Title: Hammer and Hoots
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: I'm pretty much is a good mood at the moment, JAG is back on TV, so we're getting season nine. I'm looking forward to seeing what everyone was complaining about, I mean after all, season nine can't have been that bad. But that's just my opinion. Thanks too everyone who reviewed: Winjan, RinkRat, Jbird7986, Starryeyes10 (no promises), JR (maybe, maybe not), eaharper (I agree with you, it's nice to have other female leads for Harm), navyskates9 (Thanks, I really like Skates too. There's not enough stories or episodes about her. And Andy is based on a friend of mine)
Hammer and Hoots
Chapter Two: The test of friendship
NSA Pensacola – Naval Legal Service Office (NLSO) – July 2001
Lt. Colonel Sarah Mackenzie stared out the window of the office she and her partner Commander Jason Ryan had been allocated. Outside the office it was raining heavily, the occasional streak of lightening flashed across the sky. "I'm glad we arrived before this hit."
"Me too," Jason remarked, he had no real love of flying.
She turned, smiling warmly. Jason Ryan was first generation Navy, who looked like he belonged on a beach not in uniform in an office. His light brown hair was almost sandy blonde, that went well with his sea green eyes. He was average in height, had good build and was slim. "At least it's dry in here."
The office door opened and one of the resident lawyers came in, Lieutenant Gary Davis. "Afternoon Colonel, Commander, I have the files you asked for."
"Thank you Lieutenant."
He handed them over as a large streak of lightening flashed across the sky. "I'm glad I'm not flying around in this."
"We were just saying the same thing," Sarah stated.
"Is there anyone flying this afternoon, Lieutenant?" Jason inquired out of curiosity.
The Predators are flying in," Cary answered. "They've been on exercise at NAS Key West. Hammer is going to have a rough night with Hoots."
"Hoots?" Sarah asked with a grin.
"His wingman, hates storms," he revealed and they head the sound of approaching jets. "Doesn't mind flying in them, just not sleeping. My brother is a member of the Predators; they're a close bunch. Work together, socialize together, very protective of each other."
"And why is Hammer going to have a rough night with Hoots?" Jason inquired.
"They share a house, Hammer, Hoots and Hammer's RIO," Gary answered. "The Predators are best and Hammer and Hoots are quiet a team, their legends around here."
"So we're going to be hearing a lot about these two jet jocks?" Sarah asked amused.
"Yes Ma'am," the Lieutenant agreed grinning. "Excuse me Ma'am, sir." He said, and then left.
Sarah sat back down and picked up the files that were brought in. "Lets get this done, then I'll buy you dinner at the OC."
"Well since you are the ranking officer, how can I say no?" Jason smirked light heartedly.
"You can't," she mussed and passed him a few files. "So get reading."
"Yes Ma'am."
The storm hadn't let off any when the left the NLSO at eighteen hundred. They drove over to the officer's club, using umbrellas and overcoats to get inside. Both were taken form them and hung up before they were shown to a table and given menus. They ordered dinner and drinks.
Jason sat back looking around. "This is nice."
"Very."
Their drinks arrived, both of them having ice tea.
"So what does Cam think about you coming here?" Jason asked her.
"My husband is a Navy Commander remember, he knows what it's like," Sarah dismissed. "And he trusts you."
"Really?" He smirked, clearly amused.
"Yes. What about your lovely wife?"
"She likes you, you're a Marine. A Married Marine."
"Oh, so I'm no threat?"
"None at all," he remarked and they both laughed.
Their dinner arrived and they chatted while they ate, discussing the case and their families. Jason had a four-month-old son who he was missing; he was planning on ringing his wife when they got back to the VOQ.
"Colonel Mackenzie?"
Sarah looked up, recognizing the woman who had addressed her. "Lieutenant Hawks."
"It's Lieutenant Commander now, Colonel," Beth said factually.
"Congratulations."
"Thank you," she gestured to her companion. "This is Captain Jake McKinley."
Both got quickly to their feet. "Sir."
He chuckled. "Sit down Colonel, Commander, we're off duty," he ordered.
"I met Colonel Mackenzie on the SeaHawk," Beth explained to him. "She and Commander Rabb, who was a JAG lawyer at the time, were investigating the Cag – Captain Boone. One of the female pilots had reported him for sexual harassment."
"That'll be the day," Jack retorted. "Tom Boone is many things but he doesn't go around sexual harassing women. I bet my XO figured that out."
