Title: Hammer and Hoots
Author: Anaika Skywalker
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: I don't own JAG; I just like to spread my wings occasionally.
Author's Note: Hi, thanks for the reviews. Winjan (Yes Pike is gone permanently, and yes you will get to see Harm's promotion ceremony), Jbird7986 (I like it, thanks for the idea), r (thanks for the idea, I don't know if it exists either but it sounds good), joanoa (I realize there are a lot of jobs, but not being in the Navy or even American makes it hard to know what Jobs there are, thank you for your help), everlover (thanks for the ideas, the answer will be in this chapter), SiberianRavyn (I haven't thought about putting Harm's grandmother in, but thanks for the idea), Tmctflyboy (Okay, because you loved it, you can have an action scene. Just a little one though.)
Hammer and Hoots
Chapter Seven: Something old, something new
Predator 'Frat House' - NAS Oceana, Virginia Beach, Virginia (February 2002)
Lt. Commander Elizabeth Hawks finished cleaning out her locker, closing it for the last time. She'd thought long and hard about her career and what she truly wanted out of life, losing her baby had brought it all to ahead. It was time to move on.
Zipping up her bag, she walked out of the locker room into the main room; the rest of the Predators hadn't arrived yet.
"Were you going to leave without saying goodbye?" Her friend asked her.
She stopped. "It's better this way."
"For who Beth?" Harm asked her; they'd been through a lot together.
Turning she faced him. "For me, Harm and for you and the squadron, I just can't do it any more. I've tried, but my heart isn't in it, not any more. I want a husband, a family, children running around the backyard. I can't have that flying."
"So what are you going to do?"
"Admiral Combs offered me a position on his staff, I accepted. Just as I accepted Jack's proposal."
"So you're just going to leave?"
"Yes," she answered.
Harm crossed the distance between them and embraced her. "Don't lose touch, Beth."
Dropping her bag she hugged him. "I won't," she promised, tears in her eyes. "I want you to be my baby's godfather when Jack and I have one."
"I'd be honored."
She stepped back. "I have to go."
"Be careful, Skates."
"Always Hammer," she said, managing a smile. Grabbing her bag she walked out of the 'Frat House'.
Harm just stood there, he hadn't expected her to leave; he hadn't wanted her to. He felt a tug on the khaki trouser leg of his duty uniform. He looked down and saw his daughter. "Hey kiddo."
"Where's Aunt Beth going?" Carly asked.
"She's moving on, Carly," he said aimlessly.
The little girl didn't understand, but she did know her daddy was sad. "Will we see Aunt Beth again?"
"I'm sure we will," he lent down and picked her up, giving her a smile. "How about we get your school bag from the office, Aunt Harriet will be here soon to drop you off," he said and carried her back to his office. He'd come in early to do catch up on paper work. Since Andrea had gone to a meeting with the secNav, and the Captain had gone to one with the CNO, he'd come to the 'Frat House' early. Andrea's meeting had to do with her position within the Predators, now that she'd passed her psychology degree; the secNav had wanted to discuss this with her. He wasn't sure why the Chief of Naval Operations had wanted to see the Captain.
Harm sat his daughter on his desk. "There you go sweetheart."
"Daddy, is grandma and grandpa coming back to visit?"
"Later in the year they will, darlin," he assured. His mother and stepfather had left after Christmas, having return to La Jolla. He heard a voice calling out. "In here Harriet."
Lt. Harriet Sims-Roberts bustled into the office, little AJ on her hip. "Morning Commander, Carly."
"Morning Harriet."
"Hi Aunt Harriet," Carly greeted. "I'm ready for school."
"Are you sweetheart."
"Uh huh."
Harm helped her put her little backpack on. "There you go, sweetheart."
"Thank you daddy," she stood up on his desk and gave him a hug. "I love you daddy."
"I love you too, sweetheart," he said warmly, hugging her back.
Harriet smiled, Harm was a natural father and he loved his daughter very much, that was very clear. "Well sweetheart we have to go."
"Okay."
Harm lifted her off the table. "Be good for Aunt Harriet sweetie."
"I will daddy," she assured. "Bye daddy."
"Bye sweetie."
"She'll be fine, sir," Harriet said. "Mrs. Dustin will pick Carly up along with Shelly and Trevor."
"All right Harriet."
