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: Firstly I'd like to say thank you to everyone who reviewed and backed me up on the F-4 seating debate. I do a lot of research when I write these stories, so I try to get everything right. I do occasionally get it wrong and thanks to great reviewers; I go back and fix it as much as I can. I'm going to include a bibliography at the end of this chapter, so everyone can see where I get my information from, so keep reading and once again thank you to everyone who reviewed. And please, be nice, my beta didn't have time to read this one, she was busy reading the last chapter of 'If things had been different.'
Winjan: No harm done about the mix up, I was just too lazy to actually name the guy. I'm sorry to see Harm and Beth not flying together too, but I had to do it, sorry.
Erin: Sorry, but your wrong, F-4's did have two seats, I did my research. I'm glad you like the story though.
Jbird7986: Thanks for backing me up and for the info on the F-18's.
R: Thanks for your back up too and the information.
Anon: Guessing is good and you're right.
Not A Muggle: Sorry you're wrong. Check Anon's review for the right answer.
Harmsgirl: I'm not going to even waste my time commenting.
SiberianRavyn. I'll see what I can do. Sergei is kinda cute though, isn't he? In an innocent Rabb sort of way.
Hammer and Hoots
Chapter Eight: Frontline
Persian Gulf – 19:00hrs"Andy… Andy keep your eyes opened," Jodi insisted.
She reopened them, disappointed to find they were still in the water, still in the life raft together. An hour had gone by since they'd ejected. A SAM had hit their Super Hornet, they'd limped out to sea as far as they could and then when she'd lost control Jodi had punched them out, which was when she'd hit her head.
Andrea looked up at the night sky. "It's beautiful."
"What is?" Jodi asked, he held her close, keeping her in the raft with him. If it hadn't been for the storm that had passed over them, they'd be back aboard the carrier. Enjoying the after mission bantering that usually went on.
"The sky." She answered him, braking into his thoughts.
He looked. "Yeah it is."
"Reminds me of the time we ejected over the Atlantic," she said, fighting hard to stay awake. "My teeth… were… chattering."
"Mine to," he mused and rubbed her arms. When she didn't say anything else he became worried. "Andy… Andy, come on Lt. Commander, stay awake."
"I'm so tired, Jodi."
"I know, but you've got to stay awake," he urged. "Talk to me some more, tell me about Carly?"
"She didn't want her daddy to leave, or me," Andrea revealed opening her eyes again. "She cried herself to sleep the night before we flew out."
"No wonder Hammer was quiet."
"He was worried about her," she coughed as a wave hit them. "Lt. Sims said she settled in. That she likes playing with little AJ."
Jodi wiped the water from his face. "Wait until she has a little brother or sister."
Andrea smiled. "Don't want to flying with me anymore, Spectra?"
"Of course I do," he assured. "I'm not looking forward to not having you in the front seat."
"Thanks Jod," she mumbled, starting to doze off again.
He squeezed her hand, keeping her alert. "Stay with me Hoots, tell me something else?"
"Harm is great in bed, he's a wonderful, tender lover," she revealed without thinking.
"Wow, way to much information Andy," Jodi smirked, grinning. Though what was said between them would stay between them. "So he's pretty good huh?"
She chuckled. "Yeah he is."
"Do you remember your first time?" He asked her.
"Hotel room, Prom night," she answered. "With the Prom King?"
"Let me guess, you were the Prom Queen?"
"No," she smiled a little.
"Cheerleader, right?"
"Yeah, and a straight A student."
"Wow, brainy and good looking," he teased.
"Funny Spectra. Your turn?"
"My collage professor's house, she use to wear the tightest, shortest skirts and the smallest blouses," he revealed, grinning. "She made a man out of me that afternoon."
"Passed that course too, I bet."
"All ready had, the next day I graduated and joined the Navy, but what a graduation present."
She laughed, regretting it, it made her head throb so she stopped. "I had a crush on you when we first started flying together," she admitted. "I fantasized about kissing you."
"So was I any good?" He asked lightly.
