Title: If things had been different

Author: Anaika Skywalker

Author's Email:

Rating: PG -13

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

Author's Note: Thanks to those of you who reviewed: Winjan, Abigaile, JBird7986, Hemi Magnum, bard2003 (Harmony does know about Harm Sr. call sign and there will be a reaction when her dad gets it. Thanks for the ideas on what to do with Harm), marineJAG (Thanks for enjoying the story) and thanks to those of you who just read. I went back and took out Harmony getting her wings; she still will receive them, just not in this chapter. All will be explained in further chapters.

If things had been different

Chapter Five: Finding ones way

September 1999: USS Patrick Henry – Adriatic Sea

Lt. Commander Harmon Rabb smiled at his RIO and her bantering with the other members of the Raptors; he enjoyed having Elizabeth – Beth Hawks as his RIO and friend. Watching her leave he though about home, of Sarah, Harmony and Jason. Harmony had gotten on well with Beth; she'd hammered her with questions, which Beth had willing answered.

Harm smiled again as Captain Pike came in, making a comment to Lt. Jonas about the blow up doll that had been received from the now ex-Lt. Buxton.

Pike nodded to him. "Commander."

"Sir." The Cag offered him a coffee and he refused. "No thank you sir."

Getting his, Pike gestured to a table. "Sit down Harm." Once they had, the Cag continued. "Fitness reports are coming up and I thought we should talk before I sign off on yours. You're a good aviator Harm."

Harm could see where this was going. In a way he'd been expecting it. "Thank you sir. Now why do I get the impression you're building me up before you let me down?"

Pike smiled a thin smile. "Well I think you know what's coming."

He nodded. "To old, not enough flight hours, not enough traps."

"You've only been back in the cockpit five months and already you're running out of sky."

"Yeah, another tour or two and I'll be flying a desk," Harm remarked dryly.

Pike could see how much this was disturbing Harm. "You've been gone eight years, Harm. You've got a thousand hours; some of these guys have three thousand, pulse six hundred traps and fifty, sixty combat missions. You've missed a couple of wars. The numb nuts back here with the doll will be commanding a squadron before you do."

Harm knew it was true, that hurt most of all. Nodding he decided he needed options on what to do next. "Cag, I love flying and I love the law and despite that my options are limited on both fronts at the moment."

Pike frowned. "I'm not following, Harm?"

"Well sir," he sat forward. "The rules of engagement have changed. Do you remember Lt. Colonel Mackenzie who prosecuted Buxton?" He saw the Cag nod and then continued. "We were partners at JAG, and before I left we became more."

"Sarah," the Cag guessed, recalling a conversation had before.

"Yes sir. Before she left the Henry I asked her to be my wife and she accepted." Harm clarified.

A large smile slipped on the older mans lips. "Congratulations."

"Thank you sir. Now you see the problem."

Pike nodded. "You can't go back to your former posting because of your fiancé and remaining here is a career breaker."

"Yes sir."

The Cag paused, sighing. "Let me work on it, Commander."

"Thank you sir."

"So how does Harmony feel about you getting remarried?"

Harm smiled and sat back. "She's happy. She told me she'll never forget her mom and asked if it was all night if she called Sarah mom. If her mother would mind," he said, his voice laced with emotion. "I told her Emily would be proud of her and be happy that she'd found someone to love as a mom."

"You did a good job raising, Harmony on your own, Harm. You should be proud of that," the Cag stated.

"She's a great kid and one day she's going to be an hell'va officer." He agreed.

"So she's going to follow in her father's footsteps?"
Harm agreed. "All the way to Annapolis and flight school."

"Harm," Pike sat forward. "Seeing a son fly off the deck of a carrier for the first time is daunting. I know. Seeing your daughter do it, well it produces all sorts of emotions. They'll always be your little girl, but eventually you just have to let them go."

"I know," he smiled sadly. "I suppose I just don't want to see her hurt."

"You can't protect her forever, Harm."

"I can try, sir," he mused.

Pike chuckled. "She has a birthday soon, doesn't she?"

"Twenty-first of this month, she'll be fourteen."

"She must make the Admiral feel old."

"She does but he doesn't admit it." Harm said grinning.

"I bet he doesn't," Pike said and then stood. "I'll see what I can do about your problem and let you know. As for your daughter's birthday, I have an idea that will make her day. Give me a few days."

"Yes sir."

He patted Harm on the shoulder as he went past.

JAG Headquarters: Falls Church, Virginia. Washington, DC

Harmony Rabb strolled into JAG ops without a care in the world, in a few days she was turning fourteen and her dad's six months at sea were nearly up and he'd be home. Then he and Mac could get married and they'd finally be a family. Her mind might have been occupied by those thoughts, but her instincts and sensors were on full alert. So when the unfamiliar hand clamped hard on her shoulder, she went into full defense mode and before he knew what was happening Gunnery Sergeant Victor Galendez was flat on his back in the middle of the bullpen.

