Title: If things had been different
Author: Anaika Skywalker
Disclaimer: I don't own JAG; I just like to spread my wings occasionally.
Rating: PG –13
Author's Note: Hi everyone and thank you for the wonderful reviews and thank you to everyone who has followed along. I was going to make this the last chapter, but as I started writing it, it got longer and longer, so I'm going to have to write another. So this is the second last chapter.
Winjan: No, Paul MacGyver isn't related to 'MacGyver' from the TV series, though I must admit I was watching Stargate when I wrote that chapter. So sue me, I think Jack O'Neill is cute, in a mature sort of way. Okay just to clear things up. No, Harms is not pregnant. Who's child Harms is holding in the vision will become clear.
Observer: Okay to answer your questions. No, Harms is not going to go out with Paul, they can't – same chain of command and all that. No, Harms is not Pregnant with Jason's child, they just had a quickie!!!! Sorry for being blunt there.
KJFlygirl87: Kristen – girlfriend, thank you once again for the idea on Harms degree. You're the best. Not telling any more, you must read on.
DD2: Thank you, the answers to your questions: maybe, yes and here it is.
Abigaile: No, Harms is not pregnant with Jason's child. Their engagement will come out, for more, read on. Please.
Joanoa86: No, Harm didn't adopt Jason. Jason just changed his surname. I did jump ahead in the story, you may need to go back and reread a few. I needed to do that to get the story moving again.
Jbird7986: Thank you. Here it is.
Dreamer20715: Thank you. Please enjoy this chapter.
WHA: A happy ending? I'll think about it.
Chawkchic: Yes I love my cliffhangers, sorry, can't help myself. But wait there's more, so hang onto that heart of yours.
If things had been different
Chapter Fourteen: Missing him
Rabb Residence – Falls Church Virginia, Washington DC (July 2006)
Harm ran his fingers through his hair and wandered tiredly back into the living room, Mac was finally asleep, as were the kids. The day had started out so well and then went to hell. He'd never really understood what his mother had felt that day she'd been faced with the news that her husband was MIA. Not until he'd opened the door and found Chaplain Jones and Admiral Stevenson on his doorstep. His first thought had been his daughter had been shot down or dead. The Admiral had seemed to sense that and told him his daughter was fine. Then as Mac had come up beside him, he'd realized why they were there. The boy, who he'd taken into his heart, who he loved like a son, was missing. His son was missing. Dear God his son was missing. Mac had paled at the words and began crying, he didn't know what else to do but hold her, cradle her in his arms. The Chaplain had tried to comfort them both while Admiral Stevenson called AJ and Grace to come to the house, but nothing he said could ease the pain they were feeling - nothing at all.
His son was missing.
He crumbled to the floor, hugging his knees to his chest. His son was missing. His daughter was fighting this demon on her own in the middle of a war zone. His daughter, who loved Jason, who was Jason's lover, the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. He'd seen their connection right from the beginning. Which was why he hadn't gone a head with the adoption. He'd agreed to Jason legally changing his surname, but adopting the boy had been forgotten. It didn't stop him from thinking of Jason as his son though. Nor did not adopting Harmony stop Mac from thinking of her as her daughter.
Tears were now streaming down Harm's face. He'd watched Jason go from a little boy to a man. He'd come to him when he wanted to join the Marines. Asking his advice, needing him to be proud of him and he was. Now Jason was missing, possible being held by terrorist who didn't give to hoots in hell that the Marine had a family-worried sick about him back home or a young woman on an aircraft carrier who was going through hell.
Harm wiped his eyes. "Dad, if you can hear me. Please look after Jason. Don't let him die. Give him strength to get back to us," he prayed. "Please dad, don't let him die."
He rested his head on his knees and closed his eyes, sobbing into them.
AJ slipped into the living room and sat next to Harm, gentle drawing him into his arms. "He'll be all right, son. You've got to believe that," he said calmly even though his own heart was breaking. "Never give up hope." He rubbed his back. "Mac needs you to be strong, but when you need to crash, son. Come to Grace or I, don't hold it in."
"I don't know if I can do this dad," Harm sobbed.
"Of course you can, you one of the strongest men I know. You find strength when the rest of us are ready to give up," he praised. "Jason will be found."
"I don't want to lose him dad. I've lost too many people in my life, I don't want to lose my son."
"You won't," AJ assured. "My grandson is too stubborn and pig headed to die at the hands of terrorist. He's a Rabb. Maybe not by blood, but in every other way that counts.
"Thanks dad."
"Promise me you won't give up hope, Harm?"
