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 to everyone who reviewed. Sorry this chapter has taken so long. Bad case of writers block and I mean a bad case. I was starting to think I would never get this chapter done, but here it is. So enjoy.
Winjan: I do want to clarify the mission; I'm just not sure how I'm going to do it yet. So it's possible I will. You'll just have to keep reading. Thanks.
Jbird7986: Thanks; glad you're enjoying it.
Starryeyes10 and DD2: Thanks
Not A Muggle: Yeah we do use Mum, and I didn't really think about it when I was writing the story, but thanks for pointing it out. I've gone back and made the changes. Thanks once again.
Life's Consequences
Chapter Five: Secrets Unearthed
SecNav's Office: Pentagon – Washington DCSecretary Sheffield crossed his office to Rabb, shaking the Captain's hand. "Thank you for coming, Captain," he gestured for him to sit with him in one of the comfortable leather chairs, which they both did. "What time does your flight leave?"
"Ten hundred, Mr. secretary," Harm informed.
"Then I won't keep you too long." Sheffield stated.
"Sir, with all due respect. Why am I here?"
"Harm," he paused, sitting forward. "Can I call you Harm," after getting confirmation, he continued. "Harm, I need someone who's not afraid to take a step forward. To be my eyes and ears with the Carrier Captains and the Air Wings. I need someone who's not afraid to tell me what they need and if anything is wrong. You're that man, that's why I had you assigned to Pensacola and near the Arch Angels, if you need to fly out to a Carrier, and then the Arch Angels can escort you. I'm sure you can handle this responsibility as well as your duties at the NLSO."
"I can handle it, sir."
"Good. I've arranged for a Radar Intercept Officer to be assigned to your office, she's a competent Legal man as well." Sheffield announced. "She's only just graduated from RIO school, and OCS, but I'm sure the two of you will get on well together." He paused at the knock on the door. "That will be her now. Enter."
The door opened and the Lieutenant came in. Both men stood. Harm turned and couldn't help but smile at who it was he saw.
"I'll told you the two of you were going to get on well, Harm," the SecNav said with a smile. "Lieutenant Jennifer Coates, I believe you know Captain Harmon Rabb."
Jen smiled. "Yes sir."
Harm found it amusing. "Last time we spoke Lieutenant, you were a Petty Officer assigned to be my yeomen."
"Yes sir, you could say Secretary Sheffield made me a offer I couldn't refuse," she informed lightly.
"I've had this in the works for a while now, Captain," the SecNav revealed as they sat down. "Which is how I got the Lieutenant through RIO school and OCS, all I believe under everyone's noses at JAG."
"Yes Mr. Secretary you did." He admitted.
"Well I must admit my agenda did change when Commander Mitchell's mishap happened, still things worked out in the end. Your assignment to Pensacola was going a head even before the mishap. Both the Captain Church and Commander Mitchell had recommended you for this position," Sheffield informed. "As they did Lieutenant Coates."
That got Harm curious. "They did, sir."
He nodded. "Commander Mitchell met Coates when she was a Petty Officer on the SeaHawk, she made quiet an impression. When the Lieutenant was assigned to JAG headquarters, I put the ball into motion."
"I was a little surprised by it all to, sir," Jen confessed. "And I nearly turned it down, then Commander Mitchell took me up with her and I knew I wanted to do it."
Harm laughed softly. "Well Angel is the best at what she does and she inspires confidence in everyone around her."
"Yes sir, she does."
Sheffield glanced at his watch. "Well I've kept you long enough. You'll be hearing from me soon, Captain. Have a good flight to Pensacola."
"Thank you sir," he stood, as did the Lieutenant. Both came to attention, and then left the office. "Jen you're a woman of many talents." He told her as they walked away.
"Thank you sir." Jen said cheerfully.
Leaving the Pentagon, they were escorted to a limousine, their driver informing them he was to take them directly to Andrews Air Force Base, where their families, friends and the Arch Angels were waiting.
"So who else knows about your change of career?" Harm asked her as they rode in the limousine.
"Only the Arch Angels and Admiral Carmichael, sir."
"Does Mattie know?"
"No sir, I even managed to keep it from her."
"You're good Coates."
"Thank you sir," she said grinning.
Arriving at Andrews Air Force Base they were driven out to the tarmac where the Navy Golf Stream, the secNav's sat waiting, along with the Tomcats belonging to the Arch Angels. Those from the squadron who were flying were suited up and ready, only Lt. Smith and Commander Mitchell weren't. They stood with family and friends who had come to see them off, among them were the officers from JAG. The driver pulled up and hoped out, opening the door for them, Harm got out first then Jen.
