane Captain. Who killed him?" Sera asked.

"Now the story gets interesting," Gibbs declared. "Chief Rowan was a ladies man, he had a girl in every port and a few children. One girlfriend who he broke it off with, had a disgruntled brother who though Rowan should have married his sister. He was a crypto officer, he got himself assigned to the Henry and waited for the right moment. After Rowan did his little number on your Rhino, he ran into the brother in the hanger bag. Who confronted him and bang, end of story."

"So it's over?"

"It's over," he stood once more. "Try and keep out of trouble Angel," he then jerked a thumb at Harm. "And keep Rabb on a tight rein at Pensacola."

"I'll do my best, on both counts."

"Good. Excuse me."

"Gibbs," AJ stopped him. "My kitchen better look spotless before you leave."

"All ready is."

"Good because I'll be checking."

Of course you will. Gibbs thought to himself as he left.

Mac nudged Harm. "We've got to go."

"All right," he went over to Sera, hankering down. "Stay here with AJ, I'll pick you up after work."

"I'll be talking Sera to Bethesda," the retired Admiral announced. "You hit your fiancée pretty hard when you pushed her to the ground."

"I'm fine," Sera protested.

"Well we'll let Dr. Marshall decided that young lady."

She went to protest against but thought better of it. "Yes sir."

Harm smiled and kissed her forehead. "I'll see you later," he whispered and then stood, going with Mac.

She drove him back to JAG HQ, when Gibbs had arrived yesterday Harm had gone with him. Leaving behind his briefcase and SUV.

"You look a lot better today," Mac noted. "Sleep well last night?"

"I did and woke up with a beautiful burnet in my arms," he said with a grin. "That and knowing this is over is a weight off my shoulders. When we get to JAG I'll ring Mom and Frank, so they can reassure Corey."

"He's a good kid, Harm."

"I know. So is Emily, she's a real heartbreaker."

Mac smiled. "She reminds me of Chloe a little."

"With less baggage?"

"Yeah. Matt's done a good job raising her on his own."

Harm agreed. "He's a good man, Mac."

"Because he's a Marine."

"No because he's the real thing, what you see is what you get."

She knew there was more behind that but didn't comment. "Yes he is," she said, then decided to lighten the conversation. "So Harmon Rabb, I hear you have a tattoo."

He grinned. "I do."

"So where would one find this tattoo, Hammer?"

"Tell me where yours is and I'll tell you where mine is," he challenged.

Mac laughed. "Sorry Commander."

"Well then Colonel, mine is on a need to know bases."

"Very funny Harm."

"I thought so," he remarked and she laughed with him.

"I'm going to miss you, Harm," Mac said solemnly.

He reached out and put his hand on her shoulder. "I'll miss you too, Sarah."

She smiled and they continued in silence, pulling into JAG HQ, they showed their ids and were waved through after the car was checked. Mac parked next to Harm's SUV. Getting out they headed inside.

"This will be your last court case, here," she noted as they took the elevator up to JAG.

He nodded, but managed a smile. "Just think how much more work you'll get done without me."

"Still won't be the same, who will I fight with?"

"Oh I think Matt can handle you."

"You do, do you?"

"Yes."

She playfully swatted. "Aviator's, you're all the same. Even the ones who become lawyers."

Harm laughed. "That's how I know he'll be able to handle you," he said and ducked as she swatted him again.

The elevator stopped and they got out, crossing into the busy office. Bud moved quickly over to them. "Sir, Ma'am."

"Give me five, Bud, then I'll be right with you," Harm told him, and then disappeared down the hallway.

Mac saw the expression on the Lt. Commander's face. "I'm going to miss him to, Bud."

Bud managed a smiled, a thin one, before hurrying back to his office. Under five minutes Harm was there, knocking he went in carrying a number of files.

Commander Sturgis Turner saw him go in, he sighed. Life was going to be different after Harm left; a member of their family was leaving. Another member.

Admiral Carmichael had seen it too, standing in the doorway of the second entrance to his office. "Commander Turner," he gestured the man in. Shutting the door when he was. "Sit down Commander," he ordered gently as he went around his desk and sat down. Waiting until his officer had before continuing. "In the next few months there are going to be some major changers at JAG."

"In what way sir?"

"For one, Lt. Colonel Mackenzie will be receiving her Eagles and is going to be appointed to the Judiciary. Lt. Colonel Mitchell is transferring here to take over from Commander Rabb," Carmichael announced. "And after Mac leaves I'll be needing a new Chief of Staff, how would you like the job, Commander?"