"I promise dad," he sat up with new determination in his eyes. "I'll fine my son and bring him home, even if I have to tear Iraq apart with my bare hands."
"You'll have plenty of help, son, that I promise you." AJ guaranteed.
USS Ticonderoga – Persian Gulf
Lt. Commander Bud Roberts hesitated and then knocked on the door to the stateroom.
"Enter."
He opened the hatch and walked in, seeing Lt. (JG) Harmony Rabb zipping up her flight suite. "Lieutenant."
"Sir," she snapped too.
"At ease Lieutenant," he insisted. He fingered the letter in his hands and nearly crumpled it up, this wasn't fair, and it wasn't damn well fair. "Harms," he moved closer. "Jason wrote a letter to you, a couple of days after we arrived in Baghdad. He wanted you to have it if anything happened to him." He held it out to her. "I don't believe he's dead, but I'm going to obey his wishes and give it to you."
With shaky hands, Harmony took the letter. "Thank you sir."
"Harms," Bud put his hands on her shoulders. "I'm so sorry, I should have tried harder to get to him."
"It's all right sir, you did all you could," she whispered.
He drew her into his arms. "He told me he asked you to marry him. Don't give up hope, Harms. He won't, I promise you that."
"I won't, Uncle Bud, for as long as I live," she said near tears.
Bud kissed her forehead, then released her and walked out, shutting the hatch.
Harmony opened the letter and sat down on her bunk to read it:
My darling Harmony,
Know that I will love you forever, no matter what. I remember Grandpa telling me how SeAL's always write a letter to their loves ones before a mission. I'm not going on a mission, but I feel my life is in danger and I wanted to let you know how much I love you. You're my life, my reason to live.
You've given me so much and I doubt I could ever repay you. If you're reading this then I'm either MIA or dead, if that's the case I want you to go on with your life. Be the best of the best, show them what a Rabb is capable of and then when your done, know that I've watched over you the whole time.
I'm guessing you have tears in your eyes about now. I can only guess what you're going through, what mom and dad are going through. Tell them I'm sorry, that I love them both and I'm sorry I won't get to see Anthony grow up to be the best, second to his big sister, as a Naval Aviator and Larissa be the best Marine like her mom and brother.
This next bit is a little harder, Harms. Dad told me about wanting to help Commander Hawks have a baby; I respect his decision and his reason for wanting to do this. Which leads me to telling you this, I want you to know I've thought about you and I having a baby for a long time, since that Christmas we first made love. So I took some steps to insure you'll have the chance even if I don't come back. I donated sperm at the Washington Sperm Bank. I want you to have the option of having my child, even if I'm not there to share the experience with you. If you don't want this or can't face it, then you have power of attorney over what happens to it.
I'm sorry if I shocked you Harms. I just want you to know I love you and always will. You're my life and reason for living. Always know that.
Stay safe my darling and kick some six at TOPGUN. I'll be watching out for you.
All my love,
Jason.
Harmony folded the letter and tucked it into the flight suite, standing she grabbed her cover and hurried out of the stateroom, nearly running all the way to Vultures Row. Her tears followed freely as she gripped the rail. Strong hands wrapped around her and she knew it was her RIO. He'd barely left her side since Jason was declared MIA.
"He wrote me a letter," she sobbed. "He made previsions so I could have his child if I wanted to," turning she wrapped her arms around his waist. "Oh God, Paul, how do I face life without him?"
"One day at a time, Harms," he said gently. "I've got to take it one day at a time. He would want you to do that. And if you want that baby, then Chris and I will be there for you."
"Thanks Paul," she pulled back a little. "But I'm not ready for a baby yet, one day maybe, but not yet."
He wiped her tear-streaked cheeks. "Hey, I'm not going any where, Rabbit. You and I are a team, like Butch and Sundance."
She chuckled a little. "So who's Butch and who's Sundance?"
"I'll be Butch, you can be Sundance," he smirked.
"Okay."
"I would of thought the four Musketeers would have been better," a heavily accented voice announced.
Harmony looked and saw her Uncle and Chris. She hurried over to Sergei and hugged him. "I'm so glad you're here."
"Well Captain Keeter thought you might need your Uncle," he told her.
"Not to mention your friends." Chris added.
"All for one, one for all," she quoted.
"That's right," he smirked and they all laughed lightly. When it died down, they looked out across the flight deck.
Harmony felt protected and loved by her Uncle and her friends. "Look after Jason, Grandpa Harm, please," she prayed silently.
