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: This chapter too a life of it's own and went in a direction I hadn't planed, but I hope you all enjoy it. Sorry it's a little long. Thanks to those who reviewed. Winjan (Bud is a great character I must admit, and he is going to be Harm advocate), bard2003 (As far as I could remember, Harm found out about his dad before he returned to flying, so it all fits that way. As for Sergei being a POW, I just plan forgot, so we'll just have to let Author's privilege take over here), r (Thanks and yes Bud is the best)
Hammer and Hoots
Chapter four: Life Changing Occurrences
On Route to the USS Constellation – November 2001
Lt. Colonel Sarah Mackenzie gripped her husband's hand tightly. "Remind me why I'm doing this?"
Commander Cameron Sanderson chuckled. "It was your idea," he recalled.
She groaned. Two days ago, Sergei Zhukov had arrived from Russia with the help of Clayton Webb, who had acquired the young man's citizenship. Now they were on their way to the Mediterranean to rendezvous with the aircraft carrier Constellation, where the Predators were at that moment deployed. Their Sergei would meet his half brother, Harmon Rabb. Of course Cam had insisted on coming along since his pregnant wife was, he wasn't letting Sarah out of his sight. The Captain of the Constellation had given Sarah permission to come aboard, especially since she wouldn't be staying that long.
"Look Mac," he urged.
She took a quick look, seeing the aircraft carrier and what she expected, Tomcats, four of them. "It's them."
He looked. "How can you tell?"
"They all have a Hawk logos on their twin tails," she noted.
Leaning closer, Cam took a good look, seeing something else. "God, one of them has been hit."
Sarah saw what he was talking about, one Tomcat had one of its twin tails missing. It had been blown off; they were close enough to see it. "I wonder who it is?"
"Hang on, sweetheart." Her husband unclipped his harness and got up, going forward to the cockpit to see what he could find out.
Sergei joined Sarah. "Is Harm flying one of those Tomcats?"
"I'm not sure, Sergei, but I'd say yes," she said with a heavy heart.
Cam returned. "They want us down now, so they can get that bird down," he announced, and got in his seat when Sergei got out returning to his own. Both putting their harnesses back on and prepared for landing. "The pilot couldn't find out whose bird it is." He told his wife.
She nodded and took his hand, squeezing it. She didn't release it until they were down safely and the Cod had stopped.
"Come on sweetheart," he urged.
Along with Sergei they exited the Cod, a crewmen taking their bags, escorting them off the flight deck. "The Captain is expecting you Ma'am, sirs, on the bridge. I'll have your bags taken to quarters."
"Thank you Petty Officer." Cam said and ushered both Sarah and Sergei up to the bridge.
The Constellation's Captain, Martin Gordon nodded to acknowledge them, and then went back to what he was doing. Captain Jack McKinley was standing beside him; the Predators were his first concern. The Skipper could look after the visitors.
He turned to his left. "Wizard, given clearance."
"Aye sir," Mitch Backer, his RIO declared and gave the order over the radio. The ships air boss was right beside him, but didn't interfere. "Bandit two, your clear to land, throwing you to Paddles."
"Rodger Star lab."
Sarah didn't know who it was, the voice was male, but that only meant it wasn't Harm, it wasn't his voice and his RIO was female. "Captain McKinley, who's flying the damaged Tomcat?"
"Hoots is Colonel and at the moment we're suspecting she had a broken wrist as well," he informed.
"Then why not have them eject?"
"They can't," was all he said.
The damaged Tomcat approached the aircraft, they could over hear the conversion with Paddles and the one Gibson and Rabb were having.
"You're green, Hoots." Harm was saying, informing her, her landing gear and tailhook were down.
"Rodger Hammer, see you on the deck."
Cameron put his hand on his wife's arm; he knew it wasn't easy to land a damaged Tomcat. He'd done it and survived, and he had no doubts Hoots – Lt. Commander Andrea Gibson could do it too, but with a suspected broken wrist.
Sarah glanced away from the flight deck to her husband; she knew he was holding his breath. She looked back; the Tomcat was in the landing vector, coming in. She felt Cam's hold tighten on her arm as the Tomcat hit the deck hard, the tailhook catching the arresting wire. "She's down."
As soon as the Tomcat stopped, the Predators flight crew was forcing the canopy open, getting the injured aviator out. Passing her down to the corpsmen, who stretched her off the flight deck along with her RIO, who insisted on walking without their help.
"Excuse me Colonel, Commander," McKinley said and brushed past them. He needed to get to sickbay, not only to check on Gibson, but also to do damage control with the other Predators, Harm topping the list. Andrea was his bunkmate and so much more, but no one needed to know that.
Captain Gordon addressed his visitors. "Colonel, Commander, I suggest you and your guest leave my bridge and get some rest. It's going to be a long night."
"Aye sir," both officers announced and guided Sergei off the bridge. A Petty Officer was waiting to show them to quarters.
In sickbay, the Predators were gathering, even those who had just flown in with Gibson and Harrison. McKinley noted, Rabb, Hawks, Medwick, Rylands, Dustin and Peters, were still in full flight gear, helmets in hands. He got on the horn and got a couple of his flight crew down there.
PO 2nd Class David Williams and PO 3rd Class Ray Travers arrived promptly. "Sir."