Samantha Dustin, Lt. Commander Cameron Dustin's wife, had volunteered to look after Carly while both Harm and Andrea were at work. She also looked after Lt. Wesley Burton's son, James until he and his wife finished work. Samantha had run a day care center before her children Shelly and Trevor had been born, she'd offered her services to Harm as soon as Carly had come into his life.
Carly took Harriet's hand. "All ready Aunt Harriet."
"Lets go then sweetie," she said and the three of them left, AJ giggling happily.
Harm signed and sat down on the edge of his desk. He couldn't imagine life without Carly now, any more then he could imagine life without Andrea in it.
He was still sitting there when Andrea walked in; she wore her standard dress blues, her cover in her hands. "Hey daydreamer," she mused.
Harm smiled. "Hi, how did the meeting go?"
"Interesting," she put her cover on his filing cabinet and moved closer to him. "He offered me the position of attaché to the Chief of Special Naval Air Operations."
"Who is?" He asked her, tugging her closer, so she stood between his thighs, his arms going around her waist.
She lent forward and whispered the name in his ear, then straightened. "I said yes, so after I report to the CSNAO, I'll be returning here to the Predators, TAD. It seems the secNav wants a SNAO officer in every first strike squadron and aircraft carrier."
"He's going to be busy organizing that." Harm mused. "What about the Predators?"
"The secNav said the CNO will organize the Predators new Captain," she revealed and lent forward, her lips brushing over his. "I'm guessing your 'Eagles' are on their way."
"We'll see darlin."
She wiggled out of his embrace. "I'm going to change."
"Need a hand?" He asked with a cheeky grin.
"I think I can handle it, Hammer," she mussed, grabbing her cover.
"Remember no flight suites this morning," he reminded.
"Gotta boss," she teased and rushed out of the office, laughing.
Harm chuckled, he stood and slipped off his flight jacket, since he'd turned the heating on it wasn't cool enough to wear any longer. He hung it up and returned to his paper work, getting it completed.
Leaving his office he saw Andrea among the other Predators, all were in duty uniforms, all having chosen long sleeves over flight jackets.
He also noticed something else, she was wearing her engagement ring, which made sense; they were no longer under the same chain of command.
She seemed to sense he was watching and glanced around, smiling.
Jodi Harrison had been happy for his driver. "So how long are we going to have you, now that you're attaché to the Chief of Special Naval Air Operations?"
"According to the CSNAO, he wants one of his offices in ever first strike squadron. So you're going to be stuck with me for a while," she mused. "Which means I won't be leaving anytime soon."
"Well just give me plenty of notice, after all I'll be the one breaking in a new driver," he said matter-of-factly.
She shook her head. "I'll remember that."
"So who is the CSNAO?" Cam asked her.
"I'm under orders not to say anything until he arrives with the secNav and the CNO, Sandman."
"And they'll be announcing our new CO?" Cameron Dustin asked.
She nodded. "Though I believe we have nothing to worry about there."
"You know who it is." Terry Peters, Cameron's RIO stated.
"I have a hunch."
"Damn good hunch I'd say by the way your grinning." Michelle Read, Cam's RIO declared.
"Call it women's intuition." Andrea mused.
They all looked when the door opened, seeing not whom they were expecting, but Ensign's Zhukov and Coates come in, carrying a bag each. They were welcomed back, hearing how they were put through the short course to get them back quickly.
"Let's go get you two settled," Andrea suggested and patted Sergei on the back. "Then you can have a family reunion."
"An interesting one by the rock on your finger," he remarked.
She playfully smacked him on the arm. "You knew about the rock, pain."
He grinned, as did Jen. The rest of the Predators; stood there with their mouths opened. None of them had even noticed the engagement ring.
"When did this happen?" Jodi demanded, taking a look at the ring.
"Harm asked me Christmas Eve, but I couldn't start wearing it until after the meeting with the secNav," she explained.
Michelle had a look too. "It's beautiful."
"His father gave it to his mother, she put it away for Harm."
Sergei saw his brother was watching. "Brother, join us."
He did. "So the cat is out of the bag, huh?"
"It is."
"Congratulations, Hammer." Cam said, shaking his hand.
"Thanks Sandman."
They all congratulated him, Sergei and Jen slipped into the locker room and changed into duty uniform. They returned a few minutes later. "Sir, where is Lt. Commander Hawks?" Jen asked.
"Skates has transferred out of the squadron, she's an advisor to Admiral Combs," Harm explained, seeing the shocked faces around him. "I only found out myself this morning."