Beth quickly changed the subject. "Have you seen Harm - Commander Rabb, Ma'am?"
"No, until you mentioned his name, I didn't even know he was billeted here," Sarah admitted.
"He left a message on your answering machine, the day we left the Patrick Henry. That was almost two years ago, Colonel."
"It must have gotten erased by accident before I got to hear it, we'll have to catch up."
"Come by the 'Frat house' tomorrow Colonel," Jack insisted. "I'm sure Harm would like to catch up too."
"Frat house?" She asked amused.
"The Predators squadron building," Beth informed grinning.
"You can't miss it, Colonel, just look for the building with the mural on the side and the squadron logo on the front."
"I'll do that then, thank you Captain." Sarah agreed.
"You're welcome, now I must get Beth home before this storm gets any worse. Goodnight Colonel, Commander."
"Goodnight sir, Lt. Commander."
They hurried away, leaving Sarah deep in thought. Harm was here at Pensacola; she'd never gotten a message from him on her answering machine. She did remember Bud saying something about Harm being in Washington Christmas of '99', when she'd been visiting Chloe.
"Mac?"
She blinked. "Sorry, Jason. What were you saying?"
"I said how long did you work with Commander Rabb?"
"Two years."
"So how does a JAG lawyer get to be XO of a fighter squadron?"
"Harm – Commander Rabb, was a Naval Aviator, he suffered a ramp strike. They said he had night blindness; he recovered and studied law, becoming a JAG lawyer. Only he didn't have night blindness and laser surgery fixed the problem and he returned to active flight status – that was May of '99'. The last time I spoke face to face with him he was assigned to the Patrick Henry."
"And you haven't had any contact since by the sound of it?" He guessed.
"None, I didn't even know he'd left a message for me," she admitted. "I asked the Admiral about him when I was getting married, he said he'd look into finding him and told me he was deployed on the Constellation."
"Were you close?"
"He was my best friend, we'd been though a lot together," she stated. "It hurt when he just disappeared, Cam said Harm was just going on with his life and I should do the same."
"He's right you know and seeing the Commander tomorrow maybe just what you need to put it finally behind you." Jason advised.
She nodded. "You're right. Come on, lets get out of here. I want to ring my husband."
"Sounds good," he agreed, eager to ring his wife.
The storm hadn't let off any as they left the OC, nor had it by the time the reached the VOQ, bidding each other good night they hurried to their quarters.
Sarah took a shower and curled up in bed, she phoned her husband, needing to hear his voice. "Hi Cam."
"Sarah honey, I've missed you."
She smiled. "Oh, I've only been gone twelve hours, forty-eight minutes."
"Twelve hours, forty-eight minutes too long," he told her over the phone.
"I miss you to, Cam
"So how is Pensacola?"
"Wet, it's been raining all day and looks like it's well set in for the night."
"I remember what it was like," he recalled. "I wish I was there with you."
She felt her skin become flush at the sexiness of his voice. "I wish you were too."
"Just wait to you come home," he promised. "Which will be?"
"We should have everything wrapped up by tomorrow afternoon, then we'll catch the first flight out."
"I can't wait."
"Neither can I."
"So any other gossip I should know?"
Sarah chuckled. "No, it's been work, work."
"Well don't you worry sweetheart, it won't be when you get back. That I promise."
"Oh and what do you have planed?"
"I'm going to run you a nice bubble bath and give you a massage."
"Sounds heavenly, I'll try and get things wrapped up quickly."
"Well how about a preview of what's to come?" He offered.
She reached over and switched off the bed light. "Preview away," she purred.
Rabb, Gibson & Hawks' residence – Base housing, Pensacola NAS
Harm glanced at the clock beside his bed; the red numbers read oh five hundred. The young woman lying next to him sighed in her sleep. He smiled and placed a kiss on her bare arm. Last night, during the storm, they'd crossed the line and now there was no going back.
Andrea woke and rolled over seeing Harm was awake, she smiled warmly. "Morning."
"Morning sweet thing," he said stroking her arm. "How are you feeling?"
"Good, you?"
He moved his hand beneath the sheet that covered them, to her thigh. "I'd rather show you how good I'm feeling."
"Really," she pushed him back and straddled him, the sheet falling to her waist. "I think I'd like that too."