"Not bad," she said straight faced, then laughed with him.
"What about Radar did you and he ever?" His voice faded.
"No. Radar was like a dad to me," she moved her head and her helmet dug into his shoulder, she heard him hiss. "Sorry."
"Don't be," he insisted. "Since we're being bluntly honest here," he mused. "Mel is a wild cat in bed."
Andrea started to laugh again and her head throbbed making her feel queasy. So when she moved quickly to one side, she nearly tipped them out of the raft, but she didn't want to lose her stomach contents in it though.
When she'd finished, Jodi pulled her back into his arms. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah, just a little seasick," she admitted. "Must be because of the concussion."
A wave broke over them, pushing what she'd had in her stomach away from them. Jodi was worried about his driver; she didn't lose her lunch that easily. "Are you sure?"
"I'm sure, Jod. The only reason I didn't haul my guts out in the Atlantic was I was too cold and I had nothing in my stomach," she reminded. "That and I didn't have a concussion."
"No, you had a dislocated shoulder," he recalled. Then changed the subject. "You know Mel was really impressed with the wedding."
"Well we aim to please," she mused.
"Of course she freaked out a little when the whole Jedi theme came up, but she got use to it."
"It was Harm's idea," Andrea revealed. "He's a romantic at heart."
"Well Mel loved it."
"I think everyone did."
"So what do you have planned for yours?" He asked. Talking to her kept her awake and that was what he wanted. "The squadron is placing bets as to how you and Hammer get hitched."
"Harm and I are keeping it a secret," she announced, smiling a little, she let her eyes close, but reopened them after a wave hit, spraying both of them. "I wonder how Mac is doing?"
"I'm sure she's fine, Mel is looking in on her and so is David," he stated, and then asked. "Mac and Hammer were pretty close I take it?"
"Still are, best friends."
"And you don't mind that?" Jodi inquired.
"No, she's married for a start and I can't tell him no when I have you for a best friend."
He smiled at her omission. "Which I am forever grateful."
"So you should be," Andrea said lightly. She looked up into the night sky again. "Where are they Spectra?"
"They'll be here," he pointed to his right. "That's where the carrier is, it looks like the storm hasn't passed it yet."
"Great," she grumbled.
"Hey, chin up Hoots, they'll get here. Hammer is probably diving the Skipper crazy."
"Probably," she agreed and then asked. "Does Mel want children?"
"Yeah, just not right away, she wants to wait a while and I accept that."
"I want children," she told him wearily. "Being mom for Carly has made me want it more."
"Will you go back to flying after you do?"
"That's the plan," she answered him. "Right now though I want out of the water and into some dry clothes."
"Ditto on that, Hoots."
She was quiet for a moment. "Jod, I'm sorry," she apologized.
"For what?"
"For not being able to avoid that SAM."
"It wasn't your fault," he reassured. "You were incredible, you are incredible when it comes to flying, Andy," he managed to move a little beneath her, when he'd hit the water he felt pain rip up his knee. "Andy, can you move your leg off mine?"
She did. "Are you all right?"
"I think I've jarred my knee."
Before she could say anything a wave bigger then the one before hit them and tipped the raft and them into the ocean. Both came up spluttering, it was a lucky thing both were strong swimmers. Jodi got back onto the raft and grabbed Andrea, pulling her up on top of him, holding her close.
She rested her head against his chest, not minding at all that she now lay on her stomach. "Jod, why didn't you ever try anything? You had every chance?"
He was surprised by her questioned. "You're like my sister, Andy. I love you, you know that, but as a brother would love his sister," he said quietly.
"Thanks Jod."
He rubbed her back, he could have easily fallen for her, but he didn't. They lay there in silence, the sound of the waves braking against the raft. Every so often he checked to see if she was still awake.
The lull of his heartbeat was making it hard to stay awake; she wanted to drift off, to let the darkness take her. She let her eyes close; it would hurt to do so for a quick moment, she just needed to rest, to sleep.