They were consoling that fact when the secNav and three high-ranking officers came in. Lt. Nathan Travis saw them. "Attention on deck!" He called and they all snapped too.
"Fall in Predators!" Admiral Combs ordered.
They quickly did so and the secNav and the Officers went and stood before them. Now the cat was out of the bag.
"As you can see Captain McKinley had been promoted," Admiral Combs announced. "As of oh nine hundred this morning Admiral Jack McKinley is Chief of Special Naval Air Operations. As he passes on command of the squadron to his replacement, I am confident you will give your new commanding officer the same respect as you have given Admiral McKinley."
Next to him, Jack smiled, taking over. "Commander Rabb, front and center," he ordered and went he stood before him, he continued. "Commander Harmon Rabb is hereby promoted to the rank of Captain," he saw the squadron smile happily. "Raise you right hand and repeat after me."
Harm did so. "I will bare true faith and allegiance to the constitution of the United States and its country whose forces it directs. I take this obligation freely and without any mental reservations and I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office which I am about to enter."
"So help me God."
"So help me God," he concluded.
"You are hereby promoted to the rank of Captain. Congratulations Captain Rabb."
"Thank you sir."
Jack removed the oak leaves from Harm's collar and replaced them with 'Eagles'. He then handed him a case and documentation. Harm saluted him, smiling. Jack smiled and returned the saluted before shaking Harm's hand. "It was a honor and a pleasure having you under my command, Captain," he said proudly. "I turn all duties of commanding officer of the 215th Fighter Squadron over to you. Take care of them, Captain."
"I will sir."
Formalities aside, the now Captain Rabb stood next to the secNav. Who then took a moment to say a few words? "The President of the United States, your Commander and Chief and I have been in conference with his advisors on the situation with Iraq. I have orders for deployment for the 215th on board the USS Patrick Henry. You leave in two weeks, meeting the carrier in the Persian Gulf. Orders will be given to Captain Rabb at the end of the week."
The Chief of the Navy took over. "Your orders will include the use of F-18 Super Hornets, all ready on board the Patrick Henry. Mission requirements will be forward to your SNAO officer, Lt. Commander Gibson, who will forward them to Captain Rabb. Good luck Predators."
Admiral Combs dismissed them and they were free to congratulate their new Commanding Officer and wish their old one well. The secNav, CNO and Admiral Comb wished them well, and then left.
Jack patted Harm on the back. "I have a few suggestions for you concerning the squadron. If you have a moment?"
Harm grinned. "Of course, Admiral."
"Thank you Captain."
Harm turned to the Predators. "We have a hop at eleven hundred, I'm sure I'll be finished with the Admiral by then," they laughed. "Until then behave."
"Aye, aye sir," the all jeered.
He rolled his eyes and followed the Admiral into his now former office.
Jack was chuckling; he sat down and gestured for Harm to do the same. "They're happy you've taken over."
"Either that or they're happy to be rid of you, sir," he smirked.
"Very funny."
Harm grinned. "I thought so, sir."
Shaking his head, Jack sat back. "Lets get down to business, I have a fiancé to meet for lunch."
"So do I," the new Captain smirked.
"So who do you have in mind for XO?" The Admiral asked. Having noted Andrea was wearing an engagement ring.
"It's down to Sanderson and Medwick." Harm revealed.
"They're both good men, but I would chose Sanderson over Medwick, he has more experience. However Medwick has some quality leadership possibilities. Which leads me to my idea of having an XO and a Division Commander."
"Sanderson as XO and Medwick as Division Commander," Harm guessed. "Both can also double as Division Leaders."
"Yes. I was going to bring this idea into the squadron before they offered me the position of CSNAO." Jack stated. "I also had Zhukov and Coates put though extra training while they were OCS. You'll find they're both qualified to handle F-14. Your brother had no problems qualifying because of his training received in Russia and Coates is smarter then she makes out. And you can rotate the Cod crew to keep your hours up in the Tomcat and the Hornet."
"I like your ideas, Admiral."
"I thought you would," he announced. "And the secNav has approved the use of a Prowler, as we discussed a few weeks ago. It arrives in four hours. You have until deployment to get the squadron qualified to fly and operate her."
"No problem." Harm remarked, and then sat back, changing the subject. "So you're marrying Beth?"
"And you're marrying, Andy," Jack stated instead of answering. "Not that I mind, just take care of her while your deployed."