"I'd be honored sir."

"Good. We're also losing Petty Officer Coates, she's going to Pensacola to be Rabb's yeoman, he doesn't know it yet, and I've left it up to her to tell him. He's going to need a good yeoman and she's the best."

"And she can handle him, sir," Sturgis noted with a smile.

"Yes Commander, she can," the Admiral agreed. "Also Commander Caitlin Pike is transferring here to take over from Mac."

"I believe the Commander was here when Commander Rabb first came to JAG."

The Admiral nodded. "She was. We'll talk more as the changers accrue, until then keep it quiet."

"Yes sir."

"Dismissed."

"Aye sir," Sturgis stood, came to attention then left the way he'd come.

By the time Harm returned to his cubby hole of an office he felt drained, he and Bud had won the case, but it didn't lift his spirits much, he was just too drained.

PO Coates knocked and entered. "Commander, you have two messages. One from retired Admiral Chegwidden and one from Mattie Grace," she gave him both. "Sir, has Admiral Carmichael mentioned my transfer?"

"No, Jen. Where are you headed?" He asked surprised.

"Pensacola sir, it seems there is a new Captain taking over at their NLSO and he needs a good yeoman."

Harm chuckled. "Good to have you aboard, Jen."

"Thank you sir," she said smiling. "Say hello to Mattie for me sir, we couldn't talk much when she rang."

"I will Jen."

She smiled again and hurried out.

Harm checked both messages, Dr. Marshall had readmitted Sera for observation, much to her disgust. AJ has left her room number and said he'd stay with her for a while. The second message was for him to ring Mattie when he got out of court. He dialed the number and waited for it to be answered. Not many knew it, but he and Sera had brought Grace Aviation together a few months ago, letting Tom Johnson run it.

Finally the call was answered; Mattie's voice came over the line. "Rabb Aviation, Mattie Grace speaking."

"Miss Grace, why aren't you in school?" He asked in his best command voice.

"Sorry sir, it's a girl thing," she groaned. "You know stomach pains, cramps."

Harm chuckled. "No kiddo, don't know."

"Why not, you have a fiancée don't you?" She stated bluntly.

Rolling his eyes, Harm smiled as he sat back in his chair. "Sorry kiddo, Sera didn't have to worry about that after Corey was born."

"Oh yeah, what about before?"

"Not that I remember."

"Damn."

He chuckled again. "So what's up, Mattie?"

"I was wondering if I could see Sera, is she still in hospital?"

"She is, room 244, I'm heading up there after work."

"If I meet you at JAG, can I come with you?" She asked aguishly.

"Sure kiddo, if your dad says it's okay."

"I'll put him on."

He heard her talking to her father before Tom Johnson came on the line.

"Hi boss."

"Hi Tom, how are you?"

"I'm good. I said it's fine for Mattie to visit Lt. Commander Mitchell, I'm sorry I haven't been able to get her up there sooner."

"That's all right, Tom, neither of you would have been able to get near her without first getting permission. So I'd love to have Mattie come along and I'm sure Sera would love to see her again."

"Great, I'll drop her off. I have a few things to do in town anyway."

"Sure Tom, thirteen, thirty be fine?"

"No problem. Hey why don't you stay for dinner tonight when you drop Mattie home, I can give you a look at the books and we can discuss what you want to do about 'Sarah'." Tom suggested.

"I'd like that, thanks Tom."

"Well we'll see you at half past one then Harm. Bye."

"Bye Tom," he said and then hung up. Glancing around, one thing he wasn't going to miss was this damn office. Sighing he when back to the paper work he needed to have finished before he left.

By thirteen, thirty he was ready to leave, heading out of his office, he found Mattie in the bullpen talking to Mac. "Hey kiddo."

"Hi Harm," she hugged him.

He kissed her forehead before releasing her, not matter what he would always think of her as his daughter. "You haven't been giving Mac a hard time have you?"

"No. Just girl talk and checking out Lt. Colonel Mitchell."

"Is that right, I'll let Matt know you've been checking him out."

 Mattie rolled her eyes. "Jeez, thanks Harm."

"No problem, Mattie."

Mac chuckled at their bantering, asking. "Are you two going to see Sera?"

"We are, Dr. Marshall readmitted her, so she's not in the best of moods," Harm informed. "Seeing Matt here will cheer her up."

"And Corey?"