"Andy," Jodi shook her but she didn't wake. He'd gone to sleep and she'd closed her eyes. God he was so stupid. "Damn it Andy wake up, please?" There was still no response, then a moan, it was faint but it was a moan. "Come on Andy, wake up."
She managed to open her eyes. "Want to go home."
"Me too," he agreed. "Tell me something else, keep talking Hoots."
"Harm has scars on his back and hips from his ramp strike," she revealed. "He was in traction for weeks, he had to lean to walk again."
"He's never said anything."
"He doesn't like talking about it, I can understand that," she said wearily. "We both have scars, physically they've faded but physiologically they're still there."
"You've never said anything before," he noted.
"I blocked it out until Harm made me face it, just as I made him face his," she closed her eyes as another wave splashed over them, forcing them open again. "We're both damaged goods."
Jodi chuckled. "You're not damaged, Andy," he assured her. "I know you and I know your not."
"I'm just good at hiding it," she mused. "Just as Harm is."
"This from someone who has a Physiology degree."
"Even shrinks need a shrinks sometimes."
"I must remember that."
There was a moment of silence, finally though Andrea spoke. "Do you remember when I first arrived at Pensacola and Radar said I was you new driver?"
"Yeah," he chuckled. "I called you a Barbie doll."
"I showed you I wasn't." she noted.
"Oh yeah, you did at that. The first time we went up together, I had a hard time telling which way was up," he divulged. "After we landed I felt like I wanted to heave my guts up."
"You deserved it," she told him.
"I know," he rubbed her back. "We've been through a lot, Andy and we've survived."
"Both the good and the bad," she agreed. "Lucky for us, it's been more good then bad."
"Yeah. Especially at times like this, it could have been a lot worse, a hell'va lot worse."
Andrea closed her eyes again; she was finding it harder and harder to keep them open, it was just so peaceful. His heartbeat was once again lulling her asleep and the gentle rocking of the raft, felt so relaxing.
"Andy," he panicked, it had been hard enough to wake her before. "Andy, please honey wake up." He shook her gently, hearing what he really needed too - rotor blades. "Did you hear that? Come on Andy wake up, helps here."
She opened her eyes, hearing it. "About bloody time," she managed.
Jodi laughed, he needed to laugh; she'd scared the hell out of him.
Andrea was winched up into the helo first; the corpsman removed her helmet before checking her over. "Ma'am, can you hear me?" He asked. Her eyes were closed again.
She nodded and opened her eyes. "Spectra?"
The corpsman realized she was asking about her RIO. "He's on his way up," he informed covering her with a blanket.
"Jarred his knee," she informed, eyes closed.
"Stay with me, Ma'am."
Her eyes opened and painfully she turned her head and saw Jodi being helped into the helo. The rest of the trip was a blur to her; she slipped in and out of consciousness. By the time they stretched her into sickbay she was unconscious, oblivious to all around her.
Harm arrived in sickbay moments after being informed his people had been brought in. He wanted to know they were all right, more importantly he wanted to know his fiancé was all right.
Cameron Sanderson went with him; the XO had Gibson flying his wing when she'd gone down. "She'll be fine Hammer, so will Spectra."
The Captain nodded. "Sorry I couldn't get you home to Mac, Cam."
"It's okay, I know she's in good hands," he said with a sight smile. His RIO's husband was a doctor who promised to keep an eye on Sarah, as had Melissa Harrison. Jodi's new wife was a nurse and mid-wife. Of course he wasn't the only husband whose wife was overdue, or the only sailor to miss the birth of his child.
The rest of the Predator's followed in Sergei and Jen, all were concerned by what had happened, and they were family.
"Guys quiet down or you'll have to leave," Cam warned and they did so.
Sergei went over to his brother. "Sir, Falcon has the HUD taps secured."
Harm smiled at the call sign his pilots had given Lt. Roberts. "Thanks Rusty."
"Any news sir?" Jen asked.
"Not as yet," he answered. "Division two, you have a hop to fly in four hours, hit the rack. Once we've heard something we'll let you know."