"I plan on it, but then again we always take care of each other." Harm told him.
"And Carly?"
The sobered the younger man. "As much as I hate leaving her, I guess she's going to have to get use to it. Lt. Sims is going to look after her, she offered. If it becomes to much for Harriet, then my parents will fly in and stay with Carly."
"Don't forget Beth and I, if it becomes to much for Lt. Sims, we'd be honored to help out. Carly can stay with us," he offered. "As I'm sure the other Predator wives and husband would also be happy to help out."
Harm saw the expression that passed over the Admiral's face. "What is it?"
"It's the first time I've even acknowledged the fact that there is a Predator with a husband, I know Lt. Read hasn't been with us very long, but she does have a husband and a son," he revealed. "It just seems unusual to say it, for the nearly seven years I had Hoots under my command and the four years she was the only woman in the Predators, I never even though of the fact that one day she could have a husband to come home to."
"Never?"
Jack shrugged. "I guess I always considered her to be like a daughter or one of the guys."
"What about after Beth and I came into the squad?" Harm asked him.
"Bunking with Beth made me realize real quickly she was a woman and very different to Andy, but she was also your RIO, so she was just one of the guys."
"So when did it change, sir?"
"The first Christmas, you and Andrea went to visit her Uncle and Aunt and the Wall. Beth and I spent Christmas together," Jack answered. "I had her over for dinner, she was standing by the window seat, she looked so alone that I came up behind her and wrapped my arms around her. She lent back in my arms and rested her head against my shoulder. It was an action my ex-wife use to do all the time. By instinct I kissed the top of her head, it was purely innocent."
"But something else happened?" Harm guessed.
He nodded. "She turned around and looked in my eyes, the next thing I know we're kissing each other and making love. After it was all over we lay there on the floor in each other's arms and I thought to myself. 'I love this woman.' I didn't know how I knew it, I just did."
"But you kept it to yourself for a long time after."
"We did, I suppose we denied it for a while too until in the end we couldn't deny it any longer," Jack stated. "I expect it was similar to what you and Andy experienced."
Nodding Harm agreed. "It was the evening we came back form NAS Key West, during the storm. You'd taken Beth out for dinner, so Andy and I had the house all to our own; I kept her mind off the storm and everything seemed all right. We had an early night, she didn't fall asleep right away, we lay there talking," he revealed, recalling what had happened. "She fell asleep for a little while and I doze off myself, it wasn't for very long though, an hour at the most. I woke when she did, she was breathing hard, I pulled her closer and the next minute I was kissing her and she was responding. Then we were making love. I knew; as she lay in my arms fast asleep, trusting that I would keep her safe, that I loved her and she loved me."
"So you let go."
"I let go," he agreed.
Jack nodded and stood. "I have to be going, I'll send my yeomen back to pack up my belongings."
Harm walked him out. "Must be nice having a yeomen at your disposal."
"Ha, ha, very funny, Rabb."
"I though so."
Jack turned and took his hand. "Remember what I said, Beth and I have no problem in helping out with Carly."
"I will, thank you Admiral."
"My pleasure. Take care, Harm."
"You too, sir." He acknowledged and went back to his office, putting the case and documentation on the desk. Glancing at his watch he returned to the Captain's office and put all of Jack's belongings into a box. Everything else would remain.
"Checking out your new office, Hammer?"
Harm turned seeing Cam. "You could say that, come on in Sandman." He did and his CO continued. "I'd like you to accept the position of XO."
Cam was a little surprised. "Thank you."
"You're surprised?"
"I expected you to offer it to Tuna," he admitted.
Harm smiled, leaning against the desk. "I've got something else in mind for Tuna," he revealed. "In fact, give me a hand and I'll explain it all to you."
"I'm all yours sir."
"Good," he lent off the desk. "Lets get to it."
As they shifted Harm's thing from one office to the other, he explained to Cam what he wanted to do. Once they were done they sat down and made a couple of changers to the divisions.
Harm was happy with what they'd done. "Lets change and brief the squad. They'll be suited up and in the briefing room by now."
"Aye sir." Cam agreed with a grin and saw Harm roll his eyes.
Leaving the office they headed into the locker room, changing into their flight suites. Harm noticed the leather ID badgers on his flight suits had been changed. He had a feeling Jack was responsible. Something else bothered him though. He walked around to Cam. "When is the baby due, Sandman?"
