Title: Hammer and Hoots
Author: Anaika Skywalker
Author's Email:
Rating: R
Disclaimer: I don't own JAG; I just like to spread my wings occasionally.
Author's Note: I've up the rating on this chapter, though you have to use your imagination, it's not hard to figure out what's going on. Sorry if anyone doesn't like that sort of thing, it just seemed to fit. Thank you to everyone who reviewed, I got some great ideas. So thank you to the following and those of you who just read and don't review. Winjan (Things are going to heat up and it will start to slow down a little years wise. No Harm is not going to make Captain this chapter, maybe the next one), DD2 (Because you were so nice, you may have some more), r (Thanks I think Andy is awesome too and there will be more of the nosey JAG, but Harm is going to have a couple of friends and spies at JAG), marineJAG (Is Harm hiding something? – maybe. Time will tell), starryeyes10 (Thanks)
Extra Note: I've updated my web page if anyone is interested. There is a link to it in my bio. Thanks.
Hammer and Hoots
Chapter Three: Mending fences
USS SeaHawk – Persian Gulf (October 2001)
Lieutenant Bud Roberts walked into the wardroom finding the Predators were all there, he nearly did an about face before they saw him, but he decided against it. They'd always been friendly to him.
"Hey Bud," Lt. Commander Andrea Gibson called out to him. "Come join us."
He smiled and did so. "Thank you Ma'am."
She rolled her eyes as he sat down. "Bud."
"Sorry Hoots."
Smiling, Andrea chuckled. "You're forgiven, Bud."
Harm leant back in his chair. "How are you Bud?"
"I'm fine sir, getting back into the swing of things. Thank you for the flowers, Harriet thought they were beautiful."
"You're welcome Bud, I'm sorry I wasn't there for you both."
"We understood, sir."
"Lieutenant, we were all saddened to hear you'd lost your daughter," Jack told him sincerely. "Our hearts and prayers were with you."
"Thank you sir."
"So how is life at JAG, Bud?" Harm asked him changing the subject.
"Very different without you sir," he admitted. "No one has shot up a court room since you left."
The Predators laughed at that comment, Harm just shook his head. "I'm never going to live that one down, am I?"
"No sir."
They were still talking and laughing about different things when Commander's Pike and Ryan came in, both Kate and Jason not happy with Bud socializing with the aviators, more so Kate.
"If looks could kill Lieutenant, you would be a dead man by now," Lt. Commander Terry Medwick remarked. He'd been Harm's roommate and wingman when both had been assigned to the Patrick Henry. Now he was apart of the Predators family.
"I believe sir, you're right. I'd better go." Bud said nervously.
"Lieutenant, stay where you are," Jack ordered. "You're not doing anything wrong and there is no law against you sitting with us."
"I realize that sir."
"Well not yet there isn't," Lucas Rylands, Medwick's RIO smirked. He was a fresh-faced Lieutenant, whose call sign was Reaper. He and Medwick – Tuna, had flown together on the Patrick Henry.
"Very funny," Bud grumbled, even though he knew they were just teasing him.
"Now Reaper," Beth warned. "Stop picking on poor Bud, if you can't lean to play nice with the other boys, we'll just have to keep you locked away in your room."
"Yes mom," he grinned cheekily.
"That's a good boy," she jeered and they all laughed.
"You know Bud," Jack said patting the young Lieutenant on the back. "The Legal office at Pensacola is looking for a lawyer, it won't hurt your career to think about a move."
"I don't know sir."
"If you're worried about Harriet, then don't. I happen to know they could use someone with a strong hand to manage the office too."
Bud was a little stunned that the Predators' Captain was making this offer. "I'll look into it and then discuss it with Harriet sir."
"Well when you get back to Washington, give Captain Jacobs a call at Pensacola, let him know I put you on to him," the Captain told him.
"I will sir. Thank you."
"You're a good man, Bud," he stood. "Predators, briefing in ten, lets move."
"Aye sir," all acknowledged and stood, filing out, bidding goodbye to Bud as they went.
Bud got to his feet also, nodding to Jack as he passed.
"Lieutenant," Kate called out to him. "If you would."
He sighed inward and went over to the two Commanders, sitting down at Kat's suggestion. "Yes Ma'am?"
"Did you send the report to Admiral Chegwidden?"
"Yes Ma'am, first thing."
"Very well."