Three and a half months later: Oceana Naval Air Station, Virginia Beach, Virginia
Captain Harmon Rabb stood next to his wife, Colonel Sarah Mackenzie-Rabb. They waited with the other families for their loved ones to fly in. The Rabb's youngest children were with their grandparents. Their son was still MIA. Harmony though was coming home. For a while anyway, she was due to start train in the New Year at Fallon, the youngest pilot to fly TOPGUN.
Commander Elizabeth Hawks walked over to them, she looked a little pale, morning sickness was a problem she was handling, but it was still a problem. "Sir."
Harm looked. "Yes Commander?"
She put her hand on his arm, smiling a little. "Everything will be fine Harm."
He forced a smile. "Thanks Beth."
Mac gave her friend a hug. "How are you feeling?"
"Sick to my stomach, but other then that, fine," Beth admitted. "Were you like this with Anthony and Larissa?"
"Not with Anthony so much, but I was with Larissa. You'll be fine, Beth, Harm and I are here for you."
"Thanks Mac."
They heard the sound of engines and then saw the F-14 Supercats flying towards the base all in formation. As they flew over, one Supercat broke away from the others and flew high. The missing man formation.
Harm felt tears sting his eyes. He knew they'd done it for Jason.
Mac didn't stop the tears from sliding down her cheeks, feeling Beth's arm around her.
The Supercat returned to its squadron and they started landing, one after the other, taxing to a stop, engines shutting down. Canopies came open and the drivers and RIO climbed out and down, removing their helmets.
Harmony saw her parents and Hawks; she could also see Paul's parents. It wasn't hard to miss the Air Force Colonel.
Paul patted her on the back. "Come on Rabbit."
She nodded, and walked with him, noticing the others in their squadron were rushing to meet there loved ones. Her heart wasn't in to running; the man she loved wasn't there to meet her. She'd visional this sense so many times, but never without Jason being there. Her RIO stuck with her out of loyalty, Chris would have too, but Harmony had insisted before they left he was to put his attentions to his young wife. She saw Paul's parents had made there way to her's, introducing them.
Standing before the senior officers, they came to attention and saluted them. Harm ignored it and drew his daughter into his arms. Beth grabbed the younger woman's helmet before she could drop it, letting Harmony hug her father, tears already falling. Her stepmother hugging her next, both of them crying happy and sad tears together, they'd lost someone they loved dearly.
Paul MacGyver, Sr. smiled and hugged his son, then let his wife do the same. "It's good to have you home son."
"Thanks dad."
Harmony stepped back, wiping her cheeks, she turned to the Colonel, who'd she'd met before. "Sir."
"Harmony Rabb, what have I told you about that," he said sternly.
She smiled and gave him a quick hug. "Sorry Paul."
"That's better," he teased, he didn't release her, but didn't hold her so close either. "Now, no fish stories, young lady, how are you?"
"I'm surviving, one day at a time, Mac has been the best friend I could ever have."
Paul Sr. smiled. "And he always will be Rabbit, never forget that."
"I won't."
He released her after a kiss on the forehead, his action surprising her family. From the moment he'd met Harmony, he'd treated her like a daughter and he wasn't going to stop. "Come see me any time you need to, night or day. Okay?"
She nodded. "I will."
Paul's mother hugged her next, Lillian MacGyver, was shorter then her husband, slim, her blond hair was short but feminine. She treated Harmony the same way as her husband. "It's good to see you, Harms."
"Thanks."
Paul patted her on the back. "We need to go."
She nodded and got her helmet off Beth, giving her a quick hug, she knew the Commander was pregnant and she was happy for her. "Thanks Beth."
"You're welcome sweetie."
Harmony went with Paul; they changed in the squadron's locker room into their standard dress blue uniforms, and then on gathered on the Parade grounds before Admiral Stevenson and other dignitaries. Their families standing to one side, witnessing the ribbons that were handed out for their service to their country, the parade was finally dismissed.
Commander O'Reilly came over to Harmony, Paul and Chris. "Lieutenants."
"Ma'am."
"Harmony, you and Paul are to be at the White House rose garden at oh nine hundred tomorrow morning. Your families are invited too, as is the squadron. You'll be receiving your medals then from the President."
They stood their shocked. "The President?" Harmony repeated.
Katherine nodded, smiling. "So behave, both of you. I'll see you then."
"Yes Ma'am."
She chuckled and walked over to her husband.
Paul looked to his driver surprised. "The President?"
Chris started to laugh. "You'll be fine."
Harmony chuckled. "Yeah it's only the President, won't be the first one I've met," she bragged.
"You've met the President before?" Paul asked her stunned.
"President Clinton, she did," her father remarked joining them.
"There's a story there," the younger man guessed.
"There is, for another time," he promised.
Harmony agreed. "I'll tell you later, right now I want to go home and have a nice long bath."