That stopped his XO. "March 20th," he said softly and sat down quickly. "Oh God I'm not going to be here."
Harm sat beside him. "I'm sorry Cam, I didn't know they were going to do this."
"I just assumed I'd be here," he ran his fingers through his hair. "I have to tell Sarah."
"Cam, relax, Mac is going to be upset, but she'll understand," Harm assured, then thought about it. "If we're still in the thick of things around the 20th, then I'll see if I can send you home. I don't know for how long, but I'll see what I can do."
"You'd do that for me?" the Commander asked.
"I'd do it for any of my officers," he patted him on the back. "Come on, let's get this briefing started."
Nodding Cam followed him out; Harm made one stop at his office, and then continued on to the briefing room. The Predators got to their feet as they entered.
"Remain standing," he ordered. "Those of you I call out sit to the left, those I don't sit to the right," he told them. "Sanderson, Read, Gibson, Harrison, Becker, Revel, Travis, Ryan, Zhukov and Coates," all seated where they we suppose to except Backer and Lt. Roberts, who had joined them for this briefing. "Backer, you'll be my RIO from now on, sit to the left. Roberts, you're going to be trained to handle the equipment on the Cod, sit with Wizard." They did and he went on. "Those on the left, excluding Wizard and Roberts are Division one, those of you on the right are Division two. The squadron's new XO is Commander Sanderson; Lt. Commander Medwick is Division Commander. They are also your Division leaders. Questions?"
Jen had one. "Division Commander, sir?"
"If you're having problems in your Division you will address them to Tuna. If he thinks any of you are having problems, he will counsels you or if it's bigger then he can handle. He brings it to Commander Sanderson and myself. In short Ensign, he's your new den mother." They chuckled over that, including Terry Medwick. Harm continued. "The Cod crew will continue to rotate, so hours can be kept up. The secNav has also approved the use a Prowler. Which you will all be trained to either fly or be electronic countermeasures officers, some of you both. It'll be here by this afternoon."
"Why a Prowler, sir?" Ensign Nick Stevens asked.
"Because a Prowler has abilities the Cod doesn't. For one it's armed and two, with a Prowler in the Squadron, we can have two missions running simultaneously."
"Why not fly two Prowlers and retire the Cod from mission status," Andrea suggested. "We've had too many close calls with it. With a second Prowler in the squad, we can use the Cod for mostly transport."
Cam saw the sense in that. "She has a point Captain."
He agreed. "I'll put it to the secNav."
"Sir, if I may, I'd suggest putting the request through Admiral McKinley, since he is CSNAO," she stated.
"Very well, I'll leave it in your hands then, Lt. Commander."
"Aye sir."
"Any other questions?" Harm asked them.
"Sir," Zach Marshall got his attention. "Just one sir," he said, and then grinned. "So is the wedding going to be at Annapolis or something more intimate?"
Their new Captain laughed, grinning his 'flyboy' grin. "When we've decided, Zipper, we'll let you know," he remarked and then announced. "All right boys and girls, lets go flying."
They grabbed their helmets and tagged the sign on the way out, heading over to their Tomcats.
Bud walked beside the Captain. "Are you sure you want me to do this, sir?"
"I'm sure Bud," Harm stated. "Lt. Bridger is waiting at the Cod, he knows everything there is to know about the equipment we have. So don't worry, a lot of what's in the Cod, is in a Prowler too. You'll do fine."
"But sir, I'm a lawyer, not an aviator," Bud contradicted.
They stopped walking and Harm faced him. "Bud when you agreed to be a part of the Predators, did you really think you were just going to be doing our legal work?"
"No, not really sir, but I didn't think my duties would be so…."
"Dangerous?"
"Yes sir," he said almost apologizing.
Harm nodded. "All right Lieutenant. If you don't think you can handle it, then you have my permission to walk away. You're right, you're not an aviator or a NFO."
That surprised Bud; but he was never one to back away from a challenge either. "If you don't mind sir, I'll head over to the Cod and talk to Lt. Bridger."
"I don't mind at all, see you when we get back, Lieutenant."
"Aye sir," he snapped off a salute and hurried away.
Harm chuckled and hurried to catch up to the other's who were waiting by the Tomcats. "Ladies. Do we have a problem?"
"Yes sir, we do," Cam stated. "Ensign Coates, front and center."
She reluctantly stepped forward. "Sir?"
Cam looked to the Captain. "Sir, Ensign Coates doesn't have a call sign."