"Mom and Frank are staying with him, they'll fly back on the weekend so he can be here for our promotions. Then we'll fly back together."

Mattie frowned. "What promotions, where are you going?"

Harm was surprised Tom hadn't told his daughter, but then again he probably thought Harm should do it himself. "I've been promoted Mattie and given command of NLSO Pensacola. I leave Tuesday."

"So you're really leaving?" She said stunned and saw him nod. "Will I see you again?"

"Sure you will, Sera, Corey and I will fly back at Christmas," Harm told her. "And I'm sure your dad will let you come to Pensacola to see us. We can go to the Aviation Museum."

She hugged him again, not wanting to let go. "You won't forget me?"

"No sweetheart, I could never forget you, you're family," he said sincerely rubbing her back. "Come on darlin, lets go cheer Sera up."

"Okay," she said and reluctantly let him go.

"We'll see you later Mac."

"Say hello to Sera for me."

"We will."

Leaving JAG, Harm and Mattie drove to Bethesda, after parking the car; they made their way inside the hospital and to Sera's room.

Dr. Marshall was coming out as they arrived. "Commander."

"Doctor Marshall," he greeted. "This is Mattie Grace."

"Hello Miss Grace."

"How is Sera, Doc?" Harm asked him.

"A little ticked off at having to be here, but other then that she'd fine. She can go home tomorrow, but I want her back here on Friday to x-ray her ankle and wrist. We'll organize that tomorrow when you come to pick her up."

"When doc?"

"About this time will be fine," he said casually. "You can go in."

"Thank you."

Nodding the doctor left. Harm guided Mattie inside.

Sear was sitting up in bed, she grinned. "Mattie."

The teenager hurried over to her and gave her a gentle hug. "Hi Sera, I'm sorry I couldn't get here sooner. I was worried when Harm said you'd been hurt."

Sera was touched by her concern. "I'm fine Mattie, I promise," she said smiling. "You look great."

"I am, other then the usual problems women suffer from." Mattie told her.

"Try a hot water bottle, the heat is good for pain and cramps."

"I will."

Harm had perched on the bed next to his fiancée. "The doc said I can spring you tomorrow."

"You'd better Hammer," Sera, mocked.

"I will, Angel," he promised. "Corey is staying in Pensacola with Mom and Frank, they'll fly back on the weekend."

"Are they settling in all right?"

"Just fine."

She snuggled close to him. "So how did your case go?"

"We won."

"What case was that?" Mattie inquired sitting on the bed also.

"Dueling Petty Officers, on the flight deck with swords."

"Oh."

"Yeah oh." Harm agreed.

"So how's your dad, Mattie?" Sera asked the teenager.

"He's trying."

"That's great."

Mattie then noticed the ring on Sera's left hand. "Oh my god, Harm purposed," she gashed. "This is so cool, are you getting married here or Pensacola."

"We haven't talked about it actually." Harm admitted.

"Can I come to the wedding?"

"Of course you can." Sera insisted. "I want you in the wedding party."

"So cool!" The teenager exclaimed excitedly.

Harm smiled, he kissed the top of Sera's head. "You two girl talk for a while, I'm going to check on Gunnery Sergeant Taylor and Corporal Steel."

"We can definitely girl talk." Mattie smirked.

He chuckled. "I thought so, I won't be long," he told them, and then left.

Sera saw the way Mattie followed him out with her eyes; something was on the teenagers mind. "Are you sure everything is all right at home, Mattie?"

"It is, I think it's great you two are getting married and being a family. I just didn't think he'd leave."

She understood. "You can come visit us and we'll be back for Christmas. You won't lose touch, Mattie. I'll make sure of it."

After a small nod, Mattie hugged her again. "Thanks Sera."

"You're welcome kiddo, your family. You always will be."

JAG Headquarters: Falls Church Virginia, Washington DC.

Lt. Commander Bud Roberts stood in the doorway of his office; from there he could see over the bullpen, which was beginning to fill up with uniforms. Then entire Arch Angels squadron was present, as was both the Captain's and the Commanders families. Commander Mitchell was perched on one of the desks, her ankle was still in a cast but her wrist was only bandaged. She looked younger with her hair pulled back into a French braid. What he really noticed were the ribbons under her gold wings, it was quiet impressive.

"You look star struck, Bud," Mac commented coming up to him.

"A little Ma'am, and impressed. Commander Mitchell is an amazing women and so highly decorated for what she's done," he exclaimed. "Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross with gold star, Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal with bronze star, Southwest Asia Service Medal with bronze star, both Kuwaiti Liberation Medals and a Joint Meritorious Unit Award."