"Get their flight gear off them and secure it," Jack ordered.
"Aye sir," both acknowledged and carried out the order, doing so quickly.
When Lt. Commander Jodi Harrison came out with the doctor; he had his own flight gear and his divers. He looked exhausted but unhurt.
"How is Hoots doctor?" Jack asked.
"The Lt. Commander's wrist is fractured," he reported. "I've set her wrist and given her something for the pain. I'll release her in the morning. She'll be wearing the cast for at least six weeks."
"I need to debrief her, doc."
"Then you'd better hurry, Captain. The painkillers I gave her have a combined sedative."
Jack turned to Harm. "I'll debrief Hoots, then join you in the ready room."
"Aye sir," Harm acknowledged and ushered the Predators out of sickbay, as hard as it was he followed them.
Sarah saw him coming out and hurried to catch up. "Commander Rabb?"
He stopped, turning. "Colonel Mackenzie."
She noticed the other Predators has stopped and stood behind their XO. "I need to talk to you."
"In the morning Colonel, I have a debriefing to attended." Harm dismissed, and then along with the rest of the squad, walked away.
Stunned, Sarah just stood there. It was obvious she'd hurt Harm more then she realized. Now she needed to find away to repair their friendship.
"Colonel Mackenzie."
She turned, seeing who was addressing her. "Captain McKinley."
He'd over heard the whole conversation; Gibson had already out by the time he'd gotten to her. "A piece of advice, Colonel."
"Yes sir?"
"Don't push him. He's not the officer you use to but heads with in the courtroom. He's now the XO of a first strike squadron, he has just see combat, and found out his wingman has a broken wrist. In this frame of mind he is a dangerous man. Am I clear?"
"Yes sir."
"Now Colonel, is it important you speak to my XO tonight or can it wait until morning?" He asked her.
"Sir, I came aboard with Commander Sanderson and a young man who we've found out is the Commander's half brother," she said calmly.
"His brother?"
"Yes sir."
Jack ran his fingers through his hair. "Damn!" He swore. "All right Colonel, give me an hour to debrief my people. Have yourself, Commander Sanderson and junior Rabb in the conference room near the ready room in one hour. I'll get Hammer there."
"Aye sir."
He nodded and hurried towards the ready room, finding all Predators accounted for. "Lt. Commander Gibson was asleep by the time I reached her. Until she is debriefed, Spectra, you'll sit with her for the first two hours and then Tuna, Reaper and so fourth until morning. Understood?"
"Aye sir."
"All right, lets get this debriefing over, Hammer I want a word once we're done."
"Aye sir," Harm agreed and they all took their seats.
Sighing, Jack quickly got on with the debriefing, finishing it; he sent them on their way. Letting them carry out their orders.
"What's going on sir?" Harm asked.
"On my six, Hammer," he ordered and headed out.
Harm followed, going with him into the conference room, stopping sharply. "Sir?"
"Sit down Harm," Jack ordered and when his XO had done so, he handed over to the Marine Colonel. "It's all yours Colonel."
"Thank you sir," she said. "Commander, I'd like you to meet your half brother, Sergei Zhukov."
Astounded, Harm looked from Sarah to the young man. "If this is a joke, it's not funny."
"It is no joke brother," Sergei told him. "My father was Lt. Harmon Rabb."
"The CIA conducted a DNA test," Sarah continued. "Sergei is who he says he is."
Shaking his head, Harm stood and without saying a word, walked out.
Sergei turned to Cam, confused. "That did not go well?"
"No it didn't."
"Let him cool down and think things through," Jack advised. "You'll be able to talk to him by morning." He stood. "It's nothing personal Mr. Zhukov, it's just Hammer's way."
"Thank you Captain."
He nodded and walked out.
Sarah sat down, rubbing her temples. This had not gone well at all. "I'm sorry, Sergei. I really thought he'd be excited to know he had a brother. I guess I don't know Harm that well after all."
"It is not your fault, Colonel," he assured. "My brother and I will talk. He can't avoid me completely."
"You'd be surprised, Sergei," Cam informed. "There are plenty of place you can hide on a carrier."
"I know where he's gone," Sarah informed. "Vultures Row."
"You're sure."
She nodded. "I'm sure," she answered and then stated. "He's changed so much, Cam."
"He's had to Mac," he stood. "Lets do what the Captain suggested, we'll talk to the Commander in the morning."
The both stood, Sergei a little confused. "Why do they call him, Hammer?"
"It's his call sign," Cam told him. "All fighter pilots have them."
"What is yours?" The younger man asked as they left.
"Sandman."
Sergei made a comment in Russian that had Sarah smiling. "Don't worry Sergei, you'll get use to it."
"I will try," he agreed.
Harm had gone to Vultures Row, Beth found him there. She'd dropped by his quarters on the way, grabbing his flight jacket. She gave it to him with a sympathetic smile, Jack had told her everything.
Excepting the jacket, Harm put it on. "Thanks."
"Do you want to talk about it?" She asked.
"I don't know whether to be angry or relieved."
"Why relieved?"
"Because dad died protected a woman from soldiers, I'm guessing that was Sergei's mother," Harm explained. "He found some comfort at the end and a little happiness."
Beth now understood. "He would of come back if he could have, nothing would of kept him away from you and your mom, but he had no choose."
