Living On A Wing And A Prayer

Author: Beth

Disclaimer: Yeah right...If I owned them, trust me, they would not be where they are now.

Summary: Sequel to You Don't Know What You Got Till It's Gone. It's been two weeks since Mac and Harm professed their love. Suddenly their whole world is turned upside down.

AN: You may want to read You Don't Know What You Got Till It's Gone. There is a little reference to it, but not much. This story can kind of stand on it's own, but it's part of a trilogy I'm working on. It also starts off a lot slower than the first one, but I promise to have a lot of action in it. Please allow me to set the stage. Anyway, enjoy.

It's been two weeks. Two wonderful weeks since Harm and Mac surrendered to their love. Since that night, they have been inseparable when they weren't' at work. At work, they were the pictures of professionalism. Each tried their hardest not to pull the other into an empty room and ravish the other. They would save their pent up emotions for when they got home. Because when they got home, they lost themselves in each other. They would make love to the wee hours of the morning before falling into an exhausted sleep. They only took a break from their love making to eat or shower, which, in fact, didn't guarantee a break. When Harm would make a meal, Mac would always find a way to distract him. She would start a food fight, run off with ingredients, or just plain grope him till he surrendered. It was also a rarity for them to take a shower without making love. Mac was awed by how tender a lover Harm was. Harm was inspired by the woman he knew lived under that marine persona. This relationship had become a learning experience for them both.

At work, they would try to steal small, intimate moments. Their hands would graze each other when handing over files. They would steal small kisses when they thought no one was looking. They had decided not to tell everyone that they were together. As if no on could have figured it out. Everyone saw the glances and subtle touches they shared. Neither could hide to the look of love in their eyes. No one said anything to him or her.

Coates even thought she caught them kissing in the library one day, but she decided not to say anything. She could tell everyone was so happy Mac and Harm finally got together. She was also happy for them. She had seen how alone Harm looked when Mattie left. She knew he went to Mac, because the next day, he seemed to feel better. Only Mac had that affect on him. It was so good to see him smile again. She also noticed how happy Mac was. She, like everyone else, knew she and Webb would never work out. It was obvious to see that she was never that happy with Webb. She came into work with a smile on her face. A smile that had been missing since she had gotten together with Webb. She and everyone else also noticed how quiet and peaceful it was in the office. No one wanted to burst Harm and Mac's bubble by letting them know their little secret wasn't so secret. Besides, they had to be careful since there was a new JAG.

Admiral McIntyre was assigned to JAG a week ago. It was a position set for upward mobility, and he was eager to take it. He had been passed over for promotion once, because he was stationed in areas of the world where lawyers were rarely needed. He was a by the books officer, and his record was exemplary. When he accepted this assignment, he promised to not screw it up. He has taken the week to review the personnel records of his staff. Needless to say, he was slightly worried. He knew this office was known for it's efficiency, and he also heard rumors about the people who worked there. He didn't think the stories were all true till he read their records. He dismissed most of the junior staff, since they seemed to not be troublemakers. He did, however, have problems with the senior staff. Mainly Commander Harmon Rabb, Jr. and Lieutenant Colonel Sara Mackenzie were his chief concerns. Their files read like an action novel. He had trouble comprehending how they still were in the military. Both had a murder charge against them. Both had left the military in some way and came back. He sat back and thought. He decided if he had to choose who to keep, it would be Mac. Her record wasn't immaculate, but it was a hell of a lot better than Harm's. Harm's record has so many black marks on it that he was surprised Harm wasn't in Leavenworth. First he shot up the courtroom ceiling, and then he decided to change his designator so he could fly. McIntyre couldn't understand why anyone would do a crazy thing like that. He also noticed that Harm had a knack for disobeying orders when it suited him. Then there was this six-month gap in his record where he seemed to have just disappeared. He later discovered that Harm was with the CIA. He didn't even want to know the reason for that.

He was so caught up in Harm's mistakes that he didn't really notice Harm's accomplishments and awards. Harm had received two Distinguished Flying Crosses. The first for saving the life the Captain Boone, the CAG. While on a recon mission, Captain Boone was injured, and Harm had to land the F-14 from the backseat. The second was when he used the windshield of his F-14 and the tail hook another F-14, whose engines were damaged, to move the F-14 out of enemy territory and over the water so they could eject and be rescued. He also saved the life of a fellow pilot and an F-117 behind enemy lines. Hell, he actually helped rescue the Declaration of Independence. He helped stop the assassination of the Russian president. He even saved the lives of fellow sailors by having a missile follow his F-14 till it crashed into the ocean. He landed a C-130 on the deck of a carrier. Not many people could do that and live to tell the tale. He had saved the lives of countless people at great personal risk. These facts alone should have meant something to McIntyre, but it didn't. Harm appeared to be a loose cannon, and someone who let his emotions dictate his action. He knew he had to find a way to corral him. As luck would have it, he didn't have to. He was just getting to the Paraguay incident when Coates knocked.

"Enter."

"Here's an urgent fax for you, sir."

"Thank you, Petty Officer."