"Sounds a plan," Paul agreed. "I'll join you." He saw the Captain's eyes widen and he chuckled. "Just kidding sir."
Shaking her head, Harmony groaned. "Men," she grumbled.
Chris gave her a quick hug and said he'd see them tomorrow, heading back to his wife.
Paul Sr. with talking with Harm, both men chuckling. "They've definitely been at sea to long."
"They certainly have," Harm agreed, and then told his daughter. "We opened the house up and stocked your fridge."
"You guys did or Ensign Coates did, sir?" Harmony inquired.
"Okay, Jen did," he admitted sheepishly.
"Damn," Paul muttered and dug twenty dollars out of his pocket, handing it to her.
She pocketed it. "That will teach you."
"No kidding."
Mac laughed. "Come on, let's get you home."
Harmony and Paul shared a base house with Sergei, who wasn't due back until next week. Both families gathered there, Beth having said she'd catch up with them later, returning to the AWCIS office.
"Where are Anthony and Larissa?" Harmony inquired as they went inside.
"With your grandparents and Darien," Mac answered. "We'll bring them by tomorrow."
She really wanted some alone time. "How about I come over in a few days, after tomorrow I'd like some time alone."
"Sure honey," her father agreed.
"We'll head off and see you tomorrow," Paul Sr. announced.
Paul gave his mother a hug, then his father. "Drive safely."
Harm and Mac hugged Harmony and they left too.
"Alone at last," she said quietly.
Paul had undone his uniform jacket. He wrapped his arms around her. "Are you all right?"
"Yeah," she rested against him. "I just didn't want to talk about it."
He understood. "How about you go take that nice long bath, while you're doing that. I'll grab a shower, then make us some lunch. We'll sit around, watch TV, and relax."
"Sounds good."
"Okay then, get going."
Turning Harmony hugged him, she then rose up on her toes and kissed his check before heading off to her room, which had it's own bathroom, for that long bath.
By the time she'd finished her bath and dressed, Paul had showered, pulled on some clothes and made lunch for them. She wondered out in jeans and a USNA tee shirt.
"Feel better?" He asked.
"A little," she admitted.
He handed her a pate with some sandwiches on it. "I didn't think you'd want anything heavy."
"Thanks."
Taking his, Paul followed her into the living room and they sat and watch some television while they ate. He wasn't convinced though everything was all right. Since the news had come through that Jason was MIA, his driver had grieved, and then pushed herself to the limit and beyond. He was worried about her.
With their plates on the coffee table, they settled back, a news report came on. It was Stuart Dustin again; he was at Norfolk Naval Yards.
"As the USS Ticonderoga returns home, bring back sailors to their loved ones. One member of this ships crew, who flew into Ocean Naval Air Station only an hour of so earlier, did not have all her loved ones to great her."
Harmony fumed as her photo was added in a small square on the screen. "That son of a bitch."
Dustin continued: "Lieutenant (JG) Harmony Rabb, an aviator with the 221st Fighter Squadron – the Tyco Tigers, was faced with the news that her step-brother Marine, 1st Lieutenant Jason Rabb was MIA. For the past three and a half months she has hoped and prayed for his safe return, so far her prays have gone unanswered. Lieutenant Harmony Rabb will tomorrow be presented with a Silver Star for her actions in leading a nuclear warhead away from her carrier and a Distinguished Flying Cross. A true hero. This is Stuart Dustin for ZNN."
"I can't believe he did that," she whispered shaking her head, tears slid down her check. "We lost others, and he centers on my family."
"Harms, he's doing it to get a reaction from you. Don't give him one," Paul advised. "And you are a hero Harms and Jason would be proud of you."
"I just want him back, Paul."
"I know," he drew her into his arms. "You've got to have faith he'll be found and brought home"
"And if he doesn't?"
"Then you go on like he told you too," he said gently. "Harms, Jason loves you a lot, and I'd dare to guess but I'd say if anything. Your love is keeping him going. No matter where he is."
"I hope so."
"I know so," he insisted and they sat there together in each other's arms.
In Falls Church at the Rabb house, Mac was hugging her little boy; his grandparents had brought him and his sister home.
"Where's Harms?" He asked excitedly.
"She's at her place, sweetheart."
"Why?" Doesn't she want to see me?" He asked disappointed.
"Sure she does, honey. Harmony just needs time to settle in." His mom assured.
Harm hunkered down, his daughter in his arms. "Harms will come and see you soon kiddo, you've just got to give her time to get her lands legs back."
"Why are they missing?" Larissa asked innocently.