"Sir," Terry Medwick stepped forward. "With all due respect sir, we'd like to stay."
"I appreciate that Tuna, but I need you guys rested," Harm insisted. "I promise as soon as word on their conditions is given, I'll send Titian and Toga to let you know."
"Aye sir," he yielded, seeing sense. "All right Division two, fall out."
Reluctantly those in that division left, leaving Division one to take up a visual.
Sergei put his hand on his brother's arm. "Andy will be fine brother," he said quietly.
"I hope so Sergei." Harm said just as quiet.
They waited, finally the doctor did come out. "Lt. Commander Harrison has jarred his right knee, he'll be right in a few days. Lt. Commander Gibson has a mild concussion; we'll monitor them both over night, and release them in the morning," he reported. "Captain, Lt. Commander Gibson is asking for you. Make it quick."
"Thank you doctor." Harm turned quickly to his men. "Until Hoots is debriefed, one of us will stay with her. Since I'd like her debriefed in a lucid state, it'll wait until morning. I'll take the first two hours."
"I'll take the next sir," Sergei offered.
"I'll relieve Rusty, sir," Jen informed.
Cam volunteered after that, as did Mac Ryan.
"All right, Sandman, get in and see Spectra. If he's lucid, then debrief him, if not, Toad, Thunder, Wheels and Titian will sit with him in turn." Harm ordered.
"Aye sir."
Harm followed the doctor to where Andrea was resting, being left alone with her he went and sat beside her bed, leaning forward he took her hand. His touch woke her.
She managed a smile. "Sir."
"It's okay, Andy. We're alone," he reassured.
"We had no chose, we had to eject," she said quietly.
"Commander Sanderson told me, he saw the whole thing,"
"Everyone else fine?"
Harm smiled. It was typical of Andrea to think of others before herself. "They're fine. I had to order Tuna's division out of sickbay, though."
Her eyes closed and then reopened. "How's Spectra?"
"His right knee is jarred, but he's going to be fine," he brushed the hair away from her face. "Cam's with him at the moment."
She closed her eyes, not bothering to open them again. "So tired."
"Sleep then darlin, I'll be here for a while longer."
"Okay."
Harm smiled to himself, bring her hand to his lips he gently kissed it. "Night sweetheart," he whispered.
Cam came in a little while later, keeping his voice down. "I debriefed Spectra, he's sleeping. So is someone else I see."
"She was talking in her sleep almost."
"Sounds like Andy," Cam mused with a smile. "Why don't you get some sleep sir, I'll stay until Sergei arrives."
"I'm fine, Cam."
"No offence, sir, but you're exhausted," Cam told him. "As your XO, I insist you get some sleep."
Harm chuckled quietly; he'd made the same demand to McKinley when the Admiral had been in command. "All right, Sandman," he released Andrea's hand. "Stay and I'll tell Sergei to relieve you in two hours. Jen can take over from him and then Marc. I'll be back in the morning."
"No problem."
Standing, Harm patted Cam on the shoulder. "Thanks."
"No problem, Captain," his XO said smiling. "Now get out sir."
"I'm going, Commander," he insisted and reluctantly left.
Cam sat where his CO had, when he'd first joined the Predators he didn't realize how much his life would change and it did. He'd joined a squadron and inherited a family.
Sergei arrived to relieve him on time. "Evening sir."
Cam stood and stretched. "Evening Sergei."
"Everything all right sir?" Sergei asked.
"Fine Rusty, she hasn't woken up," the Commander reported. "See you in the morning."
"Aye sir," Sergei sat down as the Commander left. He opened the book he'd brought with him and began to read. After an hour he gave up and put it down on the bed. He stretched out his legs and settled back in the chair. When he heard a moan he sat up, seeing Andrea was awake. "Hi."
"Sergei," she rolled onto her side. "How long have I been asleep?"
"Three hours," he sat forward. "How do you feel?"
"Like I've been asleep all night," she mused and noticed the book. "What are you reading?"