"So, Bud, have an interesting conversation with the Predators?" Jason asked him.
"I did sir, they're a nice bunch of guys."
"Those guys have two women with them Lieutenant." Kate chastised him.
"Sorry Commander," he apologized.
"Forget it Lieutenant," she dismissed.
"Ma'am, what do you have against the Predators?" Bud asked.
"I have nothing against them Lieutenant," she answered, her faced softened. "After all I know Commander Rabb, he's a friend."
He wasn't so sure. "If you'll excuse me Ma'am, sir. I'll check to see if the Admiral had made his decision."
"Very well Lieutenant."
Jason sighed as Bud left. "You said you were going to drop this."
"I have. It just eats at my gut. When we get back to Washington I'm going to put a call into the one person who can possible get us answers," she informed. "Clayton Webb."
"You're kidding?"
"No I'm not," she said sternly.
"Fine, but just keep your comments about the Predators to yourself. Rabb is Roberts' friend and godfather to his son, their close and you don't want Bud running to the Admiral and telling him you've been making waves." Jason warned. "Or telling Rabb."
"I'm not saying a word." She promised.
For some reason Jason didn't fully believe her, he had a feeling Kate was ready to make trouble. "I'm going to get some air," he announced and stood, wandering out before she could comment. He ended up at vultures row watching the aircraft being catapulted off the deck. He missed Mac; she was easier to work with then Kate. He spotted the Predators cod; it was being prepped to fly by their crewmen, as were their Tomcats. You could tell which crewmen belonged to the Predators; they all had the logo on their vests – a Hawk bearing down on invisible prey.
"Sir," Bud had made his way to vultures row, seeing the Commander. "Admiral Chegwidden has agreed with your recommendations. We're to come home."
"Thank you Lieutenant," Jason acknowledged. He spotted the Predators coming out of the cod. "Bud, just how close were Colonel Mackenzie and Commander Rabb before he left JAG?"
"They were best friends sir. She saved his life, he saved hers."
"Did she love him?"
Bud was a little surprised by the bluntness of the question. "I don't know sir. What I do know is she's happily married to Commander Sanderson and they have a baby on the way."
Jason lent off the rail. "Bud, I'm only going to say this once, so listen carefully," he decided. "Next time you talk to Commander Rabb, tell him to watch his six."
"Why sir?"
"Because I have a feeling the waters are about to get rough."
Even though he was curious, Bud didn't comment any more. "Aye sir," he agreed. "We leave in three hours sir."
"Thank you Lieutenant, I'll let Commander Pike know."
"Yes sir." Bud wondered what was going on as Commander Ryan left, he glanced back over the flight deck. The Predators were climbing aboard their Tomcats and the Cod was preparing to take off as well on another mission. Most of what the Predators did it seemed was classified and locked down tight. So were their service records, no one but high ranking officers had the clearance to look at them. What they were doing out here was just as classified.
"Lieutenant Roberts."
Bud looked seeing the Cag, Captain Johansson. "Sir."
"Relax, Lieutenant, I don't bite," he mused and stood beside him. The first of the Tomcats were taking off. "You're friends with Hammer, correct?"
"Yes sir, we served together at JAG, before he went back to flying."
Johansson chuckled. "Rabb never left flying, Lieutenant, he just didn't do it full time until then."
Bud smiled, finding that true enough. "You're right sir," he also had a feeling the Cag was leading up to something. "Was there something else sir?"
The Cag turned and lent against the railing, crossing his arms against his chest. "What does Commander Pike have on him?"
"I'm not sure I know what you mean sir." Bud answered confused.
"She's making waves, Lieutenant and you don't do that with the Predators."
"I realized that sir."
"Do you Lieutenant?" He asked sternly.
"Yes sir, Commander Rabb is a friend, a good friend. He's my son's godfather. I trust him with my life."
"Well you're going to, Lieutenant, because you, Pike and Ryan are getting a lift with them," Johansson announced. "The Predators will be back in two hours, they'll debrief and be ready to go ten hundred. Inform Pike and Ryan of the change."
"Aye sir," Bud agreed, and then asked. "I though the Predators were on full deployment with the SeaHawk, sir?"
The Cag shook his head. "Nope, we were just privileged to have them for three months. The cod and two Tomcats will deliver you and the Commander's to Rota Naval Air Station in Spain and then rendezvous with the rest of their squadron. You're transport home will be arranged from there. As for the Predators, their next assignment isn't something we're cleared to know."