The adults laughed. "No sweetie," AJ said and plucked his daughter form Harm's arms. "Your daddy means your sister needs some time to get use to being on solid ground."
"Oh, okay."
"Besides will see her tomorrow at the Rose Garden," Mac added. "Harms is getting a medal from the President."
"Can I meet him?" Anthony asked quickly.
"I think the President is a little busy, honey," Grace informed.
The phone rang and Harm got up to answer it. "Rabb…" When he found out who it was, he walked into the kitchen. "What's wrong Beth…Damn him. Ring General Creswell and get a lid put on this…. Thanks Beth. Bye." He concluded the call, leaving the cordless phone on the counter. "Damn it."
AJ came in. "What's wrong?"
"Stuart Dustin just went on the air and announced to the country my son is MIA and his sister is grieving for him as well as being honored by the President," Harm said bitterly. "Damn him to hell."
"Harm," the older man put his hand on his arm. "Don't do this, getting angry won't solve anything."
"I just can't believe he's doing this."
"Is Creswell being informed?"
Harm nodded. "Beth is doing it." He grabbed the phone and dialed his daughter's number. "Paul it's Harm, did you and Harms see the news…. How is she?" He asked and received an answer. "All right, if you need anything let me know…Bye." He finished the call and put the phone down. "Harms saw it, Paul managed to get her to lie down. He said she's asleep."
"It'll be all right, son."
"The only way that's going to happen dad is for Jason to walk through the front door and back into our lives," he remarked and went out the door into the backyard.
AJ sighed. He prayed to God his grandson would come home soon, before his family fell apart.
Christmas Eve 2006 – The Vietnam Veteran Memorial Wall
Lt. (JG) Harmony Rabb stood next to her father and uncle at the Wall before her grandfather's name. There was still no word concerning the missing Rabb member. Each of them had a gloved hand to the gold letters that made up Harmon Rabb Sr.'s name. Each of them in silent pray, that some how, the sprite of their lost one would guide Jason Rabb home. Not far from them was Lt. (JG) Paul MacGyver; he'd barely left his driver's side since their return.
"Bring him home to me Grandpa Harm," Harmony whispered. "Keep him safe and bring him home to me."
"To us all," her father added.
"Merry Christmas dad," Sergei said quietly. "Give Harms her Christmas wish, from all of us."
Turning Harmony walked over to her RIO, ignoring the fact both were in uniform, she went into his awaiting arms.
"I hope to God Jason comes home so, brother," Harm said sadly. "I don't know how much more this family can take."
"He asked her to marry him before he went MIA," Sergei revealed. "She has agreed to be his wife, that's what's keeping her going."
Harm squeezed his eyes shut. Oh god. He opened them again. "Why hasn't she said anything?"
"Because brother, she is your daughter, she keeps her pain locked within." Sergei answered.
A man and a boy approached Harmony and Paul. "Lt. Rabb?"
She moved away from Paul, turning, recognizing the two of them. "Drew, Liam?"
Drew McGregor smiled. "I'm sorry for intruding."
"It's all right," she assured. "How are you Liam?"
"I'm good. We've come to say Merry Christmas to Uncle Sean."
"Well I came to say Merry Christmas to my Grandpa Harm," she informed, smiling.
"We heard about Jason, I'm sorry Harms." Drew said.
"Thank you." Her father and Uncle joined them. She did the introduction. "Dad, Uncle Sergei, this is Drew McGregor and his son Liam. I meet them on the flight from Italy a few years ago. Drew, Liam this is my dad, Captain Harmon Rabb and my Uncle Lieutenant (JG) Sergei Rabb."
Harm shook Drew's hand. "It's nice to finally put a face to the name, Mr. McGregor, I've passed your mail onto Harms since you meet."
"Thank you for doing that, sir."
"You're welcome."
"My Uncle Sean's name is on the Wall," Liam said proudly. "Is it your dad's name on the Wall?"
"It is."
"Uncle Sean was a Naval Aviator."
"So was our father," Sergei told him.
"We should be going," Drew announced.
"Mr. McGregor, would you like to join my family for Christmas dinner?" Harm invited.
"Thank you Captain, but Liam and I are expected at my sisters," Drew said passing on the invitation.
Liam reached out and took Harmony's hand. "Could I show you where my Uncle Sean's name is?"
"Sure you can, sweetie," she said with a smile. "I won't be long," she promised and walked a head with the little boy.
Drew went to follow when Paul grabbed his arm, stopping him. "This is your only warning. Leave Harms alone, she's got enough on her mind with Jason MIA."
"I won't hurt her."
"You're not going to get the chance," the young Aviator told him. "When Jason returns, he and Harms are getting married. She's off the market. So go say goodbye and leave her alone."