"Tom Clancy."
She picked it up, looking. "I've read this one," she held it out to him. "Talk to me?"
"Should you sleep some more?" He advised.
"I'm not tired."
Sergei smiled and pulled the chair closer. "So what do you want to talk about, sister?"
That brought a smile to her lips. "How are you and Jen getting along?"
"We're getting along well. She no longer blushes when I walk into our stateroom and she is barely dressed," he answered, keeping the mood light. "She also no longer blushes if I walk around in my boxer shorts at home."
"I bet she's too busy checking you out." Andrea smirked.
He chuckled softly. "Well fair is fair, I check her out when she strolls around in her underwear."
"So you're getting on well?"
"We're not sleeping together if that is what you're asking?" He informed.
"I don't believe I did ask that," she declared, and then stated. "So why haven't you jumped her bones?"
He laughed. "I didn't not say I haven't had sex with her, I said we were not sleeping together," he said matter of fact.
"So how does she feel about that?" Andrea questioned.
"We are both adults who have adult needs, she seems quiet happy with the arrangement."
"I'm going to ask her, you know that," she smirked.
"I thought you might."
Andrea reached out and took his hand. "Are you happy though, Sergei?"
"Yes. I'm free, I have found my brother, will have a sister soon and our relationship may not be norm, but Jen and I are happy," he answered.
"That's good."
He brushed a finger over her cheek. "You should try and get some sleep."
She gave his hand a squeeze. "All right."
"You've given up to easily, sister."
She yawned. "I guess I'm not as awake as I first thought," she closed her eyes. "Night Sergei."
"Night sister."
Jen arrived forty minutes later; Sergei stood and went over to her. She smiled. "Morning."
"Morning," he dropped a light kiss on her lips.
She smiled warmly. "Missed you."
"Missed you too."
"So anything interesting happened?"
"Hoots woke up, we talked and then she went back to sleep."
"Oh and what did you talk about?" Jen asked him, keeping her voice down, amusement toned it.
"About you and I."
"Oh, did you tell her you're my play thing?" She teased.
"No, I told her you were my play thing," he said drawing her closer. "She will ask you about it if she wakes up."
"I bet she will," she mused. "See you later?"
"You bet, our stateroom, two hours."
"It's a date," Jen said in a sexy purr. "So be well rested."
"Tease," he accused.
"You love it," she mused, patting him on the backside. "Now get."
He tugged her into his arms and kissed her long and passionately. "Bye."
Jen watched him leave, trying to get her breathing back to normal. Damn that man could kiss. Jen didn't get a chance to talk to Andrea, by the time she woke up, Mac Ryan was seated in the chair beside her bed playing solitaire.
"Red Queen to black King," she suggested.
He smiled and did so. "Thanks Hoots."
"No problem."
"So how are you feeling?"
"Fine, not even a headache," she informed.
"That's good, I hate to see the Skipper take his threat against Hammer seriously," Mac declared grinning.
"Oh?"
He finished the game. "He told Hammer if he didn't stop pacing his bridge, he'd throw him over board. Than after you and Spectra were found, he said it stood if he found out Hammer was a pain in sickbay too."
Andrea giggled and sat up, sitting cross-legged. "So Toga, up for a couple of hands of Poker while we wait for the doc to show up?"
"Sure why not," he agreed and sat on the end of the bed, dealing the first hand.
The doctor arrived a few hands later. "Good morning Lt. Commander Gibson."
"Morning doc," she greeted and laid out her cards. "Full house," she revealed. "Good thing we're not playing for money Toga."
"Damn good thing," he announced and gathered up the cards.
"If you'll excuse us, Lieutenant," the doc insisted.
"Sure doc," he got off the bed and went out.
Harm was waiting. "Morning Toga."
"Morning sir. The doc is in with Hoots."
"Then she'll be needing these," the Captain said referring to the flight suite, tee shirt and boots he carried, he'd discreetly hidden the underwear between the clothing.
"Yes sir, I believe she will," Mac agreed.