Corey ran over to his father, standing at attention. "We're all ready sir."
Harm smiled at his son enthusiasm. "At ease Mr. Rabb. Lets go."
The boy grinned, then shyly at Coates. "Lieutenant."
"Hi Corey," she greeted smiling at his shyness.
They walked over to their family, which included friends from JAG.
Sera smiled. "Interesting meeting with the SecNav, sir?"
"Very Commander."
Admiral Carmichael approached, he held out his hand. "Captain Rabb, it was an honor to have had you under my command. Good luck at Pensacola, son."
"Thank you sir," he said shaking the Admiral's hand.
The Admiral turned to Coates. "Congratulations Lieutenant and good luck."
"Thank you sir."
"You full of surprises, Lieutenant," Commander Turner noted.
"Yes sir."
"Good luck Lieutenant."
"Thank you sir." She said then addressed Lt. Commander Roberts as the Commander moved to talk to Harm. "Sir."
Bud smiled. "Those wings look good on you, Jen."
"Thank you sir," she said, and then asked. "Permission to hug the Commander?"
"You'd better Lieutenant," he ordered.
She smiled and did so. "Thank you sir."
"You're welcome Jen, though you did a lot more for me then I did for you," he said quietly then released her.
"I was just doing what was right, sir."
"I know Jen," he gave her a smile, before holding his hand out to Harm. "Sir, I.," he didn't know where to begin.
Harm did, he didn't shake the younger man's hand he hugged him instead. "Take care Bud."
"I will sir."
"And look after your family."
"I will."
Mattie, who'd come with Trish and Frank, gave Jen a hug. "Take care of Harm, Jen."
"I will Matts, I promise," she whispered. "You take care of yourself."
"I will," she pulled away and wiped the tears away with before hugging the man who'd been more then a friend to her, he'd been like a father. "I'll miss you."
"I'll miss you too, Mattie," Harm told her. "We'll see each other soon, though."
"I know."
"Be good."
"I will," she then gave Sera a hug. "Look after them both, please."
"Always Mattie," she assured.
Trish drew Mattie back, consoling the teenager.
Mac have Harm a hug, tears in her eyes. "We're too good at saying goodbye, flyboy."
"Then how about 'until next time', ninjagirl," he suggested, holding her close. "Be careful Mac, I don't want to lose my best friend."
"I will, you do the same."
"Always Sarah," he said then kissed her forehead, before releasing her.
Matt came up behind Mac, putting his hands on her shoulders. "I'll look after the Colonel, Captain."
"Thanks Matt."
Trish released Mattie and gave her son a hug. "Let us know when you decided on a date for the wedding."
"We will, Mum."
She then hugged Sera. "Take care darling."
"I will," she gave her a gentle squeeze, adding. "Mom."
Trish had tease in her eyes as she released the younger woman and gave her grandson a hug. "You take care of both your Mom and Dad, young man."
"I will grandma."
Frank embraced his stepson. "Take care son."
"I will Frank."
Sera hugged him too. "I'll look after him," she whispered in his ear. "You have my word."
"That's all I need," he assured and stepped back.
Corey gave him a hug. "Bye Grandpa."
"Bye Core, be good."
"I will."
Lt. Smith came over to them, David's wife and son were flying back with them, and he'd already gotten them on board. "Excuse me sir, the Arch Angels are ready to fly. We can leave as soon as you're ready."
"Thank you Lieutenant."
"Attention on deck!" Admiral Carmichael ordered and all the JAG officers came to attention and saluted their friend and family member.
Harm smiled and returned the salute, and then he joined Sera, Corey, Jen and David, boarding the Gulf Stream. The Arch Angels took off first, then the Golf Stream, the Tomcats taking up escort formation around it as they headed for Pensacola.
Mac kept watching until she couldn't see them any more, Matt remained with her as everyone else headed back to their cars.
"He's going to be all right, Sarah," he said gently.
She nodded. "I guess I knew this day would come, I just didn't think it would be Harm doing the leaving."
"He'll always be with you, in your heart." Matt offered.
Mac smiled, he was right. "Thanks Matt."
"You're welcome, Colonel," he said with a cheeky grin. "Now let's get going or Admiral Carmichael is going to have us court marshaled for being late."
Laughing Mac walked with him. "I wouldn't put it past him," she smirked and they both laughed. They'd driven over together in her Vette, Mac throw her keys to Matt. "Take it easy on the way back."