Drew saw both the Captain and Lieutenant had turned away. He pulled his arm free, deciding to heed the warning. "Goodbye Lieutenant, Captain, Lieutenant."
Harm turned back. "Goodbye Mr. McGregor. Merry Christmas."
He nodded and hurried over to his son. "Thank you Harmony."
She smiled. "No problem. Merry Christmas Drew."
"Merry Christmas."
She ruffled Liam's hair and hurried back to her family.
Fallon Naval Air Station – Nevada (January 2007)
Captain Joseph Janus walked into the briefing room; another class of hotshots was gracing his presence. He stood at the front, greeting them. "Gentlemen and Ladies, welcome to the Fighter Weapons School. Also known as TOPGUN. I'm Captain Joseph Janus – call sign Viper. Next to me is Commander William Daniels – call sign Vulcan. In the next six weeks we will train you to be the best of the best, then we'll make you better." He paused, seeing the young woman sitting from row with her RIO. He had flown her father, who's name was on one of the winning plaques. "You are the first class to fly the F-14 Supercat. The disadvantage some of you have is who you're flying against."
"Who is, sir?" A Lieutenant asked.
"Lieutenant, who co-designed the Supercat?" Commander Daniels asked.
"Lieutenant (JG) Rabb, sir," he answered. "She co-designed it with her father, Captain Harmon Rabb."
"Does anyone else know anything else about Lieutenant Rabb?" Captain Janus inquired.
"She's the youngest recipient to be award a Silver Star and a DFC," another Lieutenant answered. "She holds a degrees in law and Aeronautical Engineering. She went to the Naval Academy and completed it in three years instead of four."
"That is correct," the Captain said. "What if I said you was flying against Lieutenant Rabb." He saw some surprised looks, some cocky ones, others a mixture of both. Some had 'you've got to be kidding' expressions on their faces. "Would anyone have a problem with that?"
"Sir," a Lieutenant Commander stood, he was at the back. "Is Lieutenant Rabb present?"
Reluctantly Harmony stood and turned, facing her peers. "I am."
The Captain moved closer. "I ask again, does anyone have a problem with this?"
"Sir," the Lt. Commander spoke again. "The Lieutenant has earned the ribbons she wears and the degrees she holds, not to mention proven herself in combat. There for she has ever right to be here."
Other pilot and RIO teams nodded their agreement, there were some though who were going to take some convincing.
"Very well. Sit down both of you," when they had the Captain continued. "While you are here you will attend classes and fly combat exercises. Your first hop is at oh six hundred tomorrow morning. Dismissed."
They all stood, coming to attention, Janus and Daniels left the room and they began filing out.
The Lt. Commander who had stood up for Harmony approached her and her RIO. He held out his hand. "Lieutenant, it's a pleasure to meet you."
"Thank you, sir," she shook his hand. "And it's Rabbit."
"Ben Kaplan," he introduced himself. "Roper."
"This is my RIO, Paul MacGyver – Mac."
Ben shook his hand too. "You're a lucky man, Lieutenant."
"I believe so, sir."
A woman in her late twenties-early thirties came over to them. Ben introduced her to them. "This is my RIO, Lieutenant Leanne Marshall. Anzac, meet Lieutenant's Harmony Rabb and Paul MacGyver."
"Nice to meet you," Paul said smiling.
"You too," she said, returning the smile.
Harmony recognized the accent. "You're Australian."
"That's right, after nearly twenty years here, you'd think I'd lose the accent by now," she mused.
"Can I buy you a drink, Lieutenants?" Ben asked them.
Before they could answer, a cocky voice announced. "You better find out if she's old enough to drink, Roper."
He turned, frowning at the only other Lt. Commander participating. "She seems to me to be a hell'va lot more mature then you are Vader."
"We'll see about that," he remarked and walked off.
"Asshole," Leanne swore, before grinning cheekily. "Sorry."
"Don't be," Harmony insisted. "He was an asshole."
"Lets get that drink then," Ben stated.
They went to the officers club; Ben and Paul went up to the bar while the two women chattered, putting in their order.
"You and Rabbit seem close," the elder noted.
"We are, we're family," Paul declared. "We help each other out and lean on each other if need be."
"And her and her stepbrother?"
"1st Lieutenant Rabb is still MIA, but he's more to Harms then just her brother by marriage," he declared. "In fact it's a damn good thing Harmony's father didn't adopt Jason, or they would be in a lot of trouble."
"So it's true, what they say?" Ben asked him. "That she's in love with Jason."
Paul hesitated before nodding. "It's true," he answered, and then warned. "But if that piece of information gets around, I'll know who to come after. Sir."