"Understood sir."
"It was a pleasure having you aboard Mr. Roberts."
"Thank you sir."
Uncrossing his arms, Johansson walked away, going back inside.
Bud saw the last of the Tomcat's take off, turning he went back inside himself, finding both Commander's in the conference room they'd been using as an office. "Sir, Ma'am."
"What's up Bud?" Jason asked casually.
"Captain Johansson just informed me, the Predators are giving us a lift to NAS Rota in Spain, our transport home will be arranged from there."
Kate glanced quickly from Jason to Bud. "Did he say why, Bud?"
"No Ma'am."
"They're not staying for a full deployment?" Jason asked him.
"Apparently not sir. We're to be ready to go by ten hundred."
"Thanks Bud."
"This is going to be interesting," Kate remarked.
"More then you think Ma'am, we'll be traveling with their flight crew, the Predators are leaving the SeaHawk too," he added.
"They don't stay long." Jason mused, grinning. "Not that I'm bothered, I want to get home."
Kate smiled also. "Missing solid ground, Jace?"
"You could say that."
She knew Jason Ryan was missing his wife and son more. "Well let's finish up, and be ready to leave. I have a feeling if we're not there when it comes time to leave, they'll go without us."
Bud just kept his thoughts to himself. He wanted to get a moment with Harm or Andrea before they left. He felt he needed to warn them to be careful. He didn't get a chance through, when he boarded the Cod with the Commander's; a Chief Petty Officer greeted them.
"Morning Ma'am, sirs, I'll take your bags."
"Thank you Chief," Kate handed her bag to him, as did Jason and Bud.
"Your seats are here Ma'am, sirs," he showed them and then secured their bags.
"Chief, what's through there?" Jason asked gesturing to the closed off area.
"The ready room and communications, then the cockpit," the Chief answered. "Both areas are off limits, sir."
"Why is that, chief?" Kate asked sweetly.
"Classified Ma'am. Excuse me."
They took their seats and secured, preparing for take off. They heard chuckling and glanced back seeing Lt. Commander Gibson coming towards them, the flight crew laughing with her over something she'd said.
Andrea smiled as she stopped by their guests. "Sir, Ma'am, Lieutenant. Welcome aboard, I hope you enjoy the flight."
"I'm sure we will, Lt. Commander," Jason said cheerfully.
She kept smiling, looking to Bud. "I'll send Spectra back a little after take off, Lieutenant, and you can come up to the cockpit. Commander Rabb said you've flown with him so I'm sure you'd enjoy a look at the Cod's cockpit."
"Thank you Ma'am," he said surprised.
"Lt. Commander isn't that area classified?" Kate asked.
"The cockpit isn't Ma'am, only the area between here and there. So we'll blindfold the Lieutenant first," Andrea declared. "Excuse me."
"Lt. Commander," Kate stopped her, she wasn't finished yet. "Where is Captain McKinley?"
"He's flying my bird, Ma'am. Now if you'll excuse me, I'd like to get this bird up in the air," Andrea stated and hurried towards the cockpit.
Lt. Commander Jodi Harrison looked up as she entered. "We're ready to fly, Hoots."
"Good," she sat down and secured. "Lets get this bird into the air and to Spain, I want JAG off and out of my life."
"I thought you liked Bud?"
"I do, I don't like those two Commander's. Pike is up to something and Ryan is just waiting to make a move, I just don't know in which direction," she commented and pulled on her helmet. "So lets fly, Spectra."
"You've got it Hoots," he agreed and called it in. "SeaHawk this is Bandit two. Up and ready."
"Bandit two, Seahawk. You're cleared to launch."
"Acknowledged Seahawk."
"All right, let's get this bird in the air," she saluted the crew outside the cockpit and they were launched into the air. Behind them the rest of the squadron launched one after the other. Two formed with the Cod, the other eight broke off and headed for their rendezvous point. Andrea glanced to her left, seeing the Tomcat on her wing. "Bandit one, this is Bandit two."
"Rodger Bandit two, bandit three and I are on your wing. Bandit leader is taking the Bandits to rendezvous point," Harm's voice came over the radio. "We're on course for NSA Rota."