"Do you need anything else, sir?"

"No, that will be all. Dismissed."

"Aye, aye, sir."

Reading over the fax, McIntyre discovered his problem now had a solution. Pressing the intercom, McIntyre asked Coates to have Harm report to his office. This was a task Coates didn't mind, except she knew something was up. There is also the issue of trying to locate him. If he wasn't in Mac's office or his, there was no telling where he could be. There was also no doubt that Mac would be with him, too. She searched the entire office and couldn't find him. She finally looked out he window and saw him. He was standing be Mac's car talking to her. Coates forgot Mac had to go to Norfolk today. Coates made her way to the elevator to try to catch him.

Meanwhile, out by Mac's car...

"I'm going to miss you, marine."

"Harm, I'm only going to Norfolk. I'll be back by 1900."

"I know, but it won't be the same without you in the office to keep me on my toes."

"I think you can manage."

"Yeah. I'll just have a little extra time to plot what I'm going to do to you once I get you alone."

"Really? What would that be?"

"I would tell you, but that would ruin the surprise."

"Well, I wouldn't want to do that."

"Exactly. Well, you better get going. The sooner you leave, the sooner you're back in my arms."

"I'm looking forward to it. Bye, Harm. I love you."

"I love you, Sarah."

"You know I love it when you call me Sarah."

"Really? Why? Others have called you Sarah."

"Yeah, but I wasn't in love with them. Besides, you call me Mac when we're in the office. Calling me Sarah seems so..."

"Intimate."

"Exactly."

"Oh, I see. I'll have to remember that. Be careful. I'll see you tonight."

"Bye, Harm."

Mac got into her care before she gave into the urge to kiss him. She started the engine and pulled out. With a wave, she was gone. Harm already missed her. He had to laugh at himself. Here he was missing her, and she just left. It was funny, but it was also scary. He never felt like this before. He had never been this close with a woman. With a resolve to enjoy the emotions, Harm turned and made his way back inside. He opened the door just as Coates walked up.

"Excuse me, sir. I was coming to find you."

"No problem, Jen. I was on my way back in."

"Ok, sir."

"What do you need?"

"The admiral sent me to get you, sir."

"Really? I wonder what I did this time."

"I'm not sure, sir, but I have a bad feeling about this."

"Well, lets go see if we can get rid of those bad feelings."

"Aye, aye, sir."

Harm and Coates made their way back to the office. Coates wished him luck as he entered the admiral's office.

"Commander Rabb reporting as ordered, sir."

"At ease, Commander. Have a seat."

"Thank you, sir."

Harm took a seat and took a moment to size up his new Commanding Office. The admiral was much shorter and few years younger than AJ. The only background he had was being a lawyer. He had little field experience. He saw a little action in Desert Storm, but he was on the sidelines mostly verifying the rules of engagement. He wondered what the SECNAV saw in him. He knew he was an excellent lawyer, and he had no complaints from the people his command. He was, for lack of better word, boring. He was use to have a Commanding Officer who knew what it was like to be in combat. Someone who could relate to the people he had to prosecute or defend. Well, he thought, things changed.

"It seems I have a new assignment for you, Commander."

"Yes, sir."

"You are being activated. You leave tomorrow morning for the Patrick Henry."

"Activated, sir?"

"Yes, Commander. You will be joining the fighter wing on the Henry. It seems you made such an impression with the Navy during that missile incident that they want your services again."

"How long will I be gone, sir?"

"It doesn't say. You will be there until you are no longer needed. Coates will get your orders and travel information. Dismissed."

"Aye, aye, sir."

Harm left the admiral's office in such a daze that he didn't get a chance to notice the smirk on McIntyre's face.

"One down. One to go, and I know just what to do with her."

The admiral had decided to send Mac on a murder case at Camp Pendleton. He figured with Harm and Mac gone, he would be able to get the office running without distraction. When they came back, they would either conform to how he ran the office or they could transfer out. He had no room on his staff for reckless officers, and Harm was the worst. He finished Harm's file and read about Paraguay. He didn't know Harm resigned his commission to go there. He figured it was just typical Harm behavior. Letting his emotions take control. He didn't need someone like Harm on his staff. Maybe he would be assigned to the Henry permanently. He didn't think Mac would be a big problem. He scrutinized her file. Except when Harm was involved, she did follow rules most of the time.

He had heard that there maybe more than just a professional relationship between Harm and Mac. He really hadn't had a chance to observe them, but there was a suspicion that there maybe a romantic relationship between them. McIntyre had talked to the Interim JAG and heard about Mac's car accident. He also heard how involved Harm was in her recovery. He found it odd that Harm would request emergency leave immediately after the accident, and he remained on leave till Mac was almost cleared to return to duty. That fact alone gave credence to the rumors about them. If it turned out to be true, McIntyre wasn't sure what he would do. He ran into a similar situation in his last command and was able to transfer one of them out. The difference there was that he was familiar with them. They didn't cause trouble, and they followed the rules. In this case, neither was known for following orders. He definitely had to think about this should anything come to light.