Harm pulled her down and kissed her, making love with her. They shouldn't have been doing it, they shouldn't have crossed the line, but they had. He cared deeply for her and he knew she cared for him with just as much passion. They'd had a close friendship before and he hoped it would remain that way, even now. Later in the shower he asked her about it.
Andrea understood what he was saying. "I was going to ask you the same thing," she remarked and they chuckled to themselves. "We're a pair."
"Yes we are," he pulled her into his arms. "So we're okay?"
"We're okay," she insisted. "Harm," she hesitated, and then pushed on. "I love you, you're my best friend. You've helped me through so much since you joined the Predators, we're a team in and out of the air and I don't want to lose that."
"Neither do I," Harm admitted; then hit her with his 'flyboy' grin. "So you love me, huh?"
"Have done from the moment you gave a leg up onto my bunk," she mused and they laughed together. "My Knight in Dress Whites."
"Then you must be my lady in Dress Whites."
"I like that," she mused.
"So do I."
They finished their shower, Andrea went off to her own room to get dressed, leaving Harm to shave and dress on his own. It was a lot faster, by the time he came down and wandered into the kitchen she was dressed, chatting to Beth.
"Morning."
"Morning Harm." Beth greeted.
He patted her back as he walked past. "How was Jack last night?"
"In fine form, thank you," she mused. Like the two of them, she wore her flight suite. "How was Andy last night?" She asked and saw the younger woman blush.
"Oh she was in fine form too, thank you," he smirked and poured a cup of coffee.
Beth laughed. "I love it when she blushes."
"Me too," he remarked leaning against the counter.
Andrea rolled her eyes. "Enough."
"Okay," Beth agreed grinning. She moved her spoon around her bowel of cereal. "Jack and I saw a friend of yours last night Harm."
"Oh, who?"
"Colonel Mackenzie."
"Really," he said, he had a feeling one day he'd run into Sarah Mackenzie one day. "So how is Mac?"
"Married by the rings on her fingers."
"I heard about that from Bud," he said and took the piece of toast from Andrea. "Thank you sweet thing."
"You're welcome darlin," she said grinning.
Beth groaned. "Are you two going to be like this all the time we're home?"
"Yes," both answered and she groaned.
"Figures," she moaned.
Finishing breakfast they drove over to the 'Frat house', strolling in, removing their covers.
"Hey Hammer," Lt. Scott Davis got his attention. "There is a sexy Marine in the Captain's office and the Captain wants to see."
"So what did you do, Hammer?" Lt. Commander Reese smirked. "She was wearing JAG insignia."
"What can I say, Brick, it's the gold wings, gets me into trouble every time," Harm jeered.
"Careful Hammer, your ego is ballooning," Beth taunted.
"And your reputation proceeds you," Andrea added.
"Now that hurts, Hoots," he said, putting his hand over his heart, his fellow aviators laughing.
She just chuckled and patted his backside as she walked pass. "You'll survive, Hammer," she smirked, and then turned, walking backwards. "And you'll always be my hero," she noted, then turned and continued.
"Mine too," Beth remarked grinning, following Andrea.
"Gee thanks, Hoots, Skates," he said and headed for the Captain's office, he knocked and went in, escaping their continuing laugher. "You wanted to see me, Captain?"
"Nope but the Colonel here does," Jack said with a grin.
Harm came to attention. "Ma'am."
Sarah Mackenzie smiled. "At ease Commander," she ordered, before giving him a hug. "It's been a while stranger."
"Yeah," he hugged her back, then stepped away. "Looking good Marine."
Jack patted his XO on the shoulder. "I'll go round the boys and girls up and go over yesterdays exercise, come and join us when you're finished."
"Aye sir."
He nodded and left. Harm gestured for Sarah to sit and did the same.
"You look great," she noted and he did, damn good. He was a hell'va lot fitter then when he'd been at JAG.
"I have a wingman who I have to keep up with and a squadron that goes flat out," he stated casually. "You either keep up or you get left behind. There are no second chances."
"Must keep you on your toes?"
"It does."
She looked around the office. "It's a lot different then JAG."
Harm shrugged. "I still have an office and I do the legal work for the squadron," he revealed. "Though most of the time my office is the cockpit of an F-14 or a Cod."
"A Cod?" She queried curiously.
He nodded. "The squadron has it's own Cod, it's kind of a mobile ready room, transport and has a few other classified uses."
"You're kidding," she exclaimed.
"No," he chuckled. "The Predators fly some highly classified missions, we're also a first strike squadron."