Mac smiled. "You looked up her service records," she guessed.

"What I could read of it, most of it's classified."

She nodded. "The Arch Angels do some important work Bud."

"But she's so young Ma'am and on top of all of that she's raised the Captain's son." Bud stated the obvious.

"How did you know that?"

"That Corey is Captain Rabb's son?" He asked and saw her nod. "Just look at him, Ma'am. Corey is a lot like his dad."

"Yes he is Bud," Mac agreed. "And Sera's had a great support group over the years. The Arch Angels are more then just a squadron, they're a family."

Bud saw Sera being carefully handed her RIO's newborn son, the proud parents standing near by. Harm put his hand on Sera's shoulder; the look each gave the other was pure love. "He's happy with her."

"Yes Bud he is." Mac agreed and patted his arm, before walking away.

Corey and his grandparents joined his parents. "He's cute Mom."

"He certainly is Core," she agreed. "I'm sure Meg will let you hold him." She stated, knowing that was what he wanted.

The eleven year old looked aguishly at her. "Can I Aunt Meg? I want hurt Dylan?"

"Sure Corey." Meg Austin-Smith said with a smile.

Sera gently laid the baby in her son's arms. "There you go, Core."

"Wow," his eyes widen in excitement and he looked to his father. "Can we adopt a little brother or sister, dad?"

Harm smiled. "I think we can discuss it, kiddo."

"Cool, I don't care which."

Trish laughed. "Give your Mom and Dad a chance to get married first."

"Okay."

They all laughed, coursing the baby to stir, Corey rocked him gently and he settled once more.

"I can borrow Corey when we get home?" Meg asked stunned at the ease the eleven year old was with her son.

Sera grinned. "That can be arranged."

"Mom!" Corey exclaimed rolled his eyes.

Harm spotted the Secretary of the Navy coming with Admiral Carmichael; he helped his fiancée off the desk after warning her.

"Attention on deck!" was called and those in uniform snapped too.

Corey, with the baby still in his arms was gentle moved back and out of the way by his grandparents, Sera's family standing with them.

The SecNav and Admiral Carmichael stood front, the secNav's aid held cases at the ready.

"Captain Rabb, Commander Mitchell, front and center." Admiral Carmichael ordered.

Both moved forward, Sera a little slower then her fiancé.

"Before we start the award ceremony, I believe these two's promotions need officiating," Sheffield remarked dryly, then smiled, coursing those around him to smile too. "Raise your right hands."

Both Sera and Harm did and said to the oath:  "I will bare truth faith and allegiance to the constitution of the United States and it's country who's Forces it directs. I take this obligation freely and without any mental reservations and I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office which I am about to enter,"

"So help me God." Sheffield concluded.

"So help me God," both finished lowering their hands.

"Congratulations Captain Rabb, Commander Mitchell," he said and shook their hands.

Admiral Carmichael took over. "As you're all aware, Captain Rabb worked for a while with CIA," he paused as nervous smiles were plastered on some faces and cheeky ones appeared on the Arch Angels. "Due to a lot of work by a retired Admiral, who shall remain nameless," he pause again at the chuckling, since all knew he meant AJ Chegwidden, who stood with the Mitchell's. "And a Admiral who should retire," he said lightly and once more light chuckling was heard. "Captain Rabb's time in the CIA had been entered into his record as a TAD. Thus he is awarded the following awards. Distinguished Flying Cross, third award, for the landing of a damaged C-130 aircraft without a tailhook on the deck of the USS Seahawk."

The secNav's aid handed Sheffield the first case, he removed the Medal and pinned it onto the Captain's uniform, shaking his hand before handing him the case.

Carmichael continued. "The Humanitarian Service Award – his courage and determination in landing the C-130 saved the lives of a family who's lives would have been forfeited had he not taken them on board."

The aid handed Sheffield a second case, he removed the medal and he pined it to the Captain's uniform. Shaking Harm's hand once more, before handing him the second case.

The Admiral had not finished though. "Lt. Commander Hawks, Lt. Smith, Major Harrison and Lt. Powell. Front and center."

The three Naval officers and the Marine officer came forward and stood beside Mitchell.