Harm walked over to Coates' desk. She could see the shock on his face.

"Sir. Are you ok?"

"No. Actually I'm not."

"I'm sorry, sir."

"Nothing to be sorry for. You didn't do this."

"I have all your travel information and orders."

"Ok. Thanks, Jen."

"Anytime, sir. If you want, I'll take care of your place and get your mail while you're gone."

"Thanks for the offer, Jen, but I might have someone who can do that. If she can't, I'll let you know."

"Ok, sir. Be careful."

"I will."

Harm walked back into his office, shut the door, closed the binds and plopped in his chair. He ran his fingers through his hair before reading his orders. He had to report to Andrews AFB for 0600. That didn't give him much time to pack. It also didn't give him much time with Mac. How was he going to tell her? He knew she hated when he flew, and now he was going to be flying a lot. This was a conversation he didn't want to have. He thought a nice dinner would soften the blow. He spent the rest of the day finalizing his paperwork to hand over his cases. Once he was finished, he grabbed his briefcase and cover. He then took a moment to look around his office and the bullpen. This was the last time he would see it for a while. He walked into Mac's office and took in the scent. It smelled so much like her. God, he was going to miss her. He decided to leave her something to remember him by. He sat behind her desk and pulled out a sheet of paper.

Sarah,

By the time you read this, I'll be on my way to the Patrick Henry. Sarah, words can't begin to describe how I'm feeling at this moment. I haven't even told you yet. All I know is that I don't want to go. For the first time in my life, I don't want to fly. I want to be with you. Flying doesn't hold a candle to the heights you take me. Sarah, I can't promise I'll come back, but I do promise to be careful. I love you so much. Take care my beautiful marine.

Love Always and Forever,

Harm

Harm read over it and decided to add a personal item to it. He reached for his jacket and took his wings off. He pinned them to the letter and added a little note.

P.S. Please hold on to this for me. When you are lonely or need me, hold this in your hand and remember I'll always be there for you.

Harm folded the letter, put it in an envelope, and put it on Mac's keyboard. Harm walked out the office and went down to his car. Staring the engine, Harm made his way home. Once he was home, he quickly took a shower and began making dinner. He decided to make veal parmesan. Mac had wanted that for dinner for a while. Checking his watch, he realized Mac should be home in 30 minutes. He decided to get some packing done. He figured he wouldn't need much time. He also kept a couple of spare uniforms in his garment bag, and his seabag was packed since he and Mac had bee staying at each other's apartments. He threw in anything missing and put the bags by his closet. He was walking out of the bedroom, when the phone rang.

"Rabb."

"Hey you."

"Hey. Where are you?"

"Stuck in traffic on the Beltway."

"So I take it you're running late."

"Looks like it."

"That's ok. I'll keep dinner warm."

"Thanks. I need you to do me favor."

"What do you need?"

"I think I left the Henderson file in your car. Can you go look for it?"

"Sure. I'll go check for it now."

"Thanks."

"No problem."

"I love you."

"I love you, too."

With a click, he was gone. Mac sensed something was wrong, but she couldn't put her finger on it. She decided not to worry about it. She had to surprise her flyboy anyway. And surprise him, she did. Harm opened the door and was startled to see Mac there. She had to laugh at the goofy expression on his face.

"Traffic, huh?"

"I actually did run into traffic, but you failed to ask when."

"Oh really. Well, WHEN did you run into this traffic of yours?"

"On my way out to Norfolk, and I was late."

"Oh, so you're saying you weren't just lying to me."

"Exactly. I just fudged the time a little."

"And you can do that?"

"Harm. I'm a marine and a woman. I could do what I want."

"That I would like to see."

"Well, if you don't let me in, you'll get to watch my back as I leave."

"My sincerest apologies, my lady. Please come in."

Mac walked in and closed the door. She turned around and right into Harm's arms. She could sense something in his touch. It almost seemed like desperation. Mac was starting to worry.

"Harm. What's wrong?"

Harm had to get control of his emotions before he looked at Mac. He tried to hide the feelings, but it was no use. Mac saw right through him. He looked so worried and sad.

"Harm. Please tell me what's bothering you."

"I will, Sarah, but let's eat first. I'll feel better once I eat and so will you."

Mac knew he was stalling, but she decided to go with the flow. She helped Harm set the table, and both enjoyed a good dinner. The conversation was superficial, and Mac could tell Harm was hiding something. Once dinner was finished, Harm and Mac cleared the table and washed the dishes. When they sat on the sofa, Mac could see the tension in Harm's body. Harm tried to hide his nervousness, but it was no use. He knew Mac could read him like an open book.

"Ok, Harm, dinner's over. Now will you please tell me what's going on?"

"I'm going away, Sarah."

"That's it! You're going away? What's so bad about that? You go on assignments all the time."

"No. You don't understand. I've been given orders to report to the Patrick Henry. Sarah, I've been activated for flight duty."

Well there you have it. The first of many chapters if you want it. Let me know if you do. Now all you have to do is hit the lilac button and review. You know you want to. (evil grin)