A few minutes later the doctor came out. "I'm releasing the Lt. Commander and clearing her for flight duty. Don't push her Captain and make sure she rests."
"I'll do that doctor."
"Good. I'll go and see Lt. Commander Harrison then. Excuse me."
Harm smiled as the doc left. "Go grab some breakfast, Toga."
"Yes sir," he said eagerly before leaving.
Harm walked into Andrea's room. "Morning Hoots."
"Morning sir," she said with a cheeky grin.
He dumped the clothes and boots on the bed. "Get dressed, Lt. Commander, we have a debriefing to do."
"Yes sir," she stood.
"Oh and Hoots," he tugged her into his arms and kissed her before she could reply, a long slow kiss. "Don't do that again."
"Not planning on it sir," she said breathless.
"Good," Harm said, smiling as he left the room.
Andrea dressed quickly, once the laces were done up on her boots she headed out. Jodi was with Harm. "All ready sir."
"All right, let's get some breakfast and then I'll debrief you," the Captain ordered.
"Great, I'm starving," she urged.
"When aren't you starving?" Jodi teased.
"Watch it Spectra," she warned lightly.
They left sickbay, walking slowly, so Jodi could keep up, his knee wasn't too bad, but he wouldn't be running any marathons for a while. They headed to the mess; getting their breakfast they sat with the other Predators. All greeting Andrea and Jodi, they talked as they ate, laughing and joking. When they left they all did so together, going to the conference room that had been converted to the Predators ready room and locker room. Harm quickly debriefed Andrea, and then went through the days schedule with the entire squadron. Lt. Roberts interrupted them when he rushed in.
Harm could see Bud was excited about something. "Yes Mr. Roberts?"
"Sir, I just heard from Admiral Chegwidden. Colonel Mackenzie had the baby sir," he looked to Cam. "Congratulations sir, it was a boy. Seven pound."
"A boy?" Cam sat there stunned; the rest of the Predators congratulated him.
"Did you decide on a name sir?" Jen asked.
"Mackenzie," he told them, and then grinned stupidly. "I'm a dad."
They all laughed. First time fathers were the funniest.
Harm patted Cam on the shoulder. "Welcome to the club, Commander."
"Thank you sir."
"All right people, back to business," Harm ordered. "Mr. Roberts, call your wife and tell her the Predators would like pictures of their newest family member and have her organize a gift for both mother and baby from us all."
"Aye sir," he said smiling and hurried out.
"This mornings hop," he picked up the folder he'd left there earlier. "Division one: Gibson and Harrison will join myself and Backer as Prowler crew. Division two; you're on stand down until thirteen hundred, don't hassle the Raptors too much and make sure your birds are ready to fly. Sniper you and Ghost have bridge and LSO duty, don't push to many buttons. Also Tuna, check on the communications problem with your Prowler."
"Aye sir," the three men acknowledged.
"Division one suite up. Division two dismissed."
They all stood, came to attention and then moved. Division two left and the rest suited up into G-suites, returning to receiving the full briefing on the morning's mission.
"Lets fly." Harm ordered and they all stood, leaving the ready room, tagging the plaque they'd had put up over the hatch as they left, carrying their helmets and gloves.
"Are you sure you're up to this?" Harm asked Andrea as he walked next to her.
"I'm fine," she assured. "So am I flying?"
"No, you can sit second seat," he told her and saw her pout; Jodi and Mitch just chuckled following behind.
"Not fair," she grumbled.
"No it's not, but I've got the 'eagles' here, so you sit second seat." Harm mused, but then saw her smile. A 'you wait until we get home' smile. "What are you thinking?"
"I'm thinking, when we get home, the sofa is going to be very comfortable for you," she remarked and walked a head.
"I'm thinking you're not getting any when we get home, brother," Sergei smirked behind him, he and Jen chuckling. The rest of the Predators did too.