Mac had seen the whole thing; it had happened too quickly for her give a warning. She hurried over to them, the bullpen deathly quiet. "Gunnery Sergeant Galendez, my soon-to-be stepdaughter – Harmony Rabb," she introduced.

Harmony blushed and released the Gunny's hand from the defensive hold. Helping him up. "Sorry sir," she remarked shyly.

He brushed himself off. "No problem," he glanced around and the bullpen was suddenly a ball of activity again.

Mac held back a chuckle. "Harms' father is a Naval Aviator and her grandfather a Navy Seal. She's been taught hand-to-hand from a young age, as well as being efficient in two different forms of martial arts."

"Good thing too," he praised.

Harmony grinned. "Thank you, sir."

He smiled too. "You can call me, Gunny."

She hit him with her 'flyboy' grin and held out her hand. "Harms. All my friends call me Harms."

The Gunny shook her hands, that smile of hers was going to course young mans hearts to flutter in a few years time. "Nice to met you, Harms."

"Like wise, Gunny," she said releasing his hand. She looked to her soon-to-be stepmother. "I got accepted into the advanced scholarship program, I start my college courses in two weeks."

"That's fantastic honey," she gave her a hug. "I'm proud of you."

"What courses are you taking?" The Gunny asked.

"Law and engineering," she said proudly. "I figured the Navy could handle another aviator with a law degree."

"Well they handle your dad," Mac smirked. "Go tell the Admiral, he's been waiting to hear the news."

"Yes Ma'am," she flashed the Gunny another of her 'flyboy' grins. "Bye Gunny."

"Bye Harms."

She hurried towards the Admiral's office. Mac and Gunny softly chuckling.

"She's going to be heartbreaker in a few years," he noted.

Mac saw her son coming off the elevator. "All ready is Gunny, except she's got a 'big brother' protector."

He looked seeing the second teenager. "Your son?"

"Jason," she gestured the teenager over. "Jason, this is Gunnery Sergeant Galendez."

"Nice to meet you, Gunny," he shook his hand.

"You too, Jason," he eyed him wearily. "You're not going to attack me are you?" He teased.

Jason arched an eyebrow. "You met Harms,"

"The hard way."

He chuckled. "She's cool."

"That she is," the Gunny agreed and then addressed Mac. "I am assuming, Colonel. Mr. Mackenzie and Miss Rabb are frequent visitors to JAG ops?"

"They are and if you happened to have a question concerning the UCMJ, then Harms is the person to ask." She answered.

"Is that so?"

"Harms' dad use to work here, he's a lawyer as well as a Naval Aviator," Jason praised his son-to-be stepfather.

"She must miss him," the Gunny noted and could see the teenager wasn't the only one.

"We all miss him," Mac said with a smile that said it all and a deep longing in her eyes. "Excuse us Gunny."

"Yes Ma'am."

In the Admiral's office, Harmony was being hugged by her grandfather, he was proud of her, as proud as he was of her father.

"I get to do my normal classes in the morning and then after lunch I do my advanced studies," she explained. "If I get good grades and study hard, I'll have my law degree by the time I graduate High School and be well on my way to completing my engineering degree. Which I'll be able to do at the Academy using the graduate program."

"You've got it all worked out, darling," AJ praised leaning against his desk.

Harmony grinned. "I know I can do this, Grandpa."

"Of course you can, you're a Rabb," he said grinning. A knocking sounded on the door. "Enter!"

It opened and Commander Brumby came in. "Sorry for interrupting Admiral, but could I have a word?"

AJ nodded. "Come in Commander," he said straightening. He addressed his granddaughter. "That will be all Miss. Rabb, you and Mr. Mackenzie can use the library to do your homework."

"Than you sir," she said crisply, then turned on heal, leaving.

"How's your dad, Harmony?" Mic asked her.

"Sierra-Hotel, Commander," she commented with a grin as she walked out.

Mic looked confused to the Admiral. "Sierra-Hotel?"

AJ chuckled. "It's aviation phonetic slang meaning 'shit hot', Commander."

"Oh?" He found that amusing and disturbing. "She doesn't like me much."

"It isn't about liking you or not, Commander. Miss Rabb finds it easy to bait you and you fall for it all the time," he announced. "Harmony Rabb has an ego as large as her fathers and she's has wings to go along with it."

"Wings?"

"Miss Rabb is a licensed pilot Mr. Brumby, qualified to fly jet engine aircraft and prop engines," the Admiral explained. "She handles a Leahjet with as much tenacity as her father does a Tomcat. Which given the change Harmony Rabb could master with ease."