Sarah crossed one leg casually over the other. "Sounds dangerous."
"Being a fighter pilot is dangerous," he declared, then changed the subject. "I heard you'd gotten married. Congratulations."
"Thank you, I tried to find you, to invite you to the wedding," she told him, realizing she was babbling a little.
"I was deployed on the USS Constellation," Harm stated. He knew she was babbling, she was nervous for some reason. "So how is married life?"
"It's good, Cam is a good man."
"Is he Navy or Marines?" Harm asked.
"Navy," she smiled. "A Naval Aviator actually, assigned to NAS Oceana. Commander Cameron Sanderson."
"Sanderson," he knew he'd heard that name before. "Sandman Sanderson?"
Sarah nodded. "You know him?"
"I served with him on the Midway," Harm revealed. "But the last time I spoke to him was when we did a layover in Oceana about a month ago. He talked about his lovely wife Sarah, but I didn't put the two together. So how did you meet?"
"I defended him, once the trial was over and he was cleared of all chargers he asked me out and I excepted."
"He said you were trying to have a baby."
"We are, I'm tired of hitting the snooze button."
He smiled warmly. "Mac," he sat forward, his elbows resting on his knees. "I know you came here for closure. Now you have it. I'm happy for you; you have a great career and a good man. You went on with your life and I went on with mine, I'm sorry we lost contact. I hope we can changed that."
Sarah sighed, she'd been trying to hard and he'd seen that. "I'd like that too."
Harm sat back. "So what happened to Bugme?"
"Mic was recalled to Australia, funny thing was he and Cam never got on."
"I can understand that."
She was about to comment when there was a knock, and then one of the Predators came in. "Excuse me Ma'am," she said to Sarah, then addressed Harm. "Hammer, the Captain would like the HUD taps from yesterdays exercise?"
Harm got up and grabbed them out of the wall safe, locking it before handing them over. "Tell the Captain I won't be much longer, Hoots."
"Yes sir," she acknowledged and hurried out.
Sarah sat there stunned. Harm was Hammer and that was Hoots. He was sharing a house with a beautiful woman, and she knew by the way that Lt. Commander Hawks had spoken last night she was still his RIO. "You're Hammer?"
He nodded. "The Raptors gave me my father call sign before I left."
"And that was Hoots?"
"It was. Lieutenant Andrea Gibson."
She was instantly on her feet. "You share a house with her?"
"With Andy and Beth," he answered calmly. "They're the only two women in the squadron, and in the Predators we protect them. Weather it's here on the base, or on a carrier, at which time I bunk with Andy and Beth bunks with the Captain. We also never travel alone on leave or when leaving the base. It's a policy the Captain put into play long before I joined the squadron."
"I don't believe this, are you sleeping with them too?" She demanded angrily.
"You just crossed the line, Colonel," he snapped, standing. "Andy and Beth are two people I rely on both in the air and on the ground, we're a family. I consider them my best friends, as I consider every one of the Predators a part of my extended family. You of all people I thought would have understood that, I guess I was wrong. You can find you own way out and try not to let the door hit your six as you leave." He said, and then walked out of the office.
Sarah just stood there stunned. Harm had changed in so many ways and was still the same, he was still playing big brother. What she didn't understand was how and why the Navy let Harm, Gibson and Hawks share a house together. Getting it together she hurried out of the office, going after him. "Harm!"
He stopped and turned, crossing his arms against his chest. "I asked you to leave."
"I'm sorry."
"No you're not Mac, you meant every word you said," he told her bitterly. "I thought better of you, your own husband has a female RIO. Do you ask him if he sleeps with her?"
"No."
"Then don't ask me the same question," he demanded and turned and walked away, going into the ready room.
Sarah was alone, in the middle of the room. She felt shaky, as if her legs weren't going to hold her. She hurried outside to the car and got in, that was when the tears started. God she'd made a fool of herself. That had been so stupid.
Finding a tissue in her bag, she dried her eyes and blew her nose, getting control of her emotions again. Damn she was a Marine, she didn't just bust into tears for no reason. She had to get back to the legal service, she wanted to get this case wrapped up and go home. Back to her husband and to her life and the hell away from Harmon Rabb.
A week later: Rabb, Gibson and Hawks residence
Andrea had been around Harm long enough to know when he was brooding and since the Marine Colonel's visit, he'd been brooding and trying to cover it. She joined him on the decking, wrapping her arms around his waist, she kissed his bare back, he wore cut off's. She wore a blue bikini top and jean shorts, she was comfortable with her attire. "What's wrong Harm and don't tell me nothing?"