"I know."
"Harm," she put her hand on his arm. "Is it so bad knowing you have a little brother?"
"No," he shook his head smiling. "Thanks Beth."
Her smile was brighter this time. "I know this happened at the wrong time, with Andy being hurt, but she's fine. So go and talk to your brother."
"I can't believe Mac brought him here."
"She's trying to mend the fence, Harm."
"Yeah," he turned to go and then stopped. "Thanks Beth."
"You're welcome," she left Vultures Row with him.
He went on to the visiting officers quarters; finding out where his brother was quarters was easy enough, he knocked and waited, finally the hatch was opened. "Can we talk?"
Sergei nodded; he hadn't expected to see his brother until morning. "Please."
Harm walked in, he waited until the young man had shut the hatch before addressing him. "I want to apologize."
"You have nothing to apologize for, brother," Sergei insisted. He gestured for Harm to sit and preached on the bunk.
Harm sat. "You came at the wrong moment, things have been tense the last few days."
"I understand, until I left Russia, I was in the Army, I flew helicopters."
His brother smiled. "I guess you were bitten by the flying bug too," he remarked and saw the curious look. "You wanted to fly. Our grandfather was an aviator, as was dad."
"I see," Sergei declared. "I would like to know about who you are, brother, as I am sure you would like to know me."
Harm glanced at his watch. "I have time," he declared and told him about himself and his family, his friends, and what he could about his work.
Sergei listened and then returned the favor, telling his brother of his childhood, joining the army and how he was brought to America.
"Webb is full of surprise," his brother stated, and then glanced once more at his watch. "I have to go."
"You must leave?"
Nodding, Harm stood. "I want to get some sleep before I go sit with Hoots."
"Hoots?"
"Lt. Commander Gibson, the aviator who was hurt this evening. We're taking turns sitting with her."
"This is common practice?" Sergei asked as he rose to his feet.
"For Predators it is," Harm stated. "We'll talk more in the morning."
"Thank you, brother."
"For what, Sergei?"
"For talking to me?"
"You're my brother," the aviator said with a smile and hugged him. "Good night Sergei."
"Good night brother."
Harm left, heading for his quarters, he needed sleep, the day had been long, the afternoon longer and the morning was going to come too quick. It did. At oh five hundred, he walked into sickbay and took over from Lt. Commander Cameron Dustin – Sniper. He sat next to Andrea's bed, taking her free hand in his. He saw her eyes flicker open. "Hi sweet thing."
"Hi," she managed a smile. "I guess I slept all night."
"You did,"
"So what happened while I was out?"
"I found out I have a brother."
That had her curious. "A brother?"
He nodded. "A half brother, Sergei Zhukov. Webb brought him to the States, Mac and her husband got him here to us."
"Is he like you?"
"A little," he knew she was going to tease him. "Why sweetheart, one Rabb not enough for you?"
"You're all I need, Harm," Andrea whispered. She lifted her cast hand towards him, running her fingers over his face. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," he said softly, taking her hand as she rolled towards him, the cast was surprisingly smooth against his fingers. "What about you?"
"I'll survive," she whispered. "So do I get to met him, little brother Rabb?"
"You do, after you get out of here and debriefed, I'll take you to meet Sergei."
"Sounds a plan," she mussed, and then noted. "You look tired."
"I missed my bunk mate," he admitted.
"Mmm, I missed mine too, he dreams about me."
"Really, I better keep my eye on you, then," he smirked and they laughed quietly.
The door opened, making Harm sit back, pulling his hand free. The doctor came in. "Good morning Lt. Commander Gibson."
"Morning doc, can I get out of here now?" She asked.
He smiled. "You certainly can."
Jack and Beth strolled in at that point, Beth carrying a bag with clothing for Andrea. "Morning doc," the Captain patted the man on the shoulder. "If you don't mind I'll debrief the Lt. Commander before you released her."
"Of course Captain," the doctor announced, then hurried out securing the door.
Andrea chuckled and sat up with Harm's help. "Morning Cap, Skates."
Jack perched on the bed. "Morning darlin, now lets get down to business."
"Yes sir," she agreed.
Once the debriefing was over, Harm and Jack stepped outside while Beth helped Andrea dress.
"She's holding something back," the Captain stated and spotted the doctor. "Doc?"
"Yes Captain?"
"Could Hoots have injured her wrist before the mission, then aggravated it during to course the fracture?"
"That was what I told her," the doctor said calmly. "If she'd come to me before the mission, she may not have her wrist in a cast now."
"Damn, thanks doc."
He nodded and walked away.
Harm knew Jack wasn't happy. "Lets hear her side of the story, first Radar."
"Right," he said then barged into the room.
Andrea finished doing up her flight suit. "Captain."
"Sit Hoots, now!" He ordered and she did. "Your wrist was injured before yesterdays mission, correct?"
"Yes sir."
He ran his fingers through his hair. "Damn it Andy, why didn't you say something? What the hell happened?"
"I ran into Petty Officer Rollins, or more to it, he ran into me on the way to the flight deck." She explained.
"Rollins is a pig," Beth exclaimed and saw Jack glared at her. "He doesn't like women at sea, some of the female PO's and RIO's were talking about him."
He shook his head and looked back to Andrea. "What happened then?"