"The following is awarded to those present for their services to the Navy in defense of their country during Operation Desert Hawk," the admiral informed; since the mission had been highly classified he couldn't go into any detail. "The Joint Meritorious Unit Award," he paused as the SecNav pined and handed cases to all six of them. "The Presidential Unit Citation," the process started again. "And finally the Navy Cross." His announcement due gasps from those present that hadn't been privy to the mission, the Arch Angels had. They stood proud, grinning.

Finally Sheffield finished pinning the Medals, handing boxes and shaking hands. "Oh behalf of the President of the United States, your Commander and Chief. I thank you for your courage and determination in service to your country."

All six saluted, having remained at attention.

"At ease," Carmichael ordered. "Congratulations and dismissed."

Harm quickly dumped the cases into the Admiral's waiting hands and grabbed Sera as she started wavering.

Sheffield took the cases from her. "Sit down Commander, that's an order," he said tightly, smiling.

"Yes sir," she said with a thin smile on her lips.

David grabbed a chair and held it for her, she sat willingly; her RIO was concerned. "Are you sure you should be out of the hospital, Angel."

"I'm fine, Zapper," she assured. "I'm just not use to standing at attention with a foot in a cast, it knocks my balance out."

"Okay," he dismissed for the time being. Knowing better, he'd fought with his driver over her health before and lost. Now he knew not too.

"Well," Sheffield interrupted. "Before the celebrations begin, Admiral may I borrow your office. I need a word with the Arch Angels and Captain Rabb. You're included as well."

"Of course Mr. Secretary."

"Captain Rabb, bring your yeomen and Lt. Commander Austin-Smith along too."

"Aye sir," he acknowledged.

Captain Church came up to them. "We're ready Mr. Secretary."

"Thank you Captain, the Admiral had kindly lent us his office," Sheffield announced. "So lets gather in there."

"Yes sir."

The medal cases were stacked on one of the desks, Harm called Coates and Austin-Smith to join him and they entered with Admiral's office along with the Arch Angels.

Corey sighed as his parents disappeared, he still held baby Dylan Mackenzie Smith, the newborn having drifted off to sleep.

"Why the sigh kiddo?" Frank asked him.

"Another mission is being planed."

Frank gave his shoulder a gentle squeeze. "There will always be missions, Corey."

"I know Grandpa, but this time dad's involved too. I didn't like it last time they flew together."

"Once they're married they won't."

"Yeah."

Frank wasn't convinced that was all that was wrong. "Why don't you give Dylan to Grandma and come for a walk with me."

"Okay."

"Trish can you take Dylan, Corey and I are going to take a walk."

"Sure I can," she said happily, giving her husband an inquisitive look, he shook his head. Nodding she let it go, deciding she would ask him about it later. She gently lifted the sleeping newborn from her grandson's arms, letting him leave with her husband. Samantha watched them leave and turned to Trish. "Is everything all right?"

"Mmm, they're just going for a walk," she assured, and smiled at the infant, remembering another time she'd held a small child in her arms. "The first time I held, Corey he was a few weeks older then this little one. I knew then Harm was his father, before he told me."

"I knew by looking at him too, he has Harm's eyes. Just like this little one has his daddy's eyes."

"So have you told her yet?" Trish asked the young woman casually.

Samantha looked at her in surprise. "How did you know?"

"Little things, you refused coffee when I asked you if you'd like one on the weekend. You're carrying around dry crackers in your bag and you occasionally rub your belly without realizing it."

Blushing, Samantha bit at her bottom lip. "I didn't realize I was that transparent."

"You're not darlin, I'm just observant. Comes with having Harm as a son."

The younger woman chuckled over that. "I only found out before the mishap and Michael and I decided to keep it to ourselves for a while. Not even mum and dad know."

"But Sera does?"

Chuckling Samantha nodded. "She told me."

That made Trish laugh. "Well she is your twin."

She sighed. "So much a like and so very different," she remarked. "I never wanted to join the Navy and Sera couldn't wait to finish High School and go to the Academy. I hate flying and she's not happy unless she is."

"You're doing what you love and Sera does what she loves. That's the main thing," Trish noted, adding. "And she's very good at handing my son."

"That's because she's as bad as he is." Samantha concluded and they both laughed.

In one of the conference rooms, Frank sat patiently as Corey paced around. Like this Corey was very much like his father. "What's bothering you Corey?"
The eleven year old stopped pacing. "I nearly lost her Grandpa," he shoulders started shaking as his tears fell. "I tried to be strong for her and for dad."

"Oh Corey," he got up and drew the boy into his arms, comforting him. "It's okay kiddo, you don't have to be strong all the time. It's all right to be afraid, you love your mom."