"Acknowledged Bandit one," she set the autopilot and relaxed a little, looking to her RIO. "I got clearance for Lt. Roberts to come up front, do you want to go get him."
"Sure, Hoots," he undid his harness and left the cockpit. Going through to the passenger area and over to Bud. "Lieutenant, Lt. Commander Gibson is inviting you up to the cockpit."
Bud undid his harness quickly. "Thank you sir," he got up and went with the Lt. Commander. They passed into the next section. "You're not going to really blindfold me are you?"
Jodi closed the hatch and chuckled. "No, you've been given clearance," he assured and guided him through to the cockpit.
Andrea looked back as they entered. "Come in Bud, take a seat."
He did and Jodi hooked up a headset for him, so he could hear them better. "There you go, Lieutenant."
"Thank you sir."
"So what do you think, Bud?" She asked him.
"It's great," he exclaimed. Then became serious. "But I need to talk to you about something, Is Commander Rabb one of the pilots escorting us?"
Andrea nodded. "He's on our left. What's up?"
"Can we included him into this conversation?"
"Sure," she set it up. "Bandit one, Bandit two."
"Rodger Bandit two, what's up Hoots?"
"Sir, Lieutenant Roberts is with me, he wants to talk to you as well."
"What do you need Bud?" Harm asked him.
"To warn you sir."
"About what Lieutenant?"
"Commander Pike, sir. I believe she's going to course trouble." Bud announced. "So does Commander Ryan."
"You mean stick her nose in where it's not wanted?"
"Yes sir."
"Damn, thanks for the heads up Bud."
"You're welcome sir."
"Anything else, Bud?"
"No sir."
"Good, now relax. How do you like the cockpit?"
"It's great sir," Bud said excitedly. "Commander, do you still have 'Sarah'?"
"Oh yeah, I had her brought specially to Pensacola."
"I'm glad too sir."
"So am I Bud."
They chattered for a while and then Bud went back to his seat, once more escorted by Jodi.
When he returned, Andrea was rubbing the bridge of her nose. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah," she forced a smile.
He didn't really believe her, since September 11th they'd been going flat out. They were all exhausted and now he knew she was concerned over what Roberts had said. "It'll be okay, Andy."
"I know," she said more confidence. "So how are things going with Melissa?"
Jodi grinned. "Darlin, I think this is it, she's the one. In fact I know it."
"So your going to purpose to this girl or what Spectra?" Terry, (Bandit three) asked.
"I think I am Tuna."
"Don't think, do, young Predator," Lucas – Luke said doing his best Yoda impression, making them all laugh.
"Yes Master," Jodi jeered.
"It's good advice, Spectra." Harm added.
"It certainly is." Beth agreed.
"Okay," he yielded. "As soon as we get home," he glanced to his driver. "So Andy, will you be my best man or woman?"
She was honored. "I'd love to, Jodi."
"Then as soon as we get home, we have a wedding to plan." Harm declared lightly.
"Yes sir."
Their arrival at NSA Spain went without problem; they landed along with the two Tomcats, having a two-hour layover to grabbing something to eat and to stretch. Harm said goodbye to Bud, promising he and Andrea would be visit him and Harriet when they had leave, the Lieutenant leaving with Commander's Pike and Ryan to catch a commercial flight back to the States.
Refueled and back in the air, the Cod and its escort headed for their rendezvous with the rest of the Predators aboard the USS Constellation in the Mediterranean Sea.
Captain McKinley was waiting for them on the flight deck when they landed, the Tomcat pilots and their RIO's converging on the Cod along with their CO. He briefed the flight crew and sent them on their way, knowing just by the expressions on their faces his people wanted to talk. "All right people, out with it?" he ordered.
"We received a warning," Harm revealed. "It seems there is a Commander within JAG that could course us some problems."
Jack crossed his arms against his chest. "What kind of problems?"
"I'm guessing, but I'd say the unofficial investigation kind."
"Damn," their CO cursed. "All right, I'm calling an official lock down of all information. All e-mails and communications home are to be sent from the Cod. I'll make sure everyone else is informed; keep official talk to the Cod and personnel talk to your quarters. There's an Ensign waiting to show you to quarters, get some sleep. I'm going to put in a call to Admiral Dobson at Pensacola and inform him."
"Aye, aye sir," they said, then grabbed their gear and left the Cod, leaving the flight deck.