"I smacked my wrist on the bulk head when he pushed me over, though he said it was an accident," she continued. "He helped me up, gave me a half hearted apology and I caught up with Spectra, who was ready to deck the guy. The thing was it all happened in matter of seconds, I just didn't think about it."
"All right, I'll have Roberts check it out when he gets here," Jack decided. "Lets get you out of here."
Released, Andrea went with them to the Officer's Mess for breakfast. The Predators were present and they sat with them after getting their meal.
"How's the hand, Hoots?" Jodi asked.
"It's okay," she admitted.
"Hey, Cap, when are those cute daughters of yours coming to visit us again?" Lt. Marc Ryan, better known as Toga asked, he was Nathan 'Titan' Travis', RIO, a cheeky grin on his face.
"When hell freeze's over," he grumbled.
"A week after we return," Beth supplied, smirking.
"Thanks so much, Skates."
"You're welcome, sir." She said and they all laughed.
"JAG alert." Terry piped up, seeing Colonel Mackenzie and her husband enter the mess with a young man.
Andrea looked and then grinned, glancing at Harm. "Wow, Hammer you didn't say he was cute, must be those Rabb genes."
"Ha, ha."
"So who is he, Hammer?"
"My brother."
"You have a brother?"
"I do now," he remarked and gestured them over.
Sarah and Cam acknowledged the Captain formerly. "Sir."
"Sit down, Colonel, Commander," Jack ordered. "You too Sergei."
Sergei was given a sit between his brother and the Captain; he sat down receiving friend's smiles from them all
"Do the introductions, Hammer." Jack ordered, after Mackenzie and Sanderson had sat down.
Harm nodded. "Sergei, these guys and girls are the Predators: Captain Jack McKinley, Lt. Commander Elizabeth Hawks, Lt. Mitch Barker, Lt. Commander Terry Medwick, Lt. Lucas Rylands, Lt. Commander Cameron Dustin, Lt. Terry Peters, Lt's Kyle Austin, Zack Marshall, Wes Burton, Scott David, Nathan Travis, Marc Ryan, Geoff Becker and Taylor Reveal. Ensign's Nick Stevens and Alex Dylan, and Lt. Commander's Jodi Harrison and Andrea Gibson."
The Predators for their part, all recognizing a Russian name, greeted Sergei in Russia. The conversation staying in Russian, which Sarah was surprised to lean Harm now spoke fluently, as did Beth.
Cam though didn't, he cleared his throat. "Guys, you're being rude."
Chuckling, they apologized, returning to English.
Jack glanced at his watch. "Well, as much as we'd like to stop and chat, we have a briefing to attend, let's move," the Captain ordered seriously, all joking aside.
Without comment, the Predators all stood, Harm patted his brother on the shoulder as he left with the squad.
Sarah was surprised to see Gibson had gone with them. "Captain, will you be sending Lt. Commander Gibson, home?"
"No Colonel, Hoots will co-pilot the Cod," he answered and stood. "Commander Sanderson, I arranged with the Skipper for you to show Sergei around the ship."
"Thank you Captain." Cam said.
Nodding, Jack hurried out.
While the Predators were away from the Constellation, Lt. Roberts arrived with Clayton Webb. Sarah spoke briefly with Bud while Sergei was given his tour, the last she saw of Harm's brother and her husband, they were chatting to a squadron of helicopter pilots.
Clay found her on Vultures Row; she'd been watching the Predators return. "Captain McKinley wants to see us both in the Cod."
"All right."
They were escorted out onto the flight deck and over to the Predators Cod, the squadron mines those who'd been ordered to say were wondering out. Nodding to them as they passed. Sarah and Clay found McKinley, Rabb, Gibson and Roberts waiting for them.
"All right Webb, I got everyone here." Jack stated. "What's going on?"
"I found out something interesting concerning Commander Pike," Clay revealed. "And it has to do with Rabb."
"We're all ears."
Ignoring the comment, he continued, handing Harm a photo. "This is the reason."
Harm looked, the photo was of a little girl about five, soft blue eyes and a shy smile. "Who is this?"
"Your daughter Carly."
Shock laced his eyes. "My daughter?"
Bud handed Harm a file. "We did some investigating sir and found out that Commander Pike gave birth to Carly Michelle Rabb on the 20th of July 1996. She gave up all rights to the child and put her into Foster care, we've contacted them and confirmed Carly is your daughter."
"Where is Carly now, Mr. Webb?" Andrea asked, seeing the hurt in Harm's eyes. After everything he'd been through as a child, this really hurt him. He'd considered Caitlin Pike a friend.
"She's on her way to Pensacola, I've arranged for Harm to have custody of his daughter. One of my people is with her and she'll stay with her until you get back." Clay answered.
"Why did she hid Carly from me?" Harm asked aimlessly.
"That's something you'll have to ask her, Harm."
"There's more sir," Bud added. "Commander Pike has a file on you sir, she's trying to put a case against you."
"There's got to be more to this," Sarah stated. "Kate has to have a reason why she's going after you."
"It's not just the Commander, Ma'am. It's the all the Predators."
"But why?"
"That's what we'll find out," Clay declared. "At least now we have one piece of the puzzle solved."
"You really must of pissed her off, flyboy," Sarah noted light heartedly. "A lot to get her to go after you and the Predators."
