Part 6 which will post either on monday or over the weekend will have the talk between Harm and Mac about what is going on with him. And they'll end up going the Robert's house as Harm promised Bud a chapter ago. :)

Thanks for reading!

Have a great weekend once we get there!

Jackie

Thanks to: joanoa, smithknk, mariarita, xobabygurlxo, Brittany4445, starryeyes10, jnp, dansingwolf, LiseGirardi, Martini, JadeAlmasy, Dessler, BiteBeccy, aserene, LtjgMegAustin, cbw, southernqt, froggy, harmfan, Judy, jtbwriter, Abigaile, XBlueShadowX, jaggurl, Lurkz, alix33, Nix707, echorage, aserene, chantelmac, and anyone else I missed for the feedback:)

Part 5 – The Highs And Lows Of Flying pt 2

August 27, 2005
0230 Zulu
Location Unknown
Virginia

Drip. Drop. Drip, drip. Drop. Drip. It wasn't supposed to rain, but, then again, when do the weather folk actually know anything? Bad weather wasn't always a bad thing, especially if you are someone who is considered to be a 'bad guy.' The poor weather often aided in masking things during a mission. But, there was one, tiny problem, the structure he hid away in, was no longer impermeable to water. Years of abandonment and misuse had destroyed it beyond repair.

The building was an abandoned mill in Virginia, not too far away from DC. It had not been used for fifteen years. Apparently, there had been some sort of chemical agent in the grounds that was poisoning the workers which accounted for the countless deaths that plagued an already hazardous work environment. Workers would often head in feeling ill and under the weather which would cause work to suffer. Worse of all, it would cause several to become just a little too careless. Eventually, the company was force to stop all production, lay off all workers and leave the grounds. The state of the land made it a prime location for a certain agency in need of training expendable personnel. A large, semi-inaccessible location, where they could train all sorts of agents in different 'arts' and 'crafts.' The long passage ways and machinery made it ideal to teach said agents how to play a little 'hide and seek.' Then, just as quickly as they settled in, this certain agency pulled out and the building had been empty since.

It was the ideal location for working on secret things without anyone finding out. Better still, it was the perfect hide away. Because of the chemical still on the grounds, no one wanted to walk in there. But, that meant absolutely nothing to someone who really did not have much a care about life. So there, in the center of the foreman's office, a man sat, diligently working on the next big scheme. He glanced up at the ceiling, noticing the yellow water stain that trailed from the edge of the ceiling and right smack in the middle where it dripped. It was dripping in other places as well, in fact, this was, so far, the most dry place to work. With a huff, he took a long drag of a Marlboro Red, then spun around in his chair.

The waiting game was necessary, he realized this when he failed to get his mark the last time. Yes, he'd waited then. He waited a pretty damn long time too, but he obviously hadn't waited enough. Standing, he headed out of the foreman's office and headed down the metal walkway, amazed at how that part of the structure was still intact. He walked in through a single, metal door and into the only room that seemed to be structurally safe. There was a reason for that, the former plant manager's office is where he would keep his trophy. He cleaned his feet on the small rug and stepped in. The place really didn't look like it belonged inside a mill. It looked more like a regular, small bedroom of a modest apartment. It had a bathroom and a small closet along with the bed that he bought. It would do. Stepping out, he locked the metal door then headed along the metal catwalk. He weaved his way around the pipes and up a maze of steps until he arrived at a wall where rungs were attached to make some sort of ladder.

He put out the cigarette, and carefully started moving upwards. Halfway up, he jumped up slightly, reaching the top rung which was only accessible if you had the courage to pull yourself passed the other two which were yanked from the concrete wall. Then, he swung himself over and out onto the roof of the building. There were visible cracks here and there. Someone who knew of the government usage of the building, knew that the structure was not very sound because of explosions that had been used to train the personnel. No matter, he'd been up there enough times to know where to step and where not to step. Carefully, he made his way across the rooftop and even from such a far off distance, he could see the lightening crashing down on the Earth.

He hopped up to the ledge, then sat down, his legs dangling precariously as his head raised up to the heavens. There was no stopping him now. No, now, he had everything just how he needed it to be. This time he had the right players and pawns. Chuckling malevolently, he chastised himself. How could he be so stupid and not see the best way to bring damage? He had to be an idiot not to notice it. Well, that is what happened when someone was far too preoccupied with plots of revenge – sometimes you don't see clearly. But now he had plenty of time to see clearly, to plan and devise and manipulate. This would be his greatest scheme, the one crowning achievement. With a sigh, he just lamented that he really wouldn't be able to see most of it, only the end result.

1620 Local
USS Patrick Henry
Virginia Capes Operating Area

"Oh God." He couldn't stop shaking. It had been more than 24 after their harrowing experience, but, Harm still couldn't stop shaking. He leaned against the hatch to his room and took a deep, calming breath. They'd gone up again, him and Skates. This time the landing was better, but it was far from something that would make the LSO's happy. They'd all attested it to him not flying on a regular basis. Okay, that could be true, but Harm knew differently.

Defeated, he slid out of his flight suit and tossed it across the small room watching as it hit the locker and slid down to a pool on the floor. He made his way to the desk, powered up the laptop and waiting for a few minutes. Mac had to be in the office, she just had to be. He needed someone to talk to, someone who he knew would kick his six back into place.

'Hey Marine.' He typed out after running his instant messaging program. Impatiently, he drummed his fingers on the desk. No answer. 'I guess you are not there. . .I needed to.' He paused for a moment, then with a shrug typed in some more. 'I just need to talk.' Leaving the computer, he made his way over to his flight suit and gingerly picked it up. He'd earned his way fair and square, he'd fought for his country and flew in hazardous conditions. Why in the hell couldn't he make a few simple traps. Well, okay, you can't call landing on a carrier 'simple.' But, he'd never been this scared before in his life.

'Hey there, flyboy. . .You behaving? I better not hear of any female sailors swooning over you. ;o)' The little smiley at the end of Mac's sentence brought a small smile to Harm's lips. 'I hope you're still there. . .I was about to write you an e-mail when Harriet passed by with the kids.'

Ah, the kids. He was going to miss their little get together on Sunday. There would be others, but it seemed to him that kids just grew too darn fast. 'Yea, I am still here, just. . .hanging up my flight suit.' He typed, standing behind his seat. With a nod, he made his way to the locker and placed the flight suit in the proper place.

'Oooh, so you're standing there sans-flight suit:grin: Is this the point where you ask me what I'm wearing?' Harm laughed when he read the response, then couldn't help chuckling. Damn even when he wanted to feel miserable, she was able to get him out of it. He was going to have to do something nice for her when he returned. 'So, you said you needed to talk. . .Is it an 'I Miss You' sort of talk or an 'I need to bounce ideas off of you' or is something up?'

Damn she was good, too good really. 'It's the last one.' And without beating around the bush he hurriedly typed. 'I think what's left of my career as an aviator is over.' He typed it out slow and methodically, then hit the return key without much fanfare. He reread it a few times and it all seemed so real now. It was maybe even a little scary and definitely sad. His wings, clipped for good.

'Harm