He smiled. "I'm touched."
"Don't start smarty pants," she remarked lightly and got in.
He climbed in too and once seat belts were on he started the Vette up and they dove away, free of the base and on the high way he put his foot down but kept it under the speed limit. "Nice Mac, not as good as Harm's, but nice."
"You've driven Harm's Vette?" She was shocked.
"I drove it to the estate, Dad agreed to look after it."
"I really thought he'd be taking it with him."
Matt smiled. "He is but not right away, Dad's organizing to have it sent to them. Right now though it's fine, parked beside the Cobra."
"The Cobra?"
"Sera's Shelby Cobra, she and Corey drove here last leave, she got recalled, so she left it at the estate," he explained. "She loves that car as much as Harm loves his Vette."
Mac laughed. "Don't tell me she has gold wings embossed into the gear stick?"
"Oh yeah, Harm had them done for her. When his Vette was stolen and stripped that time, she flew in and they had their own wake." Matt revealed then laughed along with her.
When they'd settled down, Mac put her hand on Matt's thigh. "Thanks."
"For what?"
"For being here."
"That's what friends are for Sarah," he said sincerely.
She nodded, removing hand. They were friends but she had a feeling they were going to be more then friends, much more.
Pensacola NAS – One month later:
"Good morning Arch Angels," Captain Church greeted the squadron, which included Captain Rabb and his wingman, Lt. Coates. "For this mornings exercise weapons remain unarmed, stay about the hard deck and within the training area," he briefed. "We'll be flying this hop in two teams, losing team buys as usual," he paused seeing them all grin. "Team Alpha – myself, Ice, Falcon, Doc, and Hammer," he announced. "Team beta – Angel, PJ, Jolly, Rattles and Matrix. Questions?" No one spoke up. "Then lets fly."
Leaving the briefing room they headed out into the still dark early morning where their Tomcats sat waiting for them on the tarmac.
Harm saw Jen yawn. "Late night Sticks?"
"Something like that sir," she smirked.
Sera walked past Harm, patting his six as she went. "See you when we get back Hammer, you'll be the one buying."
"Not this time Angel," he guaranteed grinning.
"Keep dreaming, sir," she remarked as she and her RIO headed for their Tomcat.
Harm chuckled to himself. "Somehow I think I should have just given her a red light."
Jen laughed. "No offense sir, but you've been giving Angel nothing but green lights since we arrived in Pensacola."
"Well, I have to keep her happy, Sticks," he said smiling that flyboy grin of his.
She rolled her eyes. "You're as bad as each other, sir," she remarked following him up to the cockpit of their Tomcat. Like all the Arch Angels their helmets were painted navy blue with the squadron's trade make angel wings, their call signs painted on the front in gold letters. In the month they'd been flying together, they'd become a team, in either a Tomcat, Hornet or with legal matters. They'd also become part of the family.
Secure the canopy was closed and the engines ignited, Harm taxiing the Tomcat into position to take off.
Jen called it in, as the first two Tomcats took off. "Pensacola tower, this is Tomcat 115, up and ready."
"Tomcat 115, your clear for take off."
"Acknowledged Pensacola tower," she responded. "Okay Hammer, you've kicked the tires and lit the fires, now let's get this bird in the air."
"Sticks you've been hanging around Matrix far to much," he remarked lightly.
"Yes sir," she agreed chuckling. Being pushed back into her seat as the Tomcat took off under Harm's light touch.
Over the training area, Captain Church announced. "All right Arch Angels, Alpha break off, lets get this exercise started."
"Aye sir," Alpha Team acknowledged and they broke off from the others.
"Zapper, keep an eye on Hammer," Sera ordered as she finished briefing the beta team. "I want his six this exercise."
"You've got it Angel." David acknowledged.
As the sun rose, Harm and his wingman, Lt. Eric Curran – Falcon were separated from the rest of Alpha team.
"Got one Hammer, target closing, four hundred knots," Jen reported. "Turn right. Now."
Harm turned the Tomcat, his wingman staying with him. Their target coming into sight and he took the shot, an electronic hit was recorded and the Tomcat ahead of them rolled out to return to base. "Nice work Sticks."
"Thank you sir."
While they were patting themselves on the back, two Tomcats came out of nowhere and flew between Harm and Curran.
"Shit!" Harm swore. "Where did they go, Sticks?" He asked looking around.
She looked too, and then checked the radar. "I don't know I've lost them."
"Damn!" He swore again. "Do you have them, Falcon?"