"I felt so useless, I couldn't help her."

"You helped by being there kiddo," Frank reassured him. "You did everything you could, you got your dad and you stayed with them both."

"I was so scared," he sobbed.

"You had every right to be," his Grandpa told him. He gently rubbed the boys back. There were times he wished he could of consoled Harm like this when he'd been a child, but his stepson hadn't let him. He'd held onto the hope his father would come back and as he'd grown up it had driven a wedge better then. Even now years later with the news Rabb Sr. was dead, the damage was still evident. Harm was trying though.

On a feeling of being watched, Frank glanced to his left and saw his stepson, he smiled warmly.

Harm crossed the threshold; joining them he wrapped his arms not only around his son, but stepfather too. It was time to heel all wounds, both old and new.

Frank was surprised; he managed to free an arm and slipped it around Harm, accepting the hand of friendship or in this case hug.

When the three moved apart, Corey wiped his eyes. "Are you and Mom going on a mission?"

"No kiddo," Harm told him sincerely, he smiled warmly. "For one young man, your mom still has the cast on her foot and isn't flight cleared and two. We would give you fair warning of a mission, not that the Navy would send us together- not now. All right?"

"All right." Corey said sheepishly.

Harm ruffled his hair. "Come on kiddo, the Arch Angels have something for you."

"They do?"

"They do," his father started. "Come on."

They walked back, before going into the bullpen; Harm stopped his stepfather, needing to say what he did. "Frank I want to apologize."

"What for son?"

"For giving you such a hard time when I was growing up, I never really gave you a chance."

"Harm, you felt like I was replacing your father, I understand."

"It still wasn't right," he saw his son smile, Corey had made him understand a lot. "Having Corey around these past couple of weeks has made me realize I put you through far too much."

"Harm," Frank put his hand on his shoulder. "You'll always be my son," he drew him into a tight hug, feeling it being returned. "No matter how much of a pain in the ass you were," he whispered. "Besides I have my revenge - you have a son of your own to deal with and he's very much like you."

Harm chuckled. "Thanks Frank."

"You're welcome," he smirked releasing him.

Together the three of them pushed open the doors and walked in.

"Mr. Rabb," Secretary Sheffield addressed the younger Rabb. "Nice of you to rejoin us. Step forward."

Harm gave his son a gentle push; Corey hesitated then went over to the SecNav, wondering what this was all about.

"Mr. Rabb it has come to my attention you were the innocent party in an emergency flight made by Captain Church. Is this true?" Sheffield asked him.

He glanced quickly at his mother, who smiled and nodded. "Yes sir."

There was no hit of what was going on, on Sheffield's face. "Captain Church front and center."

Jeff Church stood before the SecNav next to Corey. "Sir."

"Captain, did you bring Mr. Rabb from Pensacola to Andrews by Hornet?"

"Yes sir, I did."

"Do you accept all punishment handed out by Captain Rabb, CO at NLSO Pensacola and the Judge Advocate General, Admiral Carmichael?"

"Yes sir, I do."

"Mr. Secretary," Corey spoke up softly. "What is Uncle Jeff's, I mean Captain Church's punishment?"

"Well son, he should be charged, but after careful discussion it was concluded that Captain Church was acting in the best interest of those under his command," Sheffield report. "So his punishment is this. He is to give you flying lesson every weekend while not on duty, getting you up to speed and able to gain your license when your old enough. Is that acceptable Mr. Rabb?"

"Yes sir," Corey said with a huge grin.

"Then you'll be needing this," David announced and handed the eleven year old a flight jacket complete with squadron badgers and a cloth aviators badge.

Corey's grin widened. "Yes sir," he said happily and everyone laughed as he accepted the jacket.

David helped him put it on. "Welcome to the Arch Angels, kid," he whispered.

"Thanks Zapper."

"You're welcome kiddo," he patted his shoulder, and then stepped back with the others.

"Now that's over," Admiral Carmichael announced. "Everyone may secure at seventeen hundred, a going away party and wetting down is being held at the Estate of Admiral Mitchell at nineteen hundred. Dress is casual. Dismissed."

Harm saw Harriet come in with little AJ walking beside her as she pushed Jimmy in the stroller; he smiled and went over to her. "You look beautiful, Harriet."

"Flattery Captain Rabb, will get you a big hug," she grinned.

He chuckled and gave her a gentle hug, not pressing to hard against her swollen stomach. He then knelt down to little AJ. "Do you want a hug too young man?"