Harm noticed Jen was trying not to seem concerned. "Then Predators we'll have to do something about it, suggestions?"
There were grins on all their faces. "Tiger!"
He chuckled. "Well, Tiger it is," he told her. "All right Predators lets fly."
Andrea patted him on the backside. "See you in the air, Hammer."
Smiling he shook his head. "Take it easy, Hoots."
"Always," she mused.
Jodi slipped his arm around his driver's shoulders. "So Hoots do you think Melissa will marry me before we deploy?"
"Are you in a hurry, Spectra?"
"Yeah, I've waited long enough."
She chuckled. "I'd say."
"Thanks darlin."
"You're welcome," she mused.
Harm walked with his brother. "Are you up for this, little brother?"
"Of course, I flew a MiG 29 in Russia, I can fly a Tomcat," he said casually.
"You flew a MiG 29?"
"I did, before I chose to fly helicopters," Sergei said matter-of-factly.
"All right, little brother; let's fly." Harm said with a grin and hurried over to his bird and RIO.
Jen grabbed Sergei's arm. "I don't know if I can do this."
"Sure you can," he assured. "I have faith in you, Tiger."
She smiled and blushed. "All right, Rusty."
They climbed aboard their Tomcat, their crew chief helping them to secure. When they were set, the Chief gave Sergei the thumbs up and climbed down. He ignited the engines and closed the canopy. "Here we go, Tiger."
"Here we go," she repeated and they went quickly through the checklist. Taxiing into position, they called in and took off with the rest of the Predators.
In the air, they broke into Divisions.
"All right boys and girls, Division one is the aggressors," Harm ordered, they broke off. "Division two, watch your backs."
"And you, Hammer?" Terry Medwick asked, with a chuckle.
"I'm going after you all," he mused and went high.
Sanderson sent Gibson after their Captain, while he and the rest of the Division went after Division two.
"Where is he, Spectra?" She asked.
Jodi chuckled. "He just nailed, Ace," he informed and gave her the coordinates.
The mock dogfight became fast and furious, until it was down to three Tomcats - Gibson, Sanderson and Rabb.
"There he is Hoots, nail his six," Jodi declared.
"Lets do it, Hoots," Cam agreed. "I'm on your six."
Andrea pushed her Tomcat hard. "Locking on," she announced, and just as she got tone and was ready to fire, the Tomcat ahead of her suddenly went underneath her's. "Shit." She pulled back hard on the stick and put the Tomcat into a tight loop, flying upside down. She rolled the Tomcat the right way up as she came up behind Harm's. Finding out Cam had stuck to her six, coming up behind her. "That only works once Hammer."
"Then I'll do better, Hoots," he mocked over the radio.
She smiled. "Sandman, stay with him," she ordered, and then rolled down and away.
"What are you going to do, Andy?" Jodi asked her.
"We're going to play chicken," she informed.
He looked at the radar and found they were now heading towards Hammer and Sandman. "Are you sure about this, Hoots."
"Trust me," she said and pushed the throttle forward, picking up speed. They hit mach one just as they went overhead of Harm's Tomcat, the distraction of the sonic boom was enough for Cam to lock on and fire. Slowing down she circled back, forming up on their wing. "Bang, bang," she said with a sweet purr.
"That was nasty, Hoots." Harm said lightly.
"Hey all's fair in love and war, Hammer." Cam smirked.
"Very funny, Sandman."
Andrea just laughed. "Maybe next time, Hammer."
"Which there will be Hoots," he promised. "Lets go home."
They landed a few minutes later, taxiing their Tomcats into formation with the rest of the squads, shutting them down they climbed out.
Harm patted Andrea on the back. "Nice move, Andy."
"Thank you sir," she said with a grin.
Cam patted her on the back also. "You're good Andy."
"I know, sir," she bragged.
"Guys cut it out, she's hard to put up with now," Jodi groaned.
They laughed and headed into the 'Frat house', removing their helmets, going into locker room. The rest of the squad was there, consoling each other.
"So who got him?" Lt. Scott David asked.
"I did, with a little help from Hoots," Cam revealed.
"She sonic boomed me." Harm grumbled.
They all laughed and congratulated Andrea, laughing with her.
Cam and Harm watched. "She is good, Hammer."
"I know," he agreed. "That's why I have her on my wing." He informed. "Five minutes, Predators, then we debrief."
"Aye, aye sir," they all jeered and he groaned, shaking his head.