As said, an Ensign showed them to quarters. Alone in theirs, Andrea and Harm dumped helmets and Harm got out of his g-suit and then tugged Andrea into his arms. She wrapped her arms around him and they just held each other. What had happened on September 11th had shaken them all, and it would for a long time to come. This was something they weren't going to get over quickly; it affected every man and woman. Now with the threat of an investigation by JAG, even unofficial was enough to set nerves on edge. But they were Predators and when threaten they came together stronger them before.
Andrea stepped back. "We should get some sleep."
"I know," he caressed her check. "Are you all right?"
"Yeah," she smiled warmly. She ached to be able to make love to him, but she couldn't. "You?"
Harm nodded. Damn he wanted nothing more then to carry her over to his bunk and make love to her, to make her forget for a moment the harshness that life was throwing at them. Their time would come through. They had leave coming and he was determined they would spend it together, just being Harm and Andy.
Removing their boots and flight suits, they took a bunk each, Andrea the top bunk Harm the bottom. He lay there thinking, Bud wouldn't have warned them if he didn't think Kate could be trouble. What he didn't understand was why she would do it, they'd been friends at JAG. Hell for one weekend they'd been more. So why now, what did Kate want?
JAG Headquarters: Falls Church, Virginia, Washington DCClayton Webb walked into the bullpen, heading towards Commander Pike's office; he nodded cordially to Lieutenant Roberts and his wife. Going into the Commander's office without knocking.
Kate looked up. "Don't you ever knock, Clay?"
He shut the door and knocked on it, then sat down. "Better?"
"Much," she remarked sarcastically. "So what can I do for you?"
"You can start by keeping your nose out of the Predators business," he answered bluntly. "I can't get you their service records, and I wouldn't give them to you even if I could."
"Why not?"
"For one you don't have clearance."
"Damn it Clay, there is something going on," she stated angrily. "And I want to know what it is."
"There's nothing going on, Kate. They're a first strike squadron made up of the best pilots and RIO's; their work is classified for a reason." He said calmly, and then stood. "If there's nothing else?"
"Is Harm sleeping with his RIO?"
Clay sighed. "No, Rabb is not sleeping with his RIO," he answered and left the office.
Mac saw him come out. "Hi Clay."
"Morning Sarah," he said with a smile. "How are you feeling?"
"Fine thank you," she said smiling back. "Kate giving you some problems."
"You could say that,"
She gestured him into her office, shutting the door. "Does this have to do with Harm?"
He nodded. "What does Kate have against him?"
Mac perched on her desk. "I don't know, they were friends when they worked together," she felt a small flatter and put her hand over her swelling stomach, giving it a gentle rub.
Clay smiled warmly, he'd always had feelings for Mac. He had just never acted on them. When she'd met Cameron Sanderson, and he'd seen how happy she was he'd backed away and kept their friendship. In truth, he'd always though Rabb had a thing for her. He guessed he'd been wrong about that. "How was Harm when you saw him?"
"Different," she sighed, seeing his curious look. "I mean he was happy, happier then I've ever seen him. But there was something else, he was protective, he didn't like it when I questioned him about living with Gibson and Hawks."
"The Predators are pretty tight Mac and protective of Gibson and Hawks, since they're the only two women in the squadron," he informed.
"It was more then that, Clay," she said. "I know Harm, I know what he's like when he's being protective. If I were to guess, I'd say he was in love."
Taking a seat, Clay lent back. "Sarah, what I'm going to tell you doesn't leave this office." He paused as she nodded and sat further back on her desk to get comfortable. "Not long after Harm joined the Predators, they were sent back to the Adriatic. They rendezvoused with the SeaHawk; she'd taken over from the Patrick Henry. They were asked to do an extraction, land the Cod on a deserted airstrip and pick up a SeAL team. Four Predators were on the Cod, the rest were in the air providing support. Harm and Gibson and their RIO's were the team on the Cod. They landed and signaled the SeAL's; they took fire and fired back, covering the SeAL's. On board, Harm took the controls, Gibson took the co-pilots, and during take off she saw a sniper take aim on Harm. She covered him with her own body and took the shot meant for him; Harm got the Cod into the air and back to the SeaHawk with a hole in the canopy. Luckily for Gibson, she was wearing a bulletproof vest, she received only bruising."
"My God," Mac exclaimed. "No wonder he's protective of her."