"Thanks, Ninjagirl."
Jack chuckled at the names. "All right, one thing at a time. Hoots talk to Roberts about Rollins," he ordered and she nodded, moving to one side with Bud. "Webb thanks for your help."
"No problem, I'll see what else I can find out."
"Good."
"I'll talk to the Admiral when I get back," Sarah announced. "It's time to bring him into the loop."
Jack nodded, and then addressed his XO. "Hammer, as soon as Hoots is finished with Roberts, get your bags packed. I'm sending you both back to the States. You need to be with your daughter and Andy should see a specialist about that wrist, not that I don't trust the doctors here."
"Understood sir."
He then turned to Sarah. "Colonel, thank you for your help."
"You're welcome sir, though I didn't do much."
"You've brought Hammer and his brother together."
She smiled warmly. "That was the least I could do for a friend."
"Good, because you may be pissed at me for what I'm about to ask," he remarked as he escorted her and Webb of the Cod. "I want to borrow your husband."
"My husband?"
"I'm a pilot down with Hammer, leaving."
Clay chuckled, stopping when he saw the look he was being given by the Marine. "Hey you should be honored he's asking to borrow your husband."
That made Jack smile. "We'll look after him, Colonel and I'll have him back for Christmas. I just want to give Harm time with his daughter."
She understood that. "Aren't you two pilots down, though?"
"My RIO is also a qualified pilot, he'll take Hoots bird."
"Well I can't speak for my husband, Captain. You'll have to ask him."
"I'll do that, Colonel."
She nodded and hurried away, going inside. Clay and Jack followed. The Captain wasn't done with Webb though.
"You didn't happen to bring Sergei service record did you, Webb?" He asked.
"I did, want a look?"
"I wouldn't have asked if I didn't."
Snorting, Clay agreed. "It's in my quarters, I even had it translated into English."
"How nice of you, Webb."
After receiving the file, Jack had a good look, and then made a few calls. When he was finished, he went and found Sergei.
"Mr. Zhukov," he greeted, finding the young man in the wardroom.
"Captain."
He sat with him. "I have a proposition for you. How would you like to join the Navy?"
"I don't understand?"
"Then let me explain it to you," he said smiling and did so, concluding. "Well what do you say, Sergei."
Sergei held out his hand. "You have your man, Captain."
Jack shook it. "Excellent," he stood. "Lets get things sorted out."
"Aye sir."
An hour and a half later, they were heading out to say goodbye to those leaving on the Cod, Cam had decided to stay, he was saying goodbye to his wife.
Harm spotted his brother and the Captain coming towards them, both were flight suites. "What's going on, sir?"
"I recruited your brother." Jack revealed grinning. "Ensign Zhukov here is going to be my co-pilot while you and Andy are gone."
His XO shook his head, grinning. "I leave you alone with my brother and your recruit him?"
"Well, I couldn't resist," the Captain smirked. "Now get going and look after Andy?"
"Yes sir." He saluted and turned to his brother. "Be careful little brother."
"I will, brother." Sergei agreed and saluted him.
Harm did also, and then gave him a quick hug. "See you when we get back."
"I will brother."
He joined Andrea and Sarah inside the Cod; Bud was staying to sort out the problem with Rollins, so they all sat together. Webb had already disappeared. "Are you all right, Colonel?" Harm asked her, after they'd launched.
She nodded. "Flying doesn't really agree with me at the moment."
"Then why did you come out here?"
Sarah put a protective hand over her stomach, giving it a gentle rub before she answered him. "I realized I was wrong. I had no right to say to you what I did. Blame it on hormones I suppose, either way I'm sorry."
"Apology accepted," he said then smiled that flyboy grin of his.
She chuckled, seeing Andrea was leaning against Harm's shoulder. "She can sleep anywhere I take it?"
"Anywhere," he teased. "But she has me for a bunk mate, so that explains everything."
Sarah let that one side; she still didn't understand how they got away with it. "She's special though, isn't she?" She said quietly.
"What is it you want to know, Mac?" He asked her bluntly.
She sighed. "Do you love her?"
Harm didn't answer; he couldn't, not aboard a crowded Cod. "I can't answer that Mac, you know that."
"All right," she let it drop. Hopefully once their friendship became stronger again, he would confide in her.
NAS Pensacola (A few days later)
Harm yawned as he and Andrea were driven home; he was looking forward to not only meeting his daughter, but also getting a good night's sleep. A car was parked outside their house; they noticed it as they were dropped off. A woman got out, along with a little girl, who held her hand.
"Commander Rabb," the woman held out her hand. "Agent Masters."
"How do you, do Agent Masters," he hankered down before the little girl. "You must be Carly."
"Are you my daddy?"
"I am."
She released Agent Masters hand and throw herself into his arms. "Don't you love me?"
"Of course I do sweetheart," he insisted. "You see I didn't know about you until a few days ago," he stood taking her with him, holding her in his arms. "But now your going to stay with me, I promise."
"Can I call you daddy?"
"Sure you can, sweetheart," he said smiling.
Agent Masters got the little girls bag from her car. "This is everything Carly has, the paper work is here. Good luck Commander."
"Thank you Agent Masters."
She smiled and hurried back to her car, driving away.