He sighed. "She asked me was I sleeping with you and Beth?"
"Colonel Mackenzie?" She asked and he nodded. "And what did you tell her?"
"I avoided the answer."
She moved to stand before him, sitting up on the rail she gestured him closer, when he stood between her thighs, she circled her arms around his neck. "I don't care what Mackenzie thought or thinks. I care about you, what you think and how you're feeling. Our lives depend on it and what we have now will in no way change how I do my job, I've proven that. Beth and Jack have proven they can be lovers and still work together without it effecting how they do their jobs."
Harm knew what Andrea was saying was true; he ran his hands over her shoulders to her back. "Would you give it up if I asked you too?" He asked her seriously. "If there were no other way we could stay together?"
"In a heartbeat," she answered without hesitation. "I want children, Harm, I want us to have children together. I don't have anything to prove, not to my parents, my country or myself."
He rested his forehead against hers. "I want children too, with you," he moved one hand to her flat stomach. "I would leave all this behind to have that."
"I know," she put her hand over his. "Harm, Jack brought you into the squad because you're the best and he wanted someone who could take over from him. I want that too, you're a natural leader."
"I wish we could have both."
"I know."
They head a throat being cleared and Harm looked back, seeing Jack and Beth. "I see you've been raiding the fridge."
Jack smiled, he carried two beers and Beth had two bottles of 'West Coast' (White Wine). They joined them by the rail, Harm being handed a beer and Andrea a 'West Coast'. "We over heard everything," he admitted. "Andy's right, I do want you to take over from me, you're a damn fine officer Harm and the scuttlebutt is in another twelve mouths you're going be fast tracked to Captain."
"Captain?" He wasn't expecting that.
Jack nodded. "When that happens you'll be taking over the Predators, and I'll get my stars," he announced. "And a position at the Flight School. Which means I'll be able to marry Beth here and make an honest woman out of her."
"More like I'm going to make an honest man out of you," she said grinning.
"I can handle that," he mused. Then continued. "Andy and Spectra up for promotion and they're not the only ones. In the next few months, there are going to be a few changers in the Predators."
"What kind of changers?" Harm asked.
"Brick and Speedy are also on the promotions list. David has been selected by NASA to train as an Astronaut, he and his wife leave in two months. Tony has been offered an instructor's position at Fallon, he and his wife have discussed it and he's going to take it. They leave in four months."
"Which will leave us two drivers down," Andrea remarked.
"There's more," Jack went on. "Rock – Will has excepted a position at the Flight School teaching RIO's. So we'll be an R2-D2 down too."
"When do the promotions come into effect?" Harm asked.
"Next week." Jack answered. "You and Andy are good together Harm, I don't want to lose either of you, so keep your private life at home where it belongs and I'll turn a blind eye to what's going on. If you want to take it further, then come and talk to me."
"We will Jack, but for now I think we'll take it one day at a time."
"Good enough."
"You have nothing to worry about, Jack," Andrea assured.
"Good, now lets go inside and look through the files I brought over, I have a few ideas for replacements."
Harm handed Andrea his beer and lifted her off the rail, stealing a kiss as he got it back. "Thank you."
"You're welcome," she mused and they went inside and made themselves comfortable in the lounge. Andrea sat comfortably in Harm's arms as he lent against the couch on the floor.
Jack and Beth sat on the floor too; he grabbed one of the files and handed it to Harm. "Since Ace is qualified for the front seat as well as the back, I want Zipper to sit back seat for him and I'll train another Diver/RIO combination."
Harm looked through the file. "Ace and Zipper did fly well together during the exercise we had at NAS Atlanta last year."
"And they room together." Beth noted.
"It's settled then," Jack announced. He handed out the other files and after few beers and Coolers later, Harm and Andrea had chosen a pilot and RIO and Jack and Beth had chosen a pairing. "Who do you have Hammer?" He asked.
"Ensign Nick Stevens – Saint and Ensign Alexander Dylan – Thumper," Harm informed. "Andy's going to have to give up her position as the youngest Predator, though."
"Very funny," she commented half asleep from the wine.
"I thought so," he smirked. "They're young but they show promise."
Beth wasn't so sure about the pilot her lover had chosen. "Are you sure about this one?"
"Why?" He asked.