Harm stopped them, turning. "Just remember boys, if I get none, don't think any of you are going to get any either," he declared and addressed Read and Coasts as they giggled. "Ladies, remember I know your husband, Wheels and Tiger, I know your current partner." They stopped and he smiled, and then turned and hurried after the SNAO officer.
"He wouldn't? Would he?" Michelle asked.
"Damn right he would," Jodi declared.
"Remember he knows our wives and you single guys, he knows your girlfriends," Geoff Becker announced. "So we're all screwed."
"Damn," Cam swore and they hurried after him.
Helmets on the walked out onto the flight deck, going over to their aircraft, doing a safety check before climbing aboard. Secure, they waited to launch.
"Hey Hoots, you're not really going to make Hammer sleep on the sofa when we get home, are you?" Nathan Travis' voice came over the radio.
"I'm going to have to think about it, Titan, after all he is flying," she mused, grinning at Harm. She was going to play this out as long as she could. "Ready to fly Hammer?"
They were on the catapult, waiting. "I was born ready, Hoots," he answered.
She smiled. "Then lets do it, sir," she announced, calling it in. "Warpaint, this is Bandit leader, up and ready."
"Bandit leader, Warpaint, you clear to go."
"Rodger Warpaint."
Harm gave the crewmen a salute and they were suddenly thrown back into their seats as they were catapulted off the deck. The rest of the Predators catapulted off behind them one by one. Forming up with them.
"All right boys and girls lets go to work," Harm ordered, playtime was over, they had a mission to complete.
Andrea checked the radar; the two Prowlers the Predators flew had been refitted to their specifications. While as the normal ECMO did, she operated radar, communications and navigation; Backer console had been refitted, he operated ATARS, secondary radar and weapons. Harrison single handedly operated the tactical jamming. All Harm had to do was fly the aircraft and fire the weapons if needed.
"Warpaint, Bandit leader, feet dry," she called in.
"Rodger Bandit leader."
The other Predators called feet dry and the mission began.
Base Housing - NSA Oceana, Virginia Beach, Virginia
Harriet handed Sarah a cup of coffee. "Here you go, Sarah."
"Thanks Harriet," she sipped the warm liquid. "I didn't think having a baby would be so exhausting."
"Try having a toddler and a little girl around the house." Harriet remarked as she sat down. "Carly is her father all over."
"I have a feeling Mackenzie is going to be just like his daddy." Sarah smirked.
The two women laughed quietly, baby Mackenzie was asleep in the nursery, AJ was asleep on the spare bed and Carly was playing with a puzzle near by.
"So how are you feeling?" Harriet asked her.
"I'm fine, other then being tired, I feel great," the first time mother answered. "I sat beside his cot last night and just watched him sleep. It still amazes me that Cam and I gave him life."
"I know the feeling, I use to sit and just look and AJ and marvel over him, I feel so lucky to have him in my life."
They sat in silence for a while, drinking their coffee.
"Did you email Cam the photo's?" Harriet asked her.
"The day we came home from the hospital," Sarah answered. "I also said thank you for the gifts, they were great."
"Well the Captain ordered a gift for both mother and baby, so that's what I got."
That made Sarah smile, she and Harm had a good friendship now and she was getting use to this new Harmon Rabb. "Do you remember the day little AJ was born," she saw her friend nod. "Harm and I stood on the steps to JAG and made this silly deal."
"The baby deal?"
She was surprised. "You knew about it?"
"The Admiral over heard you and he told me about it," the blonde headed woman revealed. "I was hopping at that time you and Harm would see how much you loved each other and get together."
Sarah smiled. "Harm and I were friends Harriet, I don't think we could have been anything else. Which I think was why I agreed to the deal, I think I knew there was someone out there for me. I was very lucky to find Cam."
"Do you think you would have gone through with it, though?" Harriet asked her. "I mean if the Harm had come back to JAG and five years on?"
"I don't know," she admitted. "I suppose we'll never know. I have Cam, a darling baby boy and Harm has his daughter and Andrea, both who he loves very much."
"He is a good dad and Carly idolizes him and Andrea."