Harm grabbed his seabag and the little girls bag. Turning to Gibson. "Carly, this is Lt. Commander Andrea Gibson, she lives here with daddy and we work together."
The little girl smiled. "Hello."
"Hello Carly," Andrea said with a warm smile. "How about we go inside and have some milk and cookies."
"Okay."
Harm smiled and carried his daughter, Andrea unlocked the house and they went inside. Leaving the bags they went into the kitchen. Carly was seated, her father getting the milk from the fridge, they'd phoned a head and had Harriet do a food run for them.
The little girl noticed the cast on Andrea's arm. "Did you hurt yourself?"
"I did," she answered, sitting next to her. "I was pushed over and fractured my wrist. Pretty silly, huh?"
Carly nodded. "Did it hurt?"
"It did a little."
Harm put a glass of milk on the table for his daughter and got the cookie jar, he found out early Beth was a cookie lover. So they always had cookies in the house. He smiled seeing this gorgeous little girl and the woman he loved together.
"Daddy?"
"Yes sweetheart?"
"Will I have my own room?"
Andrea looked to Harm, with the same pleading look as his daughter, making his heart swell. "We could convert the den into a bedroom for Beth, I'll move into hers and Carly can have mine since it's closest to yours."
"Sounds like a good idea." Harm agreed and was going to make some plans when the phone rang. He got up and answered it. "Rabb."
"Hey Hammer, met that cute daughter of yours yet?" Jack McKinley inquired over the phone.
"I have, we're having milk and cookies at the moment."
"Really, you having milk and cookies?"
"Okay, Carly's having milk and cookies," he smirked. "What can I do for you, Radar?"
"Well, Skates and I were talking and we realized you didn't have a room for Carly. So I volunteered my spare room to Beth, I sent the cleaners in to make the move," Jack revealed. "Andy's now in her old room and Carly's in Andy's. Harriet, bless her helped pick out some furniture for her. So go up and take a look, I'm sure she'll love it."
Harm was surprised. "Are you psychic or something Captain?"
"Why's that, Commander?"
"Because we were just discussing what we were going to do."
"I thought by now Hammer, you would have leant never to underestimate me."
"No longer, sir. Thank you."
"You're welcome. Oh and make sure Andy sees the specialist. I know she'll try and wiggle out of it."
"We'll make sure of it, sir."
"Alright, be good Hammer, if you can't be careful."
Harm chuckled. "Aye, aye sir," he said, then hung up. "Come on ladies, I have a surprise for you." He picked Carly up. "It seems Captain McKinley did some rearranging for us."
Andrea was curious. "What kind of rearranging?"
"Beth has moved into his spare room and Harriet organized some furniture for Carly," he answered as they walked up the stairs. "Beth thought about it and Jack did the arranging, you've been moved into her old room and Carly's in yours."
"I'm taking the Lt. Commander's room?" Carly asked surprised.
"No sweetheart, I'm giving it to you, so you can be close to your dad," Andrea told her. "And you can call me Andy."
"How about Aunt Andy." Harm insisted.
"Okay," his daughter agreed.
They showed the little girl to her room, being surprised by the bedroom furniture.
Carly clung to her father, tears in her eyes. "This is all mine?"
"It sure is sweetie."
She hugged him, and then reached out for Andrea, who gave her a hug too. "Thank you."
"You're family, sweetheart," she said gently.
Harm hugged them both. "We're a family now, Carly."
"Aunt Andy too?"
"That's right," he sat her on her bed and hunkered down. "You see, Aunt Andy and I are members of the Predators and the squadron is so close, we consider everyone in it and those involved with us family. Now you're here, you're a member of the family too."
"I'm a pred, pred…"
"Predator," Harm said again. "And yes."
"Okay."
Andrea sat down beside her. "How about you change out of your nice dress and after your daddy and I change out of our uniforms, we show you around?" She saw the little girl nod. "Would you like me to help?"
"Could daddy?"
"Sure sweetie, I'll get your bag."
So while Andrea when down to get the bag, Harm helped his daughter out of her dress and when Andrea returned with the bag, he helped her put on a tee shirt and shorts, as well as sandals, realizing the were going to have to go shopping for Carly, she needed a lot of everything. "Okay sweetheart," he tugged playfully on one of her light brown pig tales. "How about you play quietly while Andy and I change."
"Okay daddy, can I play downstairs?"
"Sure darlin, but don't open the door and stay in the living room."
"Okay," she grinned and hurried out.
Andrea smiled as Harm got up, going into his waiting arms. "She's so cute, Harm."
"I know," he kissed her forehead. "I have to ring mom and Frank and tell them."
"Lets get changed first," she mused, smiling. Then slipped out of his arms, tugging playfully on one hand. "Come on, you have to help me, I'm injured."
He chuckled. "Yes Ma'am."
They dressed in casuals and headed down stairs to Carly, who was sitting on the floor looking at a squadron photo.
Harm sat beside her. "Hi sweetie."
"Why did mommy leave me?"
"I don't know honey," he drew her into his arms. "But I'm not going to leave you."
"You promise?"
"I promise," he said hugging her.
Andrea sat with them. "How about we just stay home and watch a movie?"
"Do you have Disney?"
They didn't but Andrea knew who did. "We don't sweetheart but I know someone who does and it'll only take me a few minutes to go over there and borrow a couple."