"Yes sir, Uncle Harm."

Harm hugged the little boy. "I'll miss you kiddo."

"I'll miss you too Uncle Harm, do you have to go?"

"I'm afraid so AJ, but I'm hoping you'll come visit Sera, Corey and I at Pensacola."

The little boy brightened, looking to his mother. "Can we mum?"

"I think we can do that."

"Just make sure she doesn't go into labor in your office," AJ Chegwidden declared coming up to them.

The adults laughed at the curious look the little boy gave his namesake. "Why Uncle AJ?"

"Because I may not be there to help your mum."

"Then we'll bring you too, Uncle AJ."

"Why thank you young man, I might take you up on that."

Harm stood smiling as Sera and Corey came over to them, he slipped his arm around his fiancé's waist. "Harriet, I'd like you to met my family, this is Sera and our son Corey."

"It's a pleasure to met you Ma'am," Harriet said smiling.

"Thank you Harriet and you can call me Sera, I insist."

"Good luck," Harm muttered.

Harriet frowned. "I'll do that Sera," she said with a smile.

Sera chuckled; she looked to the retired Admiral. "Are you coming tonight Uncle AJ?"

"Of course I am, darlin," he assured.

Little AJ looked at her with bright eyes. "You called him Uncle AJ."

"I did," she said sweetly. "You see AJ, when Uncle AJ was in the SeALs he met my father and they became very good friends. Such good friends, that when I was born, he became my honorary Uncle."

"Like he's mine?"

"That's right. So we have something in common."

The little boy grinned. "We have two things," he announced proudly.

"We do?" She asked him curious.

"We have Uncle Harm too."

Chuckling Sera agreed. "We do indeed, AJ, we do indeed."

Admiral Mitchell's Estate: Washington DC (That Night)

The party was in full swing when Mac arrived, she spotted Harm chatting to one of the Arch Angels, a Lt. Commander Mark Taylor, one of the RIO's. He waved to her to acknowledge her arrival. She smiled and waved back. Harm, Sera and Corey were staying at the estate since the apartment had been rented all ready. Fully furnished apartments like his were in needed supply and as good as it was, it was bring a good price. Of course, it was only now that Mac realized Harm actually owned the whole building; it was another secret he'd kept from her.

Matt hurried over to her. "Hey Marine."

"Hi Matt."

Ten-year-old Emily Mitchell ran over to her, throwing her arms around her. "Hi Mac."

"Hi Em, you look pretty."

She stepped back and did a slow spin to show off her sparkling jeans and knit top. "Aunt Sera brought them for me, with Grandma Trish's help."

"Well you look beautiful."

Emily grinned; her emerald green eyes sparkled with pride. "Can we go shopping together one day, just you and me?"

"I think I can arrange that." Mac informed.

"Cool. I'm going back to talk to Corey, see you late Mac," she said then hurried off.

Matt chuckled to himself. "You've got a friend for life now, Mac."

"She's so easy to say yes to."

"I know," he said, and then with a hand on her back, drew her towards the bar. "Lets get a drink."

"Sounds good." She said and let him guide her. At the bar she ordered a coke, then followed Matt out onto the balcony when he grabbed a beer. There was a chill to the air after the room.

"Are you cold?" He asked her.

"A little."

Putting his beer bottle down on the balustrade, Matt shrugged out of his flight jacket and put it around her shoulders. "There you go."

"But you'll be cold."

"I'm fine," he assured and picked up his bottle. "I'm use to it, I use to sneak out here all the time as a kid."

She chuckled. "The regular rebel," she smirked.

"That was me, I hated the parties my parents use to give. We all did, so we use to sneak off out here," he revealed with a mischievous grin. "It was on this balustrade I dared Sera to do a handstand."

"You didn't?"

"I did," he answered. "And she did it and fell off the damn thing."

Mac couldn't help but laugh. "What happened?"

"She broke her collar bone and bruised several ribs and I got grounded for two months. I was sixteen and she was seven." Matt revealed, chuckling as he took another drink. "I was home from collage for the holidays and she was being a right pain in the six."

Without meaning too, Mac laughed louder. "So you spent most of your summer holidays grounded?"

"I did, and I leant my lesson, I never again challenged my little sister again. Well not until she was a lot older." He smirked and laughed with her.

"You must have had a great child hood, growing up here."