"Somehow Admiral, I doubt they'd let a fourteen year old take the controls of a Tomcat."

"Not yet Mr. Brumby, but she will fly," the Admiral assured. "Now what do you need to see me about?"

Mic out lined the details of the case he was working on and received the Admiral's advice. He was leaving when Tiner came to the door, moving around the Petty Officer.

"Sir, Admiral Boone would like to speak with you."

"Send him in Tiner."

"Aye sir."

Admiral Tom Boone walked in; the Petty Officer closed the door. Tom nodded his greeting. "Admiral."

AJ smiled. "Tom, how are you?" He shook the Admiral's hand.

"Good, AJ, you?"

"Not bad," he sat, insisting Tom do the same. "So what can I do for you?"

"I had an interesting conversation with Captain Pike, the Cag aboard the USS Patrick Henry." Tom remarked bluntly.

"Oh?"

"It seems Harm has a problem."

AJ sat back in his seat. "To old, not enough traps."

"You've got it, he's running out of sky." Tom stated.

"And with him going to marry Mackenzie, he can't come back here."

"Which is why I want him," the line star officer announced. "The secNav has authorized me to put together a special investigation unit that deals with problems in our Air Wings and on our Aircraft Carriers. Harm will be under the CNO's chain of command, however I want to use his legal knowledge as well as his skills as an aviator, so he'll have to stay up to date with all aspects of the law."

"Which is where I came in," AJ guessed. "I take it Harm will be a regular visitor to JAG ops?"

"He will. He's a damn good lawyer and a hell'va aviator. Captain Pike would keep him on the Patrick Henry if he could, but it's a career killer. This way his career will advance and he'll be doing what he loves," Tom stated. Then added with a grin. "And I'll lend him to you occasionally."

AJ chuckled. "I'll keep that in mind."

"Good," sitting forward, Tom came to the point about his other business. "There's something else I want to discuss."

"Concerning?"

"Harmony Rabb, her birthday to be precise," he answered. "She's still NJROTC?"

AJ nodded. "Cadet Lieutenant JG I'm proud to say."

That surprised Tom. "She was promoted, last time I saw her in uniform she was Cadet Ensign."

"It was recent. So what is this all about, Tom?"

"Lets just say our Cadet Lieutenant JG is going to get the chance of a life time."

Curious, AJ couldn't wait to hear what Tom had to say.

September 21st 1999: USS Patrick Henry – Adriatic Sea

The Raptors gathered together, all wanting to hear about what had happened. In an attempt to save Tuna and Archie from ejecting into enemy territory, Lt. Commander Harmon Rabb and his RIO had pushed them to safety. Harm had Tuna lower his tailhook and with it pressed against his canopy, he'd been pushed to safely. It was a gutsy move and a dangerous one, one that required full communication between driver and RIO and they'd done it.

Lt. Dalton Jonas – Boomer, made his way through his squad mates, carrying an object behind his back. He got the nod from Captain Pike, who remained behind Rabb and Hawks. "Commander Rabb," he got Harm's attention. "We all though it was time you got a new call sign," he paused. "The Cag told us about your father. It sounds like he was almost as crazy as his son," he grinned, pressing on causally. "Besides you're way to young to be called Pappy." He brought Harm's helmet from behind his back, the new call sign was written in black letters on masking tape.

Harm was stunned and proud. "Hammer."

"That was his call sign, wasn't it sir?" It was a rhetorical question as he pasted the helmet to Harm. "We'll have that painted up right away."

Captain Pike smiled. "I don't think your dad would mind." Harm was too stunned to say any thing; the squad clapped and whistled their approval. The Cag made his way over to Harm. "Are you up for one more surprise?"

"I think so." Harm said grinning, even though he couldn't wait to ring his family and tell them.

"Very well," Pike took the helmet and put it behind him on the table, before addressing the squad. "Attention on deck!"

The squadron quickly came to attention and Admiral Tom Boone came in, he stopped before Harm. "Commander Rabb."

"Sir," he saluted.

The Admiral returned the salute, relaxing. "At ease," he ordered, adding. "Congratulations Harm."

"Thank you, sir."

"Commander, I arranged for a visitor to come aboard with me," Tom stated and then moved to one side, revealing who was standing behind him.

Harm's eyes widened in surprise, his daughter was standing there, and she wore her khakis NJROTC uniform. "Harms."

She grinned and saluted him. "Sir."

He laughed, seeing the sheepish expressions on the Raptor's faces, they'd all been in on this. "Come here, squirt."

She practically throw herself into her fathers arms. "I've missed you, dad," she whispered.

"I've missed you too, sweetheart."

"Cadet Lieutenant Rabb," Captain Pike addressed her, she moved out of her father's arms. "The Skipper has given permission for your dad to take you on a recon flight. This young lady is a privilege."