"Yeah well, you know Harm, he felt guilt because he didn't protect her. He figured he should have been able to get the Cod off the ground faster and have avoided the sniper altogether," Clay informed. "The Predators realized what was going on and they intervened and made sure he realized they were family, they protected each other. That changed Harm, he felt for the first time in a long time he belonged somewhere. And what happened nine eleven, just strengthened their bond."
"I never realized," Mac said sincerely. "My god Clay I was nasty to him."
"Sarah," he sat forward. "You're right about one thing though, he is in love."
"With Hawks?"
"No," he answered shaking his head.
She knew then, and understood. Harm had changed a great deal, but he was still her friend. "What can I do to help?"
"Protect him as best you can form here. I know Roberts tipped them off about Kate, between the two of you, you should be able to stop anything she does," Clay answered. "I'll do all I can from my end."
"Thanks Clay."
He stood. "No problem," he gave her a smile. "If you need anything, call."
"Thanks."
He smiled again and left the office, Mac glanced out the now open door, seeing whom she wanted. "Lieutenant Roberts!"
He hurried over to her. "Yes Ma'am."
"Come in and close the door Bud," she ordered and went he had she continued. "I know you warned the Predators about Commander Pike," she stopped him before he could interrupt. "It's okay, Bud. I want to help."
"You do Ma'am?" He was a little stunned.
"Yes, but you can't let Harm know."
"Are you sure Colonel?"
"I'm sure."
"Yes Ma'am," he agreed. "Colonel, the Commander and Lt. Commander Gibson, are planning a visit when they get leave."
"Thanks for the heads up, Bud."
He nodded, but before he left he had to know. "What made you change your mind, Colonel?"
"Lets just say I got a new perspective on Hammer and Hoots."
"Yes Ma'am," he smiled cordially and left her office.
That evening when Mac got home, her husband was cooking dinner since she'd worked late. She came into the kitchen, wrapping her arms around his waist. "Hi."
"Hi sweetheart," he turned taking her in his arms, kissing her. "How was your day?"
"Interesting," she mussed. Cameron was not a tall as Harm, but taller then she was. He was fit, but then he had to be being a pilot.
"So," he had a sparkle to his gray eyes. "What was so interesting at work today?"
"I had a insight into an old friend," she admitted.
He lent against the counter, taking her with him. "Oh that friend wouldn't be Harm, would it?"
"It would," she said with a small smile. "I was wrong about him, Cam."
"Time to mend fences, huh?"
"Yeah," she rested her head against his chest. "I was angry about Harm leaving JAG, angry and hurt."
"Why hurt?"
She looked up. "The day little AJ was born, Harm and I were talking out the front of JAG. I was a little down, and Harm knew it. We talked about how I was constantly hitting the snooze button on my biological clock."
"And?"
"And he made a deal with me, that if in five years neither of us were in a relationship. We'd have a child together."
"That's some deal," he was a little shocked by it. "You guys were obviously closer then I though."
"I thought for a while I was in love with him, but I see now I wasn't," she admitted. "We were just good friends. Then he left to go back to flying."
"And you felt like you'd lost him."
She nodded. "Then I met you and I finally understood what it meant to be in love. Even if you do have an ego as large as your Tomcat."
"Thanks babe," he smirked and kissed her. "I love you, sweetheart."
"I love you too," she said circling her arms around his neck. "Will dinner spoil if we were to leave it?"
"Nope, it's casserole."
"Then take me to bed, flyboy," she ordered.
"Yes Ma'am," he jeered, turning the oven off he swung her up into his arms and carried her up to their bedroom making love to her, being gentle and loving. They lay together in the aftermath, spooned together, Cam's hand on her belly. "We haven't talked about names for this little one."
"I know, perhaps we should wait a little while longer," she said quietly.
"You must have some ideas though?"
"Mmm, I was thinking Catherine would be nice for a little girl."
"I like Catherine." Cam agreed. "You know I thought if it was a boy, we could call him Mackenzie."
Mac turned around. "Really?"
"Really, it means 'son of a wise ruler'," he revealed.
"You've been reading the baby name book Harriet gave me."
"Guilty."
She chuckled. "I think Mackenzie would be a perfect name for our son."
"And Catherine is perfect for our daughter," he said and kissed her. "I love you Sarah Mackenzie Sanderson."
Mac pushed him back and straddled him. "And I love you Cameron Sanderson."