"Okay."
Harm kissed his daughters head. "That's my girl," he knew this was going to be hard, but he would be there for her.
Andrea got up. "I won't be long."
"Thanks Andy," he said warmly.
"No problem," she said, and then mouthed. 'I love you,' before hurrying out.
Carly stayed in her father's arms. "I like Aunt Andy, daddy."
"So do I sweetie."
"Can she be my mommy?"
He was surprised, but knew she didn't fully understand. "Well we'll just have to see."
"Okay."
Harm cuddled her close. "Your grandparents are going to love you," he mussed and grabbed the phone, dialing the number, smiling when he heard his mother's cheerful voice. "Hi mom."
"Hi sweetheart, I thought you were deployed?"
"We were mom, I'm home with Hoots, she's broken her wrist and there's more mom," he paused.
"What is it darling?" His mother asked aguishly.
"You have a granddaughter."
"I have what? Harmon Rabb, Jr. you'd better explain yourself right now?" She demanded.
He chuckled. "I will mom, the short story is I found out I have a daughter, she's right here with me. Her name is Carly."
"Oh my, is she like you, Harm?"
"Oh yeah mom," he exclaimed and handed the phone to the five year old. "Say hello to grandma, Carly."
The little girl took the phone. "Hello grandma."
"Hello darling, Carly is a beautiful name."
"Are you going to come to visit grandma?"
"I think I am, darling, would you like grandma and grandpa to come visit?"
"Yes."
"Then you'd better put daddy back on the phone, so grandma can organize things."
"Okay," she handed the phone back.
Harm thanked her. "Mom?"
"Frank and I are flying out, we'll get the first flight. I want to meet my granddaughter."
"Okay mom," he knew better then to argue with her. "Let me know the flight number and we'll pick you up."
"I'll do that, and I want the whole story when we get there."
"You'll get it mom," he heard Andrea returned. "I have to go mom."
"Harm, I love you."
"I love you too mom," he said and hung up after her goodbye.
Andrea came into the living room with two movies. "We have Cinderella and Snow White."
"Yeah," Carly clapped her hands, making the two adults laugh.
Andrea made popcorn and they sat down to watch Cinderella, Carly sitting happily between them. At the end of the movie, while Harm gave his daughter a bath, an experience for them both, Andrea cleaned up and ordered pizza for dinner, hearing laughter upstairs.
The ringing of the phone broke into her musings; she quickly answered it. "Gibson."
"Hi honey."
"Hi Trish," she greeted; Harm had mentioned during the movie he'd rang his mother.
"Frank and I are on our way, we've got the company jet."
"What time will you get in, Trish?"
"Seven in the morning, honey," Trish told her. "How are things so far?"
"Fine, at the moment Harm's giving Carly a bath."
"Well that should be interesting."
"By the laugher I'd say it is," Andrea jeered and then heard the doorbell. "Trish I have to go there's someone at the door."
"All right darling, bye."
"Bye," hanging up, she hurried to the front door, seeing through the spy hole it was the pizza delivery guy. She opened the door. "Hi."
"Evening Ma'am," he gave her a smile.
She gave him the money and managed to take the pizza box. "Have a good night."
"You too Ma'am."
She shut the door with her foot and carried the pizza into the living room, putting the box on the coffee table, then returned to the kitchen to get some napkins. Returning to the living room. "Come and get it!"
There was laugher and giggling and then the running of footsteps down the stairs and Harm came in carrying his daughter. "Present and accounted for, Ma'am."
"Then take your seats Mr. Rabb, Miss Rabb."
"Aye, aye, Ma'am."
Andrea noticed Carly wore when one her tee shirts with Predators written across the chest as she put the second movie in, turning the television back on. Sitting next to the little girl. "I guess we needed to go shopping tomorrow."
"I think so," Harm agreed. "Did I hear the phone ringing while we were upstairs?" He asked as he handed her a slice of pizza on a napkin.
"You did, your mom rang. They'll be here by seven in the morning, they've got the company jet."
He then gave his daughter a slice of pizza on a napkin, and then got a slice himself. "Well I guess Grandma will want to take you shopping then Carly."
"Really?" She asked with a mouthful of pizza.
"Really," he mused. "Not that I think, Aunt Andy minds you wearing her tee-shirt."
"Not at all, sweetheart," Andrea said happily and they sat back and watched Snow White and ate their pizza.
By the time the movie was over, Carly was asleep on her fathers lap. He carried her upstairs to bed while Andrea took the movie out and turned everything off. Leaving the pizza box on the counter, she turned off the last of the lights, make sure the door was locked and went upstairs.
Harm was coming out his daughter's bedroom; he partly left the door open. "How could she have done this to me, Andy?"
"I don't know," she said softly, slipping her arm around him. She couldn't understand it either; Carly was such a nice little girl.
"Come on sweet thing, your going to need a hand to have a shower," he said drawing her down to his room.
"Are you volunteering?" She mused.
"Oh yeah," he said grinning. In the adjoining bathroom, he helped her out of her clothes as she toed off her shoes. He slipped her cast handed into a plastic bag, making sure it was secure. Stripping off he joined her under the spray. "I've missed this."
"So have I," she said, feeling his hands on her body, gently caressing.