14th February – Hanger 18: NAS Ocean, Virginia Beach, Virginia
Sarah Mackenzie-Sanderson glanced around the hanger; it had been transformed for the Valentines Day Costume Dance. She and Cam came as Robin and Maid Marian. She saw the Predators were there, as were members of JAG that had been invited and other officers assigned to Oceana. "Do you see Harm?"
Cam grinned. "I believe Captain Solo is over there."
Sarah looked. "Which means, Princess Leia is around somewhere," she mused, seeing Harm at the bar dressed as 'Han Solo'.
Her husband saw Gibson. "Oh yeah, she's here."
She looked and saw Andrea walking towards Harm dressed in the slave girl costume that Princess Leia wore in 'Return of the Jedi'. "That… is … some costume."
"Oh yeah," was all Cam could say.
She dug him in the ribs. "Hey, 'Robin Hood', remember me."
He laughed and hugged her. "Darling, I maybe looking, but you're all the woman I need."
"Which is how it should be," she remarked.
Harm and Andrea made there way over to them. "Hi, Mac, Cam," he greeted.
"Captain," Cam smirked. "Princess."
Andrea grinned. "Robin, Maid Marian."
"That costume is…." Sarah couldn't finish her sentence.
"I have a friend who's a costume designer, she made mine and Harms." Andrea revealed.
Harriet came over to them, the blonde was dressed a slinky cream dress. "Ma'am," she addressed the aviator dressed as Princess Leia. "It's time."
"Thank you, Harriet," she turned to Harm. "I've got to go find our Luke Skywalker."
He tugged her into his arms and kissed her. "Later sweetheart."
"You'd better believe it," she mused and hurried away with Harriet.
"I have to get going too," Cam announced, he kissed his wife's cheek. "I'll be back."
Sarah watched her husband and the other Predators disappear. "What's going on?" She asked Harm.
"You could say, the Predators own Luke Skywalker is marrying his Mara Jade," he answered and saw her confused look. "Oh come on Mac, surely you've read at least one Star Wars book?"
"Well, Cam has them all, but I haven't read them."
Harm shook his head and chuckled. "Lt. Commander Jodi Harrison is dressed as Luke Skywalker. His fiancé is dressed as Mara Jade, who in the Star Wars novels married Luke," he explained. "Spectra wanted to marry Melissa, before we were deployed. So we've arranged it."
"That's so romantic."
"I'm a romantic guy," he mused; he then took her arm, guiding her through the crowd. "We've a chair at the front for you, so you don't have to stand and will still get a good view."
"You've thought of everything," she noted.
"Well you're pregnant and shouldn't be on your feet," he got her to the comfortable chair and helped her to sit down. "There you go."
"Thank you. Where is Carly tonight?"
"She's here, you'll see her in a few minutes," he answered. "She's part of the wedding party."
"That's so cute."
"Yes she is. Excuse me Mac," he said then hurried to get everyone ready.
Samantha Dustin came over to her; the honey blond was dressed as a handmaiden. "How are you feeling, Sarah?"
"Like a whale," Sarah said goodheartedly.
The younger woman laughed. "Don't worry, it'll be over soon." They saw the Chaplain take his place. "Isn't this so romantic. It amazes me the Captain and Harriet managed to put this all together."
"He's full of surprises."
A nervous Jodi Harrison came into view; he was dressed as a Jedi Knight, as was his best man or woman, since Andrea was doing that for him. She'd changed costumes. Both their costumes were those of Jedi Knights of the Old Republic, mines robes. Harm stepped up beside the Chaplain; he had a microphone in his hand. "Ladies and gentlemen, can I have your attention," everyone settled down. "I'd like to thank you all for coming tonight to the Valentines Day Costume Dance." He paused at the clapping and whistles. "As some of you may know, the 215th Fighter Squadron is deploying to the Persian Gulf. One of the Predators came and told me he wanted to marry his fiancé before he left, so with the help of Lt. Sims, we managed to incorporate into the dance, a small ceremony. So I hope you will join us in celebrating the wedding of Lt. Commander Jodi Harrison to his fiancé, Melissa Conrad."
The remaining Predators formed a wide guard of honor; all were dressed as the groom and his best man. The dance guests moved to stand where they could see. Harm went and stood next to Andrea, as the music started.