The next morning, Cameron drove his wife to work before heading off the base. Mac walked into the bullpen with a smile on her lips.
"Colonel," Bud got her attention. "Could Lt. Sims and I have a word Ma'am?"
"Sure Bud, come on in," she insisted and they went into her office. She shut the door and put her briefcase and cover down, removing her coat she hung it up and sat behind her desk. "Sit down."
They did, Bud a little nervous. "Colonel," he began. "When I was onboard the SeaHawk, Captain McKinley told me the Pensacola Legal office is looking for a lawyer and a office manager. He suggested I give Captain Jacobs a call."
"Have you?" Mac asked.
"Yes Ma'am, after reviewing our service records and making some discreet inquiries, the Captain is going to put the transfer request to Admiral Chegwidden," Bud answered. "Captain Jacobs said he was looking for someone who can work with the Predators if it's needed and deploy with them, he said that person was me since I knew Commander Rabb."
"Bud that's fantastic. It's a good career move."
"Yes Ma'am."
"But?" Mac pushed.
"But with what's going on with Commander Pike, maybe it's better if I stayed."
"We don't understand what the Commander had against Commander Rabb, Ma'am," Harriet added.
"I don't know either, Harriet." Mac admitted. "But don't let it stop you from taking the position at Pensacola. Clayton Webb is willing to handle things from his end and help out as much as he can and if I need too, I'll inform the Admiral."
"Thank you Ma'am."
She smiled. "Bud, you said yesterday Harm was planning a visit when he got leave."
"Yes Ma'am. I believe they're not back at Pensacola until the New Year, with Harriet, AJ and I moving to Pensacola it might change their plans."
"Maybe, thanks Bud."
"Thank you Ma'am," he said and he and his wife stood, leaving the office.
Mac got what she needed for morning staff meeting, being ready when Jason knocked on her door. When it was over and she was coming back into her office, her phone was ring. She quickly answered it. "Mackenzie."
"Mac, it's Clay, we need to talk."
"Is it important, Clay?" She asked.
"It's involves Hammer," he answered.
"Where and when?" She inquired without hesitation.
"Potomac Park, half an hour."
"I'll be there," she assured and hung up as he did. Getting her coat and cover she left her office. "Gunny, I need a lift."
Gunnery Sergeant Victor Galendez jumped quickly to his feet, grabbing his cover and coat. "Lets go Ma'am."
Mac smiled, she knew she could trust the Gunny. At Potomac Park, she went alone, leaving the Gunny in the car.
Clay saw her and casually fell into step beside her. "Good morning, Colonel."
"Clay, what do you have?"
They stopped sitting on a bench under a shady tree. "I've been doing some digging since Commander Ryan pocked his nose into Rabb's business and last night one of my contacts found out something interesting," Clay revealed. "Harm has a brother, a half brother in Russia."
That surprised her. "A brother?"
He nodded. "Sergei Zhukov, he was born to the Russian woman Harm's father died saving."
"And you're sure he's Harm's brother."
"I'm sure. We ran his DNA and got a match."
That really through a spanner in the works, Harm had fought long and hard to find out what happened to his father. "Does Sergei know who his father is?"
"He does, he wants to meet his brother. He's a sergeant in the Russian army, flies helicopters."
"You're kidding, he's a pilot."
"Yes," Clay smiled also, seeing the irony of it. "It would be a hell'va Christmas present if I could get him over here to meet his brother."
"Harm will still be deployed, it's not due back until the New Year." Mac noted.
"So we'll get Zhukov to Harm."
"Just like that?" She asked him.
"Just like that, Sarah."
"Your serious?"
"I'm serious," Clay declared. "And I'm having my people look discreetly into Commander Pike's past to see why she has it in for Harm."
"You've been busy, Clay."
"I try."
She chuckled. "Let me know how you're going with getting Sergei to his brother, I'd like to be a part of it if I can."
"Are you sure?"
"I'm sure."
"All right," he stood and helped her up. "Do you need a ride back to JAG?"
"No, the Gunny is waiting for me."
"I'll let you know then, Sarah."
"Thank you Clay," she smiled and hurried back to the car.
USS Constellation – Mediterranean Sea – November (22:30hrs)
Andrea pushed open the hatch and came out onto the fantail; she closed it again and walked over to the railing where Harm was standing. "Is everything alright, Hammer?"