"Yes sir," she grinned excitedly. "Thank you sir."

"You're welcome and since you will be accompanying your dad, you'll be needing these."

Lt. Hawks – Beth came up next to the teenager, she carried a folded up flight suite, t-shirt, flight boots and a helmet. "Happy Birthday Harms."

"Thank you Skates, everyone," she hesitated a moment before taking the helmet.

Lt. Terry Medwick – Tuna and his RIO, Archie, had slipped into the room during Harm's presentation. None worse for wear from their ejection, nothing a shower and a dry flight suite hadn't cured. He put his hand on Harmony's shoulder, getting her attention. "We'd heard so much about you from your dad, that we all feel we know you," he said calmly. "It's also tradition that your first squadron gives you your call sign and we've decided you're as much a member of this squadron as your dad. So we decided it was our right to christen you with a call sign."

She looked at the helmet, which was painted midnight blue. Written in Gold letters, was the call sign – Storm. She smiled with tears of happiness in her eyes, holding the helmet in one hand she hugged the aviator. "Thank you."

He hugged her back, smiling. "You're welcome, Storm."

The other Raptors congratulated her, welcoming her into their family.

Tom smiled as he stood with Harm. "She's a born aviator, Harm."

"I know," he agreed, arms crossed against his chest. Feeling the fear that welled there. "How did you arrange it? I knew about the flight suite and helmet, but the visit?"

"That was my doing," Captain Pike announced. "I mentioned it to the Admiral and he agreed to arrange it."

"The least I could do for my godson's daughter," Tom remarked nonchalant.

Harm chuckled, not many knew Tom Boone was his godfather. "Thanks."

"You're welcome, besides I've an alter motive. I want to talk to you about coming to work for me."

"Oh?" That did surprise him.

"Lets take a walk, Harmony will be fine." Tom urged.

Harm nodded, uncrossing his arms he followed the Admiral out. However they didn't talk until they reached the fantail. Then Tom spoke.

"Harm, you're a damn fine aviator but your running out of sky here and you know it."

He nodded. "So what will I be doing working for you, sir?"

"The secNav has approved the forming of a special investigations unit to deal with the problems in our Air Wings and on our carriers. I want you with me on this, you're a lawyer and an aviator," Tom said with a smile. "You'll finish your tour on the Henry, take some leave, and then report to me at the Washington Naval Yards, our office will be there. You'll also have to keep up to date with the law, I want your skills as a lawyer to be as sharp as your skills as an aviator." He paused and held out his hand. "Are you in?"

Harm liked the sound of it so far; he shook the Admiral's hand. "I'm in. How much flight time will I be getting?"

"You'll have an F-14 on standby at Norfolk NAS night and day, and I've arranged a RIO to be a part of the unit. You'll like her," Tom revealed. "You'll be doing enough trips out to carriers to keep qualified and the occasional TAD."

"And my new RIO is?"

"Lt. Victoria Hawks – Blades."

He chuckled. "Skates little sister?"

Tom nodded, grinning. "She's looking forward to flying with you."

"So how did you convince her to join our little unit?"

"Told her all about you," the Admiral smirked and both men laughed. "Seriously. She's a good investigator, has a law degree, you'll get along fine. She's quick witted as her sister."

"I'll behave then." Harm smirked.

"You'd better," Tom remarked and they laughed before silence settled between the two of them.

"Do you ever think about him, Uncle Tom?" Harm asked softly, it had been a long time since he'd addressed the Admiral like that.

"Every time I step onto a carrier or look at you, Harm," Tom divulged. "I see you and I see your dad."

"You called me Hammer, that night when you were hit and I had to take over."

Tom looked over the ocean. "I knew you'd get me back to the SeaHawk, that you wouldn't let me down. Just like your dad would have."

Harm let his gaze fall on the ocean too. "Sometimes I wonder what life would have been like if he hadn't of been shot down."

"So do I," the Admiral confessed and then smiled a little. "You're dad would probably be commanding a carrier and giving his XO heart failure by going sky larking in a Tomcat every now and then."

Chuckling Harm agreed. "He would have loved Harms."

"Yes he would have. She's her fathers daughter." He stated and saw the fear that passed over this godson's eyes. "It bothers you, doesn't it?"

He nodded. "I know Harms wants to fly, I see it in her eyes. I just…"

Tom put his hand on Harm's shoulder. "I know the feeling, I do. Would you feel any different if she was a boy?"

Shaking his head, Harm knew he wouldn't. "No."

"That's what being a father is all about, son. You're dad would of felt the same way. He would have been proud of you, but scared silly too."

"So what do I do?"

"Let her go, Harm," he removed his hand. "Let her spread her wings and fly."