"Hey, I'm on your side, Mac," Ben assured. "I'm not here to make waves, just make a couple of new friends."
"Fine, you've done that by sticking up for her back there. Thanks."
"No problem."
Their drinks arrived, returning to the table they sat with the two women.
"You're a damn good designer, Rabbit, the Supercat is a joy to fly." Ben praised.
"It was a joint effort and I believed at the time we designed it, the Navy needed an aircraft of it's kind."
"Don't buy the modest act, she puts it on all the time," Paul teased and they all laughed.
Captain Janus came over to them. "Gentlemen, ladies," they got quickly to their feet. "Relax people, sit down. Do you mind if I join you?" They all insisted he should as they sat down, so he did. "How's your dad, Lieutenant Rabb?"
"Fine sir, he told me to say hello and remind him you still owe him one," she said smiling.
"He's never going to let me live that down is he?"
"No sir, I don't believe so."
Joseph Janus smiled. "I flew with the Lieutenant's father, he saved my six during a dog fight. Hell'va pilot. Attended TOPGUN when it was at Miramar. Harmony had large shoes to fill."
"He won?" Ben asked.
"He did at that," Joseph answered. "Harmony here takes after her father when it comes to flying."
"Yes sir, she does," Paul agreed. "But I'm bias, I fly with her."
The others laughed and the Captain stood. "I'll see you in the morning."
"Aye sir."
He patted Harmony on the shoulder as he walked past.
Ben lifted his beer in a toast. "To the next six weeks, may the best pilot and RIO win."
"Oh we intend to, Roper," Harmony said without boasting, but she did flash him her 'flyboy' smile.
He took a drink and had a feeling he'd just taken on a challenge he wasn't going to win.
February 2007 – NAS Fallon, NevadaCaptain Joseph Janus shook Captain Harmon Rabb's hand. "You've got quiet a daughter there Hammer."
"Thank you Viper. Coursed you lots of problems, did she?"
"Hell no, but damn well pushed me beyond my limits though, we had to use ever trick in the book and then some just to keep a head of her," he exclaimed.
Mac chuckled. "I seem to recall her flight instructor said the same thing."
"Well Colonel, I would believe that," Joseph agreed. "When she's ready, she's welcome back here as an instructor, she's outstanding." He praised. "I knew from the moment I saw her name on the list she was going to win this."
Harm glanced over and saw his daughter and her RIO were having their photo taken, a plaque being held between them. "I had no doubts."
"Sir," a Lieutenant came over to them, he saluted. "Lieutenant Rollins sir," he introduced himself. "I'd just like to say sir, it has been an honor flying with your daughter."
"Thank you, Lieutenant."
"You're welcome, sir, Ma'am," he said, and then hurried back to the party.
Joseph shook his head, chuckling. "That was Vader, he arrived here with a chip on his shoulder as big as a house. On their first hop, Harmony knocked it off and kept on doing it until he got over it and worked with her."
"It sounds like she made quiet an impression on a lot of people." Mac declared.
"She did at that Colonel." Joseph agreed. Then asked a little quieter. "Has then been any news on your son?"
Harm shook his head. "There have been leads, but none turn out."
"I'm sorry."
"He'll be coming back to us, Captain. We just have to have patients." Mac said calmly. She was not going to believe her son was dead.
"Well Colonel, my prays are with you, I hope he's returned to you soon."
"Thank you Captain."
"Excuse me," he said and walked away.
Mac turned to her husband, smiling a little. "Jason would be proud of her."
"Yes he would be."
Harmony and Paul manage to make their way over to them, Paul's parents had not been able to make it, but they had rang.
"Receive your orders, Lieutenants?" Harm asked.
"Yes sir, we are to report back to Oceana in two weeks." Harmony said happily.
"Well in that case, how does a trip to La Jolla sound?" Mac asked. "Paul included if he'd like to come along."
"I'd like that Ma'am."
"Well then, go get out of those Dress Uniforms and lets get going." Harm ordered.
"Yes sir," they both said and hurried away.
The truth was Harm and Mac had been to La Jolla; they'd left Anthony and Larissa with their grandparents, and then continued on to Fallon, flying the company Leah Jet supplied by Frank. It sat on the tarmac, fueled and ready to go.
They meet at the Leah Jet, Harmony and Paul sat back and let Harm fly the jet, but it didn't stop them from wondering back and forth from the cockpit.
Frank and Trish were at the airport to meet them, Anthony and Larissa excited. The two little ones hugged Harmony and Paul, then their parents.
Trish hugged her granddaughter. "Hi, honey, how are you?"