He nodded. "I was just thinking."
"Oh?"
He smiled seeing her smirking. "Very funny," he remarked they laughed together. "I got a message from Bud, he and Harriet are taking the transfer to Pensacola. They'll be there when we get back."
"That's great."
"Yeah it is."
"What else is wrong, Harm?" She asked her hand slipping over his.
He let their fingers entwine. "I was just thinking this year I'll miss going to the wall to visit my father."
"I'm sorry. I know how much that means to you." Andrea said gently.
Harm knew she did. "Still I have you and the other Predators to keep me busy this Christmas."
"Yes you do, and we can go when we get back, I don't think your dad will mind."
"Neither do I," he released her hand and turned, leaning against the rail. "So how is your studying going?"
"Not bad, missed my study buddy though," she mused. All the Predators knew she was studying to get her psychology degree, going to night school when she was in Pensacola and by Internet when deployed or on assignment.
"Come on then and I'll give you a hand."
"In a minute," she insisted. "Tell me what else you were thinking about?"
He sighed and saw she wasn't going to give up on this. "I was thinking I use to wish I had a brother or a sister, but now," he smiled. "Now I have seventeen brothers and two sisters."
She moved to stand in front of him. "So you think of me as your sister?"
"No," he grabbed her by the hips and pulled her close to him, having her standing between his thighs. "I don't think of you as a sister."
She circled her arms around his neck. "And how do you think of me?" She purred sexily. They had to be very careful doing what they were.
Harm lent closer, so he could whisper in her ear. "I think of you as my lover, the woman I want to spend the rest of my life with, have children with."
She shivered, feeling his breath on her skin. "So you love me?" She asked breathless.
"I love you," he whispered. Then lifted her chin with his finger, and he kissed her, a soft sweet kiss.
She groaned against his mouth. "If we weren't on an aircraft in the middle of the Mediterranean."
"You'd do what?" He teased.
"I would," she rose up onto her toes and whispered in his ear just exactly what she would do if they were along in his room at Pensacola.
It was Harm's turn to groan. "Sweetheart, I have to walk back inside in a moment."
She smiled and kissed him, this time it was rough and heated. "You could always take a cold shower."
"I hate cold showers, specially ones I take alone," he grumbled, slipping his hand inside her flight suit.
"Then you're going to have to wait until we get home," she said, gasping as his fingers caressed her breast.
"I don't know if I can," he confessed.
She groaned, playing him at his own game, pulling the zipper down on his flight suit she slipped her hand inside, but moved lower then his chest. Finding he was right, he couldn't walk inside like this, she'd just have to do something about it.
Harm work with a start, breathing hard. It had been a dream, a very real dream. The first part was like a replay of what had happened, except they'd come back inside and he'd helped her with her studying, the rest of the dream was pure fantasy. Pushing the curtain back he swung his legs off the bunk as he sat up. Running his fingers through his hair.
Above him, Andrea had heard him. She pushed the curtain back and lent over the bunk a little. "Are you all right, Harm?"
"Yeah," he stood, turning. "Just a dream?"
She lay back against her pillow. "Bad one?"
"No," he chuckled not at all embarrassed. "Not in the least."
She understood what he meant. "Was I in it?"
"You were," he grinned his 'flyboy' grin.
"Tell me about it?" She asked interested.
"Darlin, I'd love to but it could get us court-martialed."
"That good, huh?"
"Uh huh," he mused.
"So were we at home in this dream?"
"No," he caressed her check. "We were on the fantail. I told you I loved you."
Andrea smiled. "So do you love me in your dreams or reality too?"
"Both," he used his bunk as a step up and lent in and kissed her. "I love you Andy."
She lent into the kiss. "I love you too, Harm."
He felt like a weight had been lift from his shoulders, he'd never been able to say I love you to any one in a long time, with Andrea it was so easy. "Go back to sleep, sweet thing, we've a busy morning a head of us."
"You too," she insisted.
"I'm going," he smiled and kissed her quickly again before hopping down. Sprawled back on his bed he rolled onto his side and snuggled into his pillow, a smile still on his lips as he drifted off back to sleep. After the past few months they'd had, a little light heartiness was what they needed.
To be continued…
(I hope you enjoyed this chapter, more to come. Any mistakes I've missed are mine, my Beta reader has been sick, so I've mostly had to do this chapter myself.)