He signed. "She'd do it anyway."

"Damn right she would," Tom mused and they laughed some more. Finally settling down. "Mac is a hell'va woman, Harm."

"Yes sir, she is. Harms loves her and Jason is a great kid."

"So have you corrupted him yet?"

"Oh no, Jace is determined to be a Marine lawyer like his mom," Harm said grinning. "He'll leave the flying to his sister."

"His sister?"

"That's how he sees her."

"So you're going to have a Jarhead for a son?" It was a rhetorical statement.

"Well I'm going to have a Jarhead for a wife," Harm stated casually.

"True," Tom patted his back. "Come on, lets go find your daughter before the Raptors start telling her stories about you."

"Skates will look after her," Harm reassured as they left the fantail.

Beth meanwhile was showing Harmony to her quarters, the teenager carrying the flight suit, boots and t-shirt. Her helmet had been put into a locker for her. "Your dad is really proud of you, Harms," she saw the teenager blush shyly, smiling. "He talks about you all the time."

"All the time?"

"Yes," they went inside her designated cabin.

Harmony put her gifts on the bunk, turning she sat down, looking around wishfully. "When I was little I use to wonder how dad felt being on a carrier away from mom and me."

Beth sat down next to her. "And now?"

"And now," she hesitated. "I don't know what it was like for dad on the Midway or the SeaHawk, but here, he's with friends. People who care about him, especially you."

"He's one of the best, Harms and he cares about those around him," she slipped her arm around the teenager's shoulders. "Which is why I fly with him."

Harmony chuckled, grinning. "It's not because you're a little crazy too?"
Beth started to laugh. "Yeah that too," she patted her knee. "How about you change and we'll go find your dad."

"Okay," she got up, removing her uniform and shoes, hanging what needed to be up before pulling on the t-shirt and flight suit and lastly the flight boots. All she'd done like it was second nature, which to her it felt like it, was. Turning back she saw a bemused look on her father's RIO. "What?"

"You're going to give your dad the chills," she remarked standing. "That I've got to see. Come on kiddo."

Curious, Harmony followed the RIO out, they chatted as they left female country, about nothing of importance.

Having left Admiral Boone with Captain Ingles, Harm proceeded to the ready room; he was talking with Terry when his daughter and RIO walked into the ready room. He couldn't help but stop in mid sentence.

Lt. Terry 'Tuna' Medwick looked where he was, smiling warmly. "Gives you chills, doesn't it?"

He nodded. "It does."

"Are you sure you're up for this?"

"As I'll ever be," Harm said quietly as they approached.

Harmony smiled. "Sirs."

"Cadet," her father addressed her.

Terry grinned. "Hey Storm, looking good."

She blushed hard. "Thank you sir."

"Sir?" he glanced at Harm, who was holding back from laughing, smirking he moved to the teenagers side. "Lets talk kiddo," he said as he slipped his arm around her shoulders.

"What about sir?"

"The sir business."

"Oh?" She grinned, feeling very much at home with them. "Is Tuna better?"

"Much better," he agreed. "Now let me dish some dirt on your dad here," he said guiding her over to the others.

Beth chuckled. "They're acting like they've all been given the chance to have their kid sister on board."

"She could be their kid sister," Harm declared, sighing. "Even yours, Skates."

"My kid sister would like Harms."

"We'll see."

Beth looked at him curiously. "What does that mean?"

He saw the rest of the squad was happily concerned with his daughter, so keeping his voice down, he told her. "Admiral Boone offered me a job. I'm leaving after this tour," he saw her shock and disappointment. "You know this would happen, Beth."

"I guess I just though you could beat the odds," she admitted.

"So did I in a way," he said warmly. "Admiral Boone offered me a position in a special investigations unit that deals with problem concerning our Air Wings and Carriers. Your sister is part of the unit."

"Vicky never said anything in her last letter."

"Well I expect she didn't know at that point."

Beth nodded. "You'd better take care of her."

He smiled and gave her a hug. "Like she was my kid sister."

"Thanks Harm," she whispered, and then stepped back.

"Hey Hammer!" Terry called out to him.

Harm saw his daughter's face, the stunned expression that mixed with her pride. She hadn't been in the room when they had made the announcement. "Hammer?"

"The squadron gave me dad's call sign," he explained gently.

"Grandpa Harm would be proud dad," she said softly, her voice thick with emotion.

"Yes he would."

She gave him a quick hug, and stepped back. "Now sir, if you would. Tuna would like clarification on my simulator experience while at Pensacola."

Harm crossed his arms against his chest, bragging. "It's all true Tuna."

Captain Pike had come in over hearing the whole thing. "Never doubt a Rabb, Mr. Medwick."

They all snapped too. "No sir," Terry said grinning.