He nuzzled her neck. "I love you, Andy."
"I love you too, Harm," she turned in his arms and rose up on her toes, kissing him, circling her arms around his neck. They made love feverously under the shower spray, then after drying off more slowly on his bed, drifting off to sleep wrapped in each other's arms.
Early the next morning, Harm felt her move from his arms. "Where are you going?" He whispered waking up.
She grabbed his robe from the wardrobe and slipped it on. "I don't think it would be wise for Carly to see us together. And it might be an idea for you to put some clothes on too. She'll probably want to come in here and wake you up."
"Good point," he slipped out of bed and pulled on a pair of boxer shorts, then drew her back into his arms. "I'd rather wake up with you in my arms."
"I know," she kissed him, a soft, gentle kiss. "I'd better go, we're going to have to get up soon anyway to go meet your mom and Frank at the airport."
"Okay," he released her. "Yell out if you need any help getting dress."
"I will," she promised and slipped out of the room.
Harm crawled back into bed, glancing at the clock; it read oh five hundred, which meant he had a half an hour before getting up. He was starting to drift off when he heard the door open and little feet run into the room. Opening his eyes as his daughter climbed onto the bed. "Morning sweetheart."
"Morning daddy," she said cheerfully and hugged him.
He held her in his arms, getting the feeling she didn't get a lot of hugs before coming to him. "How did you sleep?"
"Good."
"That's good."
There was a knock and Andrea came in, grinning at the sight of the two of them. She was dressed. "Morning you two."
"Morning Aunt Andy?"
"Who's hungry?"
"I am," Carly said jumping out of her father's arms, bouncing on the bed.
Harm laughed. "Easy tiger," he grabbed her around the waist and pulled her down to him, tickling her.
She giggled, and then broke free, scrambling off the bed, running over to Andrea. "Catch me daddy."
Getting out of bed, Harm went after her; scooping her up into his arms he kissed her check. "Got you."
"Aunt Andy needs a good morning kiss," Carly decided, innocently.
"She certainly does," he agreed and held his daughter over towards the shocked Andrea, letting Carly kiss her cheek.
"Thank you Carly," she managed to say.
"Your turn daddy, you kiss Aunt Andy good morning," the little girl insisted.
Harm grinned and did just that, but not on the cheek, he kissed her lightly on the lips. "Morning."
"Morning," Andrea said quietly, blushing.
"Lets get dressed and then we'll go have some breakfast," he suggested, putting Carly down.
She took Andrea's hand, the one without the cast. "Aunt Andy can help me."
"Okay sweetheart," her father agreed.
Andrea led her out of the room, leaving him to dress. She helped the little girl as best she could; getting dressed herself had been a challenge. Finally Carly was dressed in a tee shirt and shorts, her sandals on her feet once more. "There you go, as pretty as a picture."
Carly picked up the tee shirt she'd slept in. "Aunt Andy, can I sleep in this again?"
"Sure sweetheart, if you want to."
"Yeah," she put it away and then hugged her. "I'm glad I came to live with you and daddy."
"I'm glad you came to live with us too, honey," Andrea whispered. "Come on, let's get something to eat."
Downstairs in the kitchen, Harm had made toast for his girls, pouring milk for his daughter, but making tea for himself and Andrea. Smiling as they came into the kitchen. Anyone could have easily mistaken Carly for Andrea's, one day perhaps she could be. He came out of his daydream and put his daughter in her chair. "Eat up sweetheart."
"Thank you daddy."
They ate breakfast and then drove to the airport, finding Harriet had gotten Harm a boaster seat, she'd thought of everything. Together the three of them waited for the Leahjet to land, Carly between the two of them. The little girl was excited not only to see the plane but to meet her grandparents too.
Trish Burnett was first off the jet; she gave her son a hug, then scooped her granddaughter up into her arms, the little girl laughing excitedly.
Frank came over to them; he shook Harm's hand and gave Andrea a hug. "I see Grandma has introduced herself."
Trish playfully swatted his arm. "Grandma's privilege."
Carly grinned, a smile that reminded everyone of her father. "Hi Grandpa."
"He sweetheart," he lifted her from his wife's arms, holding her.
Harm got their bags and they headed home, this was the first time since he'd moved there that his mom and Frank had been to visit. Usually he and Andrea made the trip to La Jolla and stayed with them.
Trish watched her son and granddaughter playing in the backyard, they tackled Frank to the ground, the three of them laughing.
Andrea came to stand next, handing her a cup of coffee.
"Thank you sweetheart."
She smiled warmly, chuckling at the sight of the two grown men being chased by the little girl. "Carly's mother tried to hurt him, but in the end, she's made him a very happy man."
Trish nodded. "Does he know who she is?"
Andrea sighed. "Commander Caitlin Pike."
That shocked the older woman. "Kate?"
She nodded. "She's got it in for Harm, I don't know why, but she's trying to hurt him."
"She won't though, will she?" His mother asked.
"No, she won't," Andrea, said sternly. "The Predators protect their own, we're family."
Trish put her hand on the young woman's arm. "And you love him."
"Yes, I love him," she admitted. "That's why she won't win."
To be continued….
(I'm not really sure whether Sergei would have been aloud to join the Navy the way I wrote it, but after all, it is just a story.)