Everyone looked to see, Melissa, a lovely red head, was in a beautiful soft white gown, on the arm of her father, being guided between the two rows of 'Jedi Knights'. Just a little before them were Carly in a pretty white and pink dress and Harriet; who had agreed to be bridesmaid since Melissa's best friend couldn't make it and the Lieutenant had taken the younger woman under her wing.
Mr. Conrad gave his daughter away and went and stood with his wife, smiling happily. The ceremony began and the Chaplain led the couple through their vows and the giving of rings, before pronouncing them man and wife. Jodi took his wife in his arms and kissed her, for the first time as man and wife.
Andrea turned, as the couple parted, rising her voice. "Ladies and Gentlemen, presenting for the first time. Lt. Commander and Mrs. Jodi Harrison."
She and Harm, then hurried to the end of the guard of honor, receiving their ceremonial swords, they helped form the arch for the newly weds to pass through. As the groom passed with his bride, Andrea swatted Melissa lightly on the backside. "Go Navy."
The red head laughed, as did her new husband. Swords were returned to sheaths and the guard of honor dismissed, so they could congratulate the happy couple.
Carly hurried over to her father and Andrea, who were handing over the ceremonial swords to an Ensign to put away, so they could enjoy the dance. "Daddy."
Harm picked his daughter up into his arms. "Hi sweetie, you were a very good flower girl."
"Thank you daddy. Aunt Harriet helped me get dressed while Mommy Andy was," she said proudly.
"You were very good." Andrea praised her.
Jodi and his new wife made it over to them. He shook Harm's hand. "I don't know how to thank you sir."
"Just treat your wife right and have a great marriage."
Melissa kissed his cheek, having to stand on tiptoes to do it. "Thank you, Captain."
"You're welcome Melissa."
She hugged Andrea. "Thank you so much."
"It was our pleasure," Andrea insisted, and then was hugged by Jodi.
"Thanks Andy," he whispered in her ear.
"That's what families for, Jodi," she said quietly.
He kissed her on the forehead, then took his wife's hand and led her back to the well-wishers.
Harm took Andrea's hand, while keeping a good hold on his daughter with the other. "So Princess, are you doing to change back into the slave girl costume?"
She saw the wicked look in his eyes. "I just might, for you."
Carly yawned. "You looked pretty mommy Andy."
"Thank you darling, but I think it's time you went to bed."
"Now."
"I'm afraid so," her father agreed and saw Jack McKinley's twin daughters coming over to them. "Here are your special babysitters now."
Carin and Catherine McKinley were identical twins in their early twenties; they were studying at Georgetown law school. "Hello Captain Rabb, Lt. Commander Gibson. Carly," the later greeted.
"Hello girls, thank you for babysitting, we shouldn't be too long." Harm said.
"No problem, Captain," Carin insisted. "We enjoy looking after Carly."
He gave his daughter a kiss on the cheek. "Be good for Carin and Catherine."
"I will daddy," she then lent over and hugged Andrea. "You'll say good night when you get home?"
"Sure will babe," Andrea agreed.
"I love you Mommy Andy," she whispered.
"I love you too Carly," the aviator whispered back.
The little girl went tiredly to Catherine, the twins bided goodnight to them and took the little girl home.
Harm drew Andrea back into his arms. "Go change, I have an urge to dance with my lovely fiancé."
"You've got a deal," she said and slipped away.
Cam returned from changing, going back to his Robin Hood costume. He joined his wife. "Would you like to dance, lovely Maid Marian?"
"I'd love to," she agreed as the music started playing again.
He took her hand and helped her up, leading her out onto the dance floor. She hadn't taken his deployment news well, but she understood. In his arms, dancing to the music she felt safe and content.
"It was a beautiful ceremony," she said quietly.
"Yes it was," he agreed.
They saw Andrea return and slipped into Harm's arms as he drew her onto the dance floor.
"They look good together," Sarah noted.
"Mmm, they do, and I'm sure once we return from sea duty. They'll be having their own wedding."
"He purposed?"
"He did."
She snuggled as close as her pregnant body would allow. "I'm glad, he deserves to be happy."
"Like us?"
"Yes, like us," she agreed silently.
Later that night, when the party was over, and the hanger was only partly lit, a smaller group of partygoers stood together. Two stood before the chaplain as yet once again he promoted a couple through wedding vows and the exchanging of rings. And once more a new husband was aloud to kiss his new wife, after being pronounced such.
To be continued…. (Any guesses to who the other newly weds are?)