She pointed out something on his record. "This?"
Jack sighed, he'd heard about what had happened. "Damn!"
"What is it?" Harm asked him.
He handed the file over. "Have an open mind on this guy."
His XO took the file and had a look. "Commander Cameron Sanderson," he rubbed his forehead. "Damn!"
"How much trouble could his wife course?" Jack asked.
"I don't know."
"Who is his wife?" Andrea asked, curious.
"Lt. Colonel Sarah Mackenzie."
"Oh?" That woke her up. She looked through the files and found one she'd looked briefly at. "What about this one." She suggested.
Harm put Sanderson's file down and took the one Andrea gave him, smiling at the name. "Lt. Commander Terry Medwick," he chuckled. "Captain Ingles and the Cag won't be too happy with us for stealing him."
Jack arched an eyebrow. "Medwick as in Tuna?"
"The same."
"Who is his RIO now?" Beth asked.
Andrea found the right file. Opening it. "Lieutenant Lucas Rylands – Reaper," she passed the file to Jack. "His record is pretty impressive."
Jack looked it over, then through the folder on the table. "Looks like we've got out replacements," he informed. "I'll have orders drawn up to have them brought here, we'll give them the offer and see who takes us up on it. Once they're in, we'll start training them Hammer, and Medwick will make a good candidate for XO when you take over."
"I'll keep that in mind."
"That just leaves you with finding a combination Diver/RIO who handle doing both and occasionally the Cod." Beth stated.
Harm put the unwanted files back he had, along with the ones Andrea had looked at with what was left, finding the one he wanted. "What about," he opened the file. "Lieutenant Mitch Backer – call sign Wizard. Started out his career as a RIO, then went back and trained to be a pilot." He gave the file to Jack.
He looked through it, agreeing. "All right. Add him to the list." He ordered giving it back.
Harm did. "That's it then."
Jack stretched, and then wrapped his arms around Beth. "Come on sweetheart, let's go back to my place and give the love birds a weekend on their own."
"Sounds good," she agreed. "Give me a moment to pack a few things."
"All right darlin."
She got up; Andrea did too, going with her, the two women chatting.
Harm and Jack cleaned up the bottles and the files, taking the empty bottles into the kitchen. "I heard about what happened with Mackenzie," the older man noted. "Sometimes friendships last when you're a distance from each other."
"And sometimes they don't," Harm agreed, he dropped the bottles into the recycle bin and turned, leaning against the counter. "When you first asked me to bunk with Andy, it didn't worry me at all. Sharing a house with her and Beth was a leaning experience for them and me. But I'd do it again."
Jack chuckled. "That's because the three of you worked it out and became a family, Beth thinks of you as a brother and Andy as a little sister. That's why the Predators work so well together, because they became a family."
"Which must make you dad," Harm smirked.
"Smart ass," Jack grumbled and wandered out of the kitchen as his XO laughed.
USS SeaHawk – Persian Gulf (Three months later)
Commander Caitlin Pike was helped off the helo; she smiled at the young Petty Officer and waited for the other two officers, Commander Jason Ryan and Lieutenant Bud Roberts. Two crewmen took their bags, and the Petty Officer guided them off the flight deck. Another crewmen took their vests and helmets, and while their bags were taken to quarters, they reported to the Captain.
Captain Johnson sighed and addressed the JAG officers. "Commanders, Lieutenant, welcome aboard the SeaHawk," he greeted. "I want this investigation wrapped up quickly."
"We'll do our best sir," Caitlin – Kate, said with a smile.
"Very well."
"Sir," Johnson's XO came up to him. "The Predators are inbound sir."
"Thank you XO."
Bud smiled. He hadn't realized the Predators were deployed to the Seahawk. "Sir, is Commander Rabb still XO of the Predators?"
"He is, Lieutenant. Dismissed."
Coming to attention the three officers turned and left the bridge. The Petty Officer who had escorted them, said he was to show them to quarters, Kate told him to carry on. As they followed she spoke to Bud. "I didn't realize Harm went back to flying. I though he'd transferred out of JAG to another legal office."
"No, he did it two years ago, he got his eyes fixed and changed designators. He was assigned to the Patrick Henry for about five months, and then became the Predators XO. He's been with them ever since."
"Mac had a run in with him at Pensacola three months or so ago that didn't go well," Jason informed. "She wouldn't tell me what happened, though."
"Was that when she found out she was pregnant?" Kate asked.