"Negative Hammer," he reported.
Then Curran's RIO announced. "Gott'em, on our six and closing fast."
Jen relocated both targets. "Got them Hammer," she informed. "Closing two hundred… one fifty…"
"Hang on Sticks," Harm advised and maneuvered hard, rolling them down, dropping altitude fast, Curran sticking with him. So did the two engaging them.
"Approaching the hard deck," Jen informed.
Harm pulled up hard, Curran followed, their two engagers did all so. "Get ready to break Falcon, loop and come up behind these guys, get them off my six."
"Acknowledged Hammer."
He waited, Jen calling out their distances. "Now!" He yelled and Curran's Tomcat broke off.
"They're still with us, sir." Jen reported.
He leveled out, pushing the Tomcat hard. "I had a feeling they would be."
Curran brought his Tomcat up behind the second engager, suddenly the first pulled up hard and fast, looping to drop in behind him. "Shit!"
"We're being painted," his RIO, Ensign Rudy Michaels – Mickey called out. "They're firing."
They both head the tone; they'd been registered as being hit. They were finished.
"Damn!" Curran swore. "Sorry Hammer."
"No problem Falcon," he told them, his voice a little strained as he fought to stay out of lock.
Curran rolled out, heading back to base. Their engager rejoined the chase; coming up behind their wingman that was still on Harm's six. While he was busy, lock was acquired and on a signal, the wingman banked right, giving clear shot, which was taken.
Harm heard the tone and groaned; he saw the look on Jen's face, a mixture of defeat and exhaustion. "We're done Sticks."
A melodious voice came over their radio. "Not bad old man, but like I said you're buying Hammer."
He should have realized. "Nice flying Angel."
Captain Church's voice came over. "All right Arch Angels, back to base. Alpha is buying, beta is the winners."
Sera and her wingman, Lt. Commander Cassie Ross – PJ, formed up either side of Harm's Tomcat. "Lets go home, Hammer."
"Lead the way, Angel." He insisted.
The three Tomcats turned and headed back to base.
Jen sighed and unclipped her mask. "She's good sir."
Harm undid his own mask. "That's why she's with them, Jen."
As they approached the base, Jen called it in. "Pensacola Tower, this is Tomcat 115."
"Tomcat 115, you're clear to land, runway two."
"Rodger Pensacola Tower."
Landing they climbed drown from the Tomcat. "Nice work this morning, Sticks." Harm praised as they watched as the first of their two escorts landed.
"Thank you sir," she said and the next Tomcat came into land, though it's back wheels no sooner hit the tarmac then the pilot was throttling hard and taking off again. "I wonder what's going on?"
"I don't know," he said wondering the same thing, knowing it was Mitchell and Smith.
Lt. Commander Ross and Taylor joined them. "What's going on sir?" Cassie asked.
"I don't know." Harm told them. He saw a hummer coming towards them. "Looks like we're about to find out."
The hummer stopped and an Ensign ran over to them. "Orders sir."
Harm took the printout, reading it then looked to Ross. "Give this to Captain Church, tell him Shelly McGregor is bring Corey home from school today. He'll know what has to be done." He announced handing it to her.
"Yes sir." She took the print out and hurried away with Taylor.
"Come on Sticks."
"Sir, a tanker will meet you in the air, Commander Mitchell is in a holding pattern waiting for you," the Ensign said quickly running to keep up with the Captain and Lieutenant.
"Thank you Ensign." He and Coates climbed aboard their Tomcat, preparing to take off as the young Ensign ran back to the hummer, getting out of the way. Harm closed the canopy and ignited the engines. "Call it in Sticks."
"Aye sir. Pensacola Tower, this is Tomcat 115."
"Tomcat 115, your clear to takeoff, runway two."
"Acknowledged Pensacola Tower," she said, and then waited until they'd taken off and were forming up beside Mitchell and Smith to ask. "What's going on sir?"
"The Patrick Henry was attacked, we're to go out and situated the damage and take command of the situation." Harm announced. He glanced over to Mitchell's Tomcat. "Did you get that, Angel?"
"Got it Hammer, were there any casualties?"
"Plenty, including the Captain. That's why we're heading out there."
"Intel is coming through from Pensacola, Hammer. Inputting new heading," Jen announced. "We'll meet up with the tanker in thirty minutes."
"Got it, Sticks. Zapper?"
"Rodger Hammer," he informed.
"On your wing, Hammer." Sera told him.
They tanked twice before reaching the Henry, surprised by what they saw as they approached the carrier.