There was a knock at the door, Sarah put her cup on the coffee table and stood, answering it. Outside were Admiral Combs and Lt. Commander Hawks-McKinley. "Sir, Ma'am."
"Can we come in, Colonel?" The Admiral asked.
"Yes of course, sir," she opened the door further and they came in. She shut it and followed them into the living room, sitting when they did. Looking worriedly at Harriet before at the Admiral. "Sir is anything wrong?"
"We just got word a mission over Iraq went south, it involved both Division One and Division Two. Two Tomcats and one Prowler went down, four received damage, four of the eight Predators that went down have been rescued so far, the other four are still missing."
"Oh my god," Sarah put her hand over her mouth; she was shaking as she removed it. "Cam's missing isn't he?"
The Admiral nodded. "Along with Lieutenant's Read, Becker and Revel."
"Were there injured?" Harriet asked. Her husband occationally flew in the Prowlers.
"Yes," Beth answered her. "Lt. Roberts wasn't flying, Ma'am."
"Thank you," she was thankful but worried about Sarah, slipping her arm around her friend. "Who was injured?"
"Lieutenant Rylands and Marshall, Ensign Zhukov and Stevens are all in sickbay, Lt. Commander Medwick, Lt. Austin, Ensign Coast and Dylan, all have cuts and bruises."
"What about Captain Rabb?" Sarah asked. "And Lt. Commander Gibson."
"They're both fine," Admiral Combs reported. "We'll keep you informed if we hear anything, Colonel."
"Thank you sir."
Harriet showed them to the door, thanking them for letting them know.
Carly went over to Sarah, sitting beside her. "Aunt Sarah, is Uncle Cam going to be all right?"
"I hope so sweetheart."
The little girl hugged her honorary Aunt and Sarah hugged her back, the tears she'd been holding back started to fall.
Harriet came back in and sat the other side of her friend and held them both, praying to God that Cam, his RIO, Becker and Revel were found soon and brought back safe and sound. Both men were married; Geoff Beaker had a son James. Michelle Read's husband had helped with the birth of Mackenzie, she and David had a son Mark. Now the wives would come together to comfort the spouses and children of the missing, they were all family and family looked after family.
Persian Gulf two days later"Bandit leader this is Bandit helo, we have them," Ensign Coates reported.
"Bandit helo, Bandit leader, good work, bring them home." Captain Rabb's voice came over the radio.
Sergei landed the borrowed Navy Helo and picked up the four weary aviators, who were being helped by Travis and Ryan. He took off again and headed towards the carrier, crossing the coast. "Bandit leader, Bandit helo is feet wet."
"Rodger Bandit helo."
A Tomcat came up either side of them. "Bandit helo, Bandit one, you're all clear, let's get back to the bird farm." Lt. Commander Gibson's voice reported over the radio.
"Take us home, Hoots," Commander Sanderson ordered, having insisted on a headset.
In her Tomcat, Andrea Gibson smiled. "Welcome back sir."
"Thanks, Hoots, it's good to be back."
In the backseat, Jodi Harrison smiled. "Hell, Sandman, your Marine Colonel wife threatened us if we didn't bring you home."
"Remind me to give her a big kiss when I get home then Spectra."
"I'll do that Sandman," he chuckled. Guessing back in the States, the wives, the husband and kids were going to be having there own celebration. The lost Predators were returning home, safe and sound.
To be continued….
Bibliography:
Fly Navy: Naval Aviators and Carrier Aviation – A History by Philip Kaplan
Aircraft Carriers: The Worlds greatest Naval vessels and their aircraft by Chris Bishop and Chris Chant.
Modern Military Aircraft: General Editor James Winchester
Airpower by Jeremy Flack
Official US Navy Web Site (www.navy.mil)
Grunts Military )
(The two web sites are great for information on the Navy; 'Grunts' gives you a whole lot of information, from ribbons to uniforms. These are really great sites for anyone who doesn't know anything about the US Navy. If the Web addresses don't show up, then please email me and I'll send them to you. AS)