"Then get yourselves suited up and we'll get this briefing over and done with," the Cag ordered.

"Aye, aye sir," they all said, then hurried to do so. Since Beth wasn't going up, she helped Harmony into the g-suit, explaining it's working as she did. When they were suited up, they quickly took their seats, letting the briefing begin.

When the Cag had completed the initial briefing, he addressed Lt. Hawks. "Skates; make sure Miss Rabb here is fully briefed on all safety aspects, before she sets foot in the cockpit."

"Yes sir."

"And Mr. Rabb, if you and your daughter end up in the ocean, I'll personally keel haul your six. Is that clear?"

"Crystal, Cag." Harm said.

"Good. Then lets fly."

Getting up they left the ready room, helmets in hand. Beth walked with Harmony, giving her a run down on what she needed to know. Though she had a feeling from the questions the teenager was asking, she knew more then she let on.

Going onto the flight deck after they'd pulled their helmets on, Harmony felt a shiver run up her spin. She was actually going to fly in a F-14; her dream was coming true.

Harm patted his daughter on the back. "Okay, kiddo?"

"Yes sir," she said regaining her composure.

"Lets go then."

"Aye sir."

Beth smiled. This was as daunting for the teenager as it was for Harm. She waited until Harmony had climbed into the cockpit and followed her up, helping the teenager to secure. She patted her on the shoulder, leaning in so she could be hears. "All set?"

Harmony nodded. "All set."

"Remember everything I told you and you'll be fine," Beth told her. "I prepared you kneeboard cards, so you can help your dad with the checklist," she pointed out. "You'll be fine."

"Thanks Skates."

Beth smiled. "Good luck Storm," she patted the top of her helmet lightly, then climbed down.

Harm closed the canopy. "Ready?"

"Ready, sir."

"Okay, lets do it," he taxied them into position on the catapult. "Ready to do the checklist with me?"

"Yes sir," she could do this, the Admiral had her fully briefed at Pensacola before they'd come out here. She'd done this in the simulator many times. Using the kneeboard cards as prompts she began. "Radar on standby, roll SAS off. Pitch trim set for catapult?"

Harm smiled, seeing the slight nervousness on his daughters face as well as hearing it in her voice as they did this. "Pitch trim set."

"Wing sweep auto?"

"Check."

She checked the next one. "Engine instruments normal?"

"Check."

She grinned. "List complete."

"Then we're going flying," he mused. "Want to call it in?"

"I can do that?" Harmony asked excitedly.

"You can do it," her father responded. "Tell Warpaint, Batman one is up and ready."

Her grin widened even more. "Yes sir," she said eagerly. "Warpaint, this is Batman one, up and ready."

"Rodger Batman one, your clear to launch."

"Hang on kiddo," Harm informed and gave the crewman a salute and they were catapulted off the deck.

Harmony felt like her heart had been thrown up into her throat but she loved it, laughing. "Wow!"

Terry's voice came over the radio as his Tomcat came into formation beside there's. "Sounds like someone is enjoying themselves."

"That was so amazing!" Harmony exclaimed.

"She's definitely your daughter, Hammer." Archie mused.

"Oh yeah, she's all Rabb, Archie." Harm agreed and they all laughed.

Batman two and three formed up with them, this was a just a routine recon flight mission. No unfriendly visitors were scheduled, so calm skies were forecasted. Harmony spent most of the mission wide eyed, trying to take all of it in at once.

"How are you doing, Storm?"

"Fine sir," she answered her father, grinning. "This is so cool!"

"Welcome to my world, Harms," he said, excepting this was the world she wanted to be in. The life she wanted to live.

"I wish mom could have seen this, dad," she said a little melancholy.

He saw the sincerity on her in the mirror. "So do I sweetheart, she would have been very proud of you," he said gently. "I bet Mac is too, and Jason."

"I know they are dad, and I'll tell them all about it when I get home," she insisted, and chuckled. "Grandma Grace is never going to believe this."

"Then we'll just have to make sure we have proof."

"Oh?"

"I believe we can organist a photo," her dad revealed and glanced towards his wingman. "Can't we Tuna?"

"Yeah, Hammer, we can do that," Terry agreed whole-heartedly.

Harm saw hid daughters happy face reflected in the mirror. "I've got a happy RIO on my hands, Tuna.'

"I'd believe that," his wingman smirked. "Not to mention a happy aviator."

"Hooh rah!" Harmony cheered, coursing them to laugh.

That night after a nosy surprise birthday party organized by the crew for Harmony, where she was given her own flight jacket, she joined her father on Vultures Row. She still wore her flight suit as did he, both having pulled on their flight jackets.

Harm saw his daughter was in deep thought as she looked over the flight deck. "What's up Harms?"