"I'm fine Grams."
"That's good."
She then hugged her grandfather. "Hi Gramps."
"Hi honey."
Getting their luggage, they drive to the Burnets house, getting settled in. Later that night, Paul went looking for his driver. Finding her out in the back yard, he went out to her. Standing behind her, he embraced her. "You okay?"
"Yeah," she lent against him. "Just thinking."
"Oh what about?"
"The future."
"Oh?" He was a little worried. "What about it?"
"When I first found out Jason was MIA, I actually believed I didn't have one. Now I know I do." She theorized.
"So you've given up hope?" He asked confused.
"No," she turned in his arms. "I'll never give up hope, but I can't live in the past either. There is a chance Jason may never come back, I have to face that."
He understood where she was going, it had been seven months, and they still weren't any closer to finding Jason. "So what now?"
"Now I move on, as much as it hurts, I have to. Jason would want me too."
Paul caressed her check. "Don't give up on him, yet, Harms."
"I won't, I never will," she promised. She felt warm and safe in his arms.
He held her close, ignoring what he felt, as long as Jason was only MIA, no man would really have a chance with Harmony Rabb. Despite what she said, he knew her heart would forever belong to Jason. "Come on, Rabbit, let's go inside."
She stepped back and nodded. He slipped his arm around her and they walked inside.
Trish was making coffee when she heard them come in, smiling as they passed into the living room.
Harm came into the kitchen. "Can I give you a hand mom?"
"I'm fine dear," she turned and leant against the counter. "How is Beth?"
"She's good mom, of course now the morning sickness is gone, she's doesn't have anything to complain about," he mused.
His mother smiled. "You gave her a great gift son," she saw his stunned face. "Mac rang me one night and she told me."
He relaxed a little. "Beth and I have been friends for a long time, mom, I saw how devastated she was after the miscarriage. I wanted to help her then, but she wouldn't let me."
"Are you all right with it all?"
Nodding he smiled a little. "I have my family mom, this baby is Beth's, not mine."
"And if later on, he or she wants to met you?"
"Then I'll deal with it when the time comes. Until then I'll be the best Uncle a baby can have."
"I know you will, son," she said smiling. "Why don't you go get Mac, the coffee's nearly ready, she was up putting the children to bed?"
"All right," he said, he went up to the bedroom the kids were using, Mac was coming out. "Asleep?"
She nodded and closed the door. "They've had such a busy day."
"So have we," he pushed her against the wall and kissed her.
Mac circled her arms around his neck and held him to her, her body aching. "Are we expected down stairs?"
"Coffee can wait," he exclaimed and pulled her into the bedroom they were using. Locking the door he pulled her back into his arms, taking her with him over to the bed. "I feel like a teenager, who's just snuck his girlfriend up to his room."
"Well we are in your parents house."
"True," he began undressing her. "And it won't be the first time I've done this."
"Oh," she was removing his clothes. "Do tell."
"I brought Emily here on a break from the Academy, we barely made it out of the room."
She laughed. "My big stud."
"I'll show you stud," he growled sexily.
Clothing became a pile on the floor and they made love, being very careful to be quiet. After all they didn't want to wake the children up.
Later that night, when the house was quiet, Trish got up, unable to sleep she went into the kitchen, finding the light all ready on and Paul seating with a cup of coffee.
He looked up as she walked in. "I couldn't sleep, I hope you don't mind."
"Of course not," she made one for herself and sat down. "Is anything wrong?"
"No, not really."
"And what about the not really?" She asked him. Knowing what it was that bothered the young man. "How long have you felt this way about her?"
He was surprised and yet he wasn't. "Since we started flying together, but it was too late even then."
She put her hand over his. "There is someone out there for you, Paul. You just have to have patients."
"I know," he managed to smile. "I guess you never forget your first love though."
"No you don't."
He hesitated then asked. "When the Captain's father was declared MIA, how long before you decided it was time to let go?"
"I started moving on about a year later, I never gave up hope though, but as the years past I knew he wasn't coming back," she explained. "Why?"
"Harms said tonight it was time she moved on, that as much as it hurts to do so, she would," he told her. "Though I get the feeling, deep down, that unless they bring Jason's body back, she's never going to give up on him."
"And she never will, she's like her father in that aspect. It took him being told his father was dead for him to let go." Trish revealed. "It'll be the same for Harms. You're going to have to be there for her, because if that's the case, and they do bring Jason's body home, she'll fall and she'll fall hard."
"I know," he agreed reluctantly. "I know."
To be continued…. (Sorry didn't have time for my Beta to read this one; so all mistakes are mine and my computers. We did our best.)