He nodded. "It's a good think she isn't here with us, I didn't realize the Predators were deployed."
"Neither did I," Bud said. "But they deploy where they're needed."
Kate decided when she got a chance she was going to have a word with Harmon Rabb. That chance didn't come until later that night, she found out where his quarters were and went there. Knocking. A woman opened the hatch. Kate hadn't been expecting that. "I'm looking for Commander Rabb."
Harm had heard the voice and came up behind his wingman. "Kate."
"Harm," she grinned. "Can I come in stranger?"
"Sure."
She stepped in, and the hatch was closed. "It's good to see you, Harm."
He gave her a hug. "You too Kate," he gestured to his bunkmate. "This is my wingman, Lt. Commander Andrea Gibson. Andy this is Kate, she was my first partner, when I was at JAG."
Andrea smiled warmly. "It's nice to met you, Ma'am."
"You too."
She looked to Harm. "I'll give you two time to catch up, Hammer," she told him. "I'll see you later."
"Okay Hoots."
Andrea nodded and headed out.
Kate watched her leave, and then eyed Harm. "She's cute."
"Hoots is a damn good aviator, Kate," he insisted and sat on his bunk, gesturing for her to take the chair, which she did. "I didn't know JAG was onboard."
"We arrived this afternoon, myself, Commander Ryan and Lieutenant Roberts, whom I'm sure you'll be hearing from," she mused. "We're here to investigate the ramp strike."
He nodded. "It was lucky the pilot and RIO survived."
"Did you see it?" She asked.
"No, we were in the air at the time."
Kate sat back and crossed one leg over the other, smoothing down her skirt. "So how is life, Harm?"
"It's good."
"Anyone special in your life?"
He grinned. "There is, but that's my business."
She arched an eyebrow and smiled. "Being secretive are we?"
"I am, what about you, Kate?"
"There is, but we haven't been together for long."
"I didn't realize you were assigned to Washington," he noted.
"A position came up and I decided to take it," she said calmly.
Harm noted that. "So why are you here, Kate and not on the phone to your guy?"
"To say hello."
He chuckled. "Try again, Kate."
She laughed softly too. "All right. I was curious to what you did to Mac."
"I didn't do anything to Mac," he informed. "She did it all to herself."
"She's pregnant, four months."
"Tell her congratulations."
Kate could see he wasn't going to back down. "I'll do that."
"So how is Bud?" He questioned, taking the subject away form himself. "I heard Harriet went into labor and the baby died."
She nodded sadly. "They're taking one day at a time. Harriet said she'd received flowers from you, she appreciated them."
"I'll go see them when I get back," he told her. "The Predators have leave due, so we're taking it."
"The whole squadron?" She queried, finding that amusing.
"Yeah," he grinned his 'flyboy' smile at her. "We just haven't decided where we're going yet."
That made Kate laugh; she shook her head. "It's good to see you again, Harm."
"You too, Kate."
She stood, seeing she was dismissed. "Don't be such a stranger, from now on."
"I'll try not to be," he said.
Nodding, Kate left. That had been an interesting conversation, curious but interesting. Harm had definitely changed since she'd known him. The drive and determination was still there, but there was something else she just couldn't put her finger on and that something was what made him who he was.
Going into the wardroom, Kate went and sat with Jason. Several of the Predators were in there too.
"So?" He asked, knowing where she'd gone.
"He didn't tell me anything," she sighed. Seeing Harm's wingman, Lt. Commander Gibson was among the Predators present. "I have a feeling though he's hiding something."
Jason followed her line of gaze. "Don't go there, Kate," he warned. "Going any where near the Predators will only get you burnt."
"Speaking form experience?"
"Do you remember after Mac and I got back from Pensacola?" He saw her nod. "I requested the Commander's service record and was told my clearance wasn't high enough. Then the Admiral chewed me a new six for just thinking about wanting to look at it."
Now that was curious. "Well it looks like Harmon Rabb and the Predators are more then they make out."
"Looks like it," he agreed. "So what do we do?"
"We drop it, Jason," she told him. "For our sakes and Mac's, she doesn't need the aggravation."
"Okay, but one day I'd like some answers."
"So would we all," Kate said softly as the Predators got up and walked out of the wardroom.
To be continued…(R2-D2 – according to aviator slang: A RIO [in reference to Luke Skywalker's droid in the Star Wars movies, who like RIO's sits in the back])