She smiled a little, looking at him. "I understand now why you had to do this, be here. I thought I did before, but until I got to fly with you, I really didn't," she said trying to put it all into words. "I know mom always understood and I know Mac does."

"She worries though, so did your mom," he noted.

Nodding, she looked over the flight deck once more. "Will you worry about me?"

"A whole lot Harms," he slipped his arm around her. "I always will."

Harmony turned and hugged her father. "Dad, do you really think mom won't mind me calling Mac, mom?"

Harm smiled reassuringly. "I don't think she'd mind at all, darlin, in fact I think she and Mac would have gotten on well together."

"I just don't want you to think I'm forgetting mom or anything."

"I don't honey, I know you'll always love your mom, but you've got to move on too. Just as I had too, your mom would have wanted that."

She held tighter to him. "I love you, dad."

"I love you too, honey," he whispered proud of his little girl. He kissed the top of her head. "Come on sweetheart, you've got a big day a head of you tomorrow."

Stepping back, Harmony smiled. "I'm never going to forget this."

"Neither am I sweetheart," her father agreed and escorted her back inside.

In the morning, Harmony was treated to time on the bridge and on the flight deck with the LSO, after lunch though she was in her summer NJROTC uniform, her bag already on it's way out to the cod. Beth quickly escorted her to the wardroom, where the Admiral, Captain Ingles and Captain Pike were waiting along with Harm and the other Raptors.

"Attention on deck!" The Cag called out and all came to attention.

"Cadet Lieutenant Rabb, front and center." Captain Ingles ordered and Harmony stood before him. "Cadet you have been given privileges that other Cadets have not and you did not let the uniform or any Officer present here today down in your responsibilities," he stated. "Thus after a lengthy discussion with your NJROTC instructors by Admiral Boone, it has been agreed that you are to receive the following – Meritorious Achievement and Honor Cadet award. Congratulations Cadet."

Harmony was surprised. "Thank you sir," she managed to say.

He stepped back and Admiral Boone came forward, pinning both awards onto her blouse. "You are a credit to your uniform and your Unit. Captain Ingles and I will be proud to sponsor you to the Naval Academy. Congratulations, Cadet." He stepped back and saluted.

She saluted him. "Thank you sir," she looked to Ingles. "Thank you Captain."

"You're welcome Cadet," he turned to Harm. "Commander Rabb, please escort the Admiral and Cadet to the Cod."

"Yes sir," he agreed, smiling.

The Raptors came forward and congratulated Harmony, patting her back and shaking her hand, wishing her a safe journey home.

Beth gave her a hug. "I'm going to miss you kiddo."

"Take care of my dad?"

"I will," she assured and released the teenager.

Terry was next to give her a hug. "You be good Storm."

"I will Tuna."

Harm smiled as he watched them, as did Captain Ingles; he patted the aviator on the back. "You've got an exceptional daughter there, Commander."

"Yes sir," he agreed with his flyboy grin that had Ingles chuckling.

"See them out, Commander."

"Aye sir," he acknowledged and the Captain left with the Cag. Harm went over to his daughter. "It's time to go, Harms."

"Yes sir."

Admiral Boone joined them. "Come on Cadet, I don't want your grandfather to chew me a new six if your late home."

She grinned. "I'm ready sir," she said and they left.

Terry looked confused to Beth. "Who is Storm's grandfather?"

"Admiral AJ Chegwidden," she answered grinning.

"You're kidding?"

"Nope, Harm's late wife, Emily was Chegwidden's daughter."

"Wow."

With white safety vests and helmets on, the Admiral, Harm and Harmony went out onto the flight deck and over to the Cod. Father and daughter hugged each other.

"I'm going to miss you, Harms," he told her. "You be good."

"I will dad," she promised, tears in her eyes.

"Hey, none of that. I'll be home soon," he said wiping her checks. "In fact I give you permission to tell Mac and Jason."

"I think mom would like it if you told her," his daughter insisted. "But you can wait to discuss a baby brother or sister for Jason and I in more detail when you get back."

He chuckled. "All right, I'll call Mac and tell her about the job. We'll discuss the bother or sister briefly on the phone and then in more detail when I get back, when Mac and I are alone."

"I bet," she smirked.

"Pain," Harm jeered and saw Tom Boone chuckling quietly.

A crewman came over to them. "Sir, we're ready to go."

"Thank you Petty Officer," the Admiral acknowledged.

Harm hugged his daughter again. "I love you Harms."

"I love you too, dad. Be careful."

"I will."

She reluctantly stepped back and followed the Admiral on board the Cod. Harm moved back and watched the aircraft taxi onto the catapult and is propelled off the deck.

Beth came up beside him. "How are you holding up, sir?"

He smiled. "I'm doing okay, Skates." He reassured her and seeing the Cod was out of sight he followed his RIO off the flight deck.

23rd September 1999: JAG Headquarters, Falls Church, Virginia. Washington DC

Admiral Boone escorted the Cadet up to JAG ops; he carried her bag for her. She was still in uniform, her flight jacket on as well. Pushing open the glass doors he let her walk through first, then followed her.

Harmony saw her grandfather was in the bullpen; she hurried over to him, having removed her cover. She stood at attention before him. "Sir."

He smiled. "Welcome home, Cadet."

"Thank you sir."

"At ease," he ordered, and when she stood easy with her hands behind her back he noticed the two new ribbons. Pushing the jacket aside a little more. "Cadet?"

"Presented aboard the Patrick Henry by Admiral Boone sir." She said proudly.

Mac had joined the Admiral, as had Bud, Harriet and the Gunny. "It seems Cadet Lieutenant Rabb, made an impression on Captain Ingles sir. According to Lt. Commander Rabb."

"Is that so, Cadet?"

"Yes sir."

"Cadet Lieutenant JG Rabb was a credit to her uniform and the NJROTC," Tom said proudly. "Her instructors will be given a full report."

"Well Cadet, you've certainly have made an impression." AJ stated.

"I did, sir." She grinned.

He chuckled. "Yes you did, darlin," he said and did something that surprised everyone. He hugged the teenager.

She hugged him back, whispering. "Thank you, grandpa."

"You're welcome, darlin," he said quietly, then released her, straightening, seeing shocked faces of those who didn't know. "Is there a problem?"

"No sir!"

"Then get back to work," he ordered. "Colonel Mackenzie with me."

"Aye sir."

The Gunny took Harmony's bag from the Admiral, telling him he'd put it in the Colonel's office. Leaving Tom to follow the AJ, Harmony and Mac into his office. He shut the door. "I thought for a moment we were going to have a Hallmark moment, AJ," he smirked.

"Don't you start," AJ ordered and Tom merely laughed. He turned to the Colonel. "So Lt. Commander Rabb rang you, Colonel?"

"Yes sir, he told me about accepting the position Admiral Boone offered him," she answered. "And the request Cadet Lieutenant JG Rabb made."

"Oh and what request was that, Colonel?"

Mac blushed. "I believe her request was for a brother or sister, sir."

"I see, well I certainly hope you'll try to get married first."

"I believe we will try sir."

"Excellent," he said dryly, his granddaughter looking sheepishly. "Now Colonel, what is your case load like?"

"Light sir."

"Very well, secure at thirteen hundred. Cadet I expect you not to make a nuisance of yourself in the office."

"I will be on my best behavior sir," she assured.

"Very well then, dismissed."

Both came to attention, then turned and left.

AJ gestured for Tom to sit and did so himself. "She gets more and more like Harm every day."

"Doesn't she ever, fly's like him too." Tom noted.

"Oh?"

"On our way out, I had to stop at Pensacola and the Flight School. When they found out she was Harm's daughter, they showed her around and put her in the simulator. She's a natural, they throw everything they could at her and she handled it. So they gave her the full run down on all the systems," Tom reported. "By the time we left Pensacola, I could of put that girl into the cockpit of a F-14 and she could have flown it."

"That's quite an allegation."

"It's the truth."

AJ sighed. "So she's good?"

"You've never flown with her?" Tom asked surprised.

"No, not even with Harm," he admitted. "I have a feeling I'm going to have to take up the offer next time it's made."

"I would. And yes, she's good." He sat forward. "She's a good kid, AJ and one day she's going to make a hell'va aviator. Captain Ingles agreed to be one of her sponsors for the Naval Academy, as have I. I'm assuming your going to as well?"

AJ nodded. "As is General Joe Mackenzie, he was most impressed with her, when he and his wife meet Harmony and her dad for the first time."

"A Captain, General and two Admiral's. If that kids doesn't get into the Academy, then something is very wrong."

"She'll get in," AJ said sternly. "That I would bet a years wagers on."

Tom chuckled. "Then she has nothing to worry about."

"Not a thing," the Admiral agreed. "Not a thing."

In Colonel Mackenzie's office, Mac was hugging her soon to be stepdaughter, who had asked if it was all right to call her 'mom'. She felt overwhelmed. "I'd love for you to call me mom, Harms."

"I won't ever forget my mom, but dad's right. I have to move on," the teenager revealed. "And I want to do it, you love my dad and you're a great mom."

"Thank you Harms."

She blushed. "I'll even put up with having a brother who wants to be a Jarhead," she teased.

Mac chuckled. "And a mom who's a Jarhead?"

"Yeah, after all Jason has to deal with a dad who's a squid," she remarked and they laughed together.

To be continued…