"This can't be right," Sera exclaimed. "Hammer, she's fine."
"I see it," he stated, he had a bad feeling about all of this. "Coates contact the Henry."
"On it sir," she said and did so. "USS Patrick Henry, this is Tomcat 115."
"Rodger Tomcat 115, do you require assistance?"
Harm took over. "Negative Patrick Henry."
"Rabb is that you?" A different voice inquired.
He smiled. "It is Skipper."
"What are you doing out here?"
"That's a long story Skipper, can we land and discuss it?" Harm didn't want to stay too much over the radio.
Obviously Ingles understood. "I look forward to it. Handing you over to Paddles."
"Thank you Captain."
Once they'd landed they were escorted off the flight deck to the ready room where they removed their flight gear and helmets. They were then quickly shown to the Captain's day cabin.
Captain Ingles shook Rabb's hand. "Good to have you on board, Captain."
"It's good to be back sir."
"Commander," he acknowledged. "I'm glad to see you survived your mishap."
"It was touch and go sir, but I had a lot of love and support." Sera said smiling.
"That you did," he agreed. "Now sit down and tell me why you're here?"
They did and Harm began. "We received a transmission say the Patrick Henry was attacked by terrorist."
"Initial reports said you were dead in the water with numerous causalities, Skipper." Sera added.
"Well I hate to tell you this, but someone is pulling your chain. We're fine, looking forward to being home."
Sera glanced worriedly at Harm. "I don't like this, sir. Somebody wanted us out here."
"But why?" Jen asked.
"And why say the Henry had been attacked?" David voiced his own questioned.
Ingles cleared his throat, getting their attention. "Thank you for realizing I'm still in the room."
"Sorry sir," they each apologized.
"Now let's think this through," he began. "A transmission was received saying the Henry had been attacked by terrorist, correct?"
Harm nodded. "We'd just returned from an exercise when our orders were handed to me, Angel wasn't even given the chance to finish landing."
Ingles looked from him to Sera. "What were you told?"
"That the Henry had been attacked by terrorist and I was to escort Captain Rabb to her and remain with him," she revealed. "My landing gear never even touched the tarmac before I was back in the air waiting for him."
"Pensacola Tower confirmed the orders," David added. "I asked for confirmation once we were in a holding pattern."
"It's possible the transmission did come from the Patrick Henry." Jen theorized and saw the Skipper looked at her. "Lt. Jennifer Coates sir. I'm Captain Rabb's legal man, as well as his RIO."
Ingles turned his attentions back to Rabb. "Jesus Rabb, what has the SecNav got you doing at Pensacola?"
"A lot more then running the NLSO," he mused.
"All right, I'll get my people on to finding out if a transmission was sent from here," he stood and they did so too. "I'll also have your Tomcats refueled and put under guard. Go grab yourselves something to eat, I'll have you sent for if I find anything."
They came to attention. "Aye, aye sir." Turning they left the cabin, heading for the officers mess.
Sera felt her sensors come alive, the hair on the back of her neck prickled. "We're being followed," she whispered to Harm.
"You're sure?"
"I'm sure."
David, getting a hand single from his driver fell back, Sera remained next to Harm and Jen picked up her pace a little. They stayed that way all the way to the officer's mess, walking in casually.
Lt. Commander Medwick came over to them; he saluted Harm, and then shook his hand. "It's good to see you, Hammer."
"It's good to see you Tuna." Harm said with a smile.
Medwick gave Sera a cheeky grin. "Scuttlebutt has it he finally purposed, Angel."
"He did Tuna," she informed smiling.
David patted the Lt. Commander on the back. "I keep telling you, sir. Angel is just too much woman for you."
He laughed. "But no too much for Hammer, huh?"
"That's right."
Medwick turned his attentions to the pretty Lieutenant, turning on the charm. "Lt. Commander Medwick, he introduced himself. "Better known as Tuna."
"Lieutenant Coates, sir. Sticks."
"Nice to meet you, Sticks."
Harm shook his head, moving closer to his RIO. "Don't even think about it, Tuna." He remarked and saw Jen blush a little.
"Had to try buddy."
Sera felt the hair prickle on the back of her neck again and she spun round, seeing who was coming through the hatch. Grabbing Harm she pushed him to the floor as bullets sprayed around the room, sending everyone to the deck.
"No one move!" Their assailant shouted.
David had taken Jen and Medwick to the deck; he glanced at his driver, seeing her shake her head. It wasn't the time to be a hero.
To be continued…