"We got into a lot of mischief, the four of us," he confessed happily. "Shawn and I were constantly trying to out do one another and Sera and Sam, well they tagged along just to see what we were doing most of the time." He sighed and turned leaning against the balustrade. "I miss that Mac, the innocents we had then. The friendship we had, once we grew up we went our separate ways. First me, then Shawn and finally Sera and Sam, soon we were only seeing each other on holidays."

"Still you were lucky to have them." Mac noted solemnly.

"I know that, especially after what happened," he picked the label on the bottle. "I remember the first time I ejected, my RIO and I were heading back after a long patrol when we ran into a storm. Our Tomcat was struck by lightening and the next thing I know we're ejecting out and hitting the cold water, while we were waiting to be rescued I remember thinking to myself, what in the hell am I doing. I have a law degree and I'm flouting around in the ocean." He fiddled a little more with the label, seeing Mac wasn't going to stop him from talking. "The first time I was told my sister had ejected, I felt so useless. I thought to myself, I never want to go through this with my daughter. I didn't know how was dad staying so strong, while his daughter was in a war zone waiting to be extracted? Not until Emily, all of five crawled up onto my lap and said 'Aunty Sera come home to me, she promised.' And a week later, Sera walked through the door as if nothing had happened."

Mac put her hand on his arm. "It was Sera's way of dealing with what had happened," she guessed and saw him nod. "Makes her a lot like you."

He smiled slowly. "I guess it does. We're a lot a like and very different at the same time."

"You both became aviators, both have law degrees."

"Sammy has a law degree too, passed the bar and received offers from some pretty good law firms, not to mention the Navy," he revealed. "She worked for a little law firm for a while until her screenplay sold, and one of the studios hired her to work for them full time."

"Must be interesting having a movie star for a brother-in-law," she said putting her glass on the balustrade.

Matt shrugged. "I've meet some interesting people, seen a few movies. Sera's the one you want to talk to, she's been an advisor for a few movies, taken a couple of actors flying. Her photo album is full of photo's of actors and actress she's met, as well as directors and producers."

"She doesn't drop names."

"No, she values their privacy," he said putting his bottle beside her glass. "And Michael is just like any brother-in-law."

Mac smiled, glancing around, the estate reminded her of the Webb's, except here it felt warm and inviting. "We grew up so different."

"We may have money Mac, but we're still the same as anyone else. My dad was a way a lot of the time with the Navy, I was conceived when he was on leave and so were Shawn and the twins. He wasn't around enough to keep his marriage together and in the end he and Mom separated; they were living separate lives anyway. We were all away from home, they divorced and life went on. Now dad has Tiff and Mom is happy dating a Judge she meet a while ago."

"And you, are you happy, Matt?" Mac asked him. She'd put her hand over his where it rested on the balustrade. Her life had been a jumble compared to his, she had her relationships with men. The only man who had been a constant in her life had been Harm and now he was leaving too.

"Are you, Mac?" He counter asked, when she tried to pull her hand away he held tight. "Harm and I had a talk the other night while everyone else was asleep. I'm not like the other men who've been in your life, Sarah. I'm not going any where and I'm as sure as hell not going to die on you."
She was stunned. "Harm told you about me?"

"I think he was giving me fair warning not to hurt you," he touched her cheek, gently with his fingers. "I've been hurt before, Sarah. I know what it's like. I don't want to rush anything and I won't rush you, if being friends is what you want, then that's what we'll be. But I'm telling you now Sarah Mackenzie, you're very special and eventually I want to be more then just your friend."

Catching her breath, Mac let it all sink in. "Are you sure?"

"I'm sure," he whispered and lent forward, his lips brushed over hers as his hand slipped round to the back of her neck. It was a gentle kiss that promised so much more. "I can wait, Sarah. When you're ready I'll be here."

Mac licked her lips, she felt safe in his arms, content. "Is that a promise?"

"Yes," he kissed her forehead. "I never make promises I don't keep."

"Don't say that."

"Why?"

"Because it isn't true."

"Yes it is, Sarah," he cupped her face in his hands. "I always keep my promises, I've never broken one yet. I will be there when you're ready. I don't give up on those I care about."

Tears stung her eyes. "I believe you."

Leaning down he kissed her again, drawing her into his arms, feeling her respond.

From the doorway, Harm smiled as Sera came up beside him. She slipped her arm around his waist and rested her head against his shoulder. "I told you she was going to be fine." She said softly.

"Yes you did. Come on sweetheart, lets give them some privacy," he said smiling warmly and they went back to the party.

To be continued… (Any mistakes are mine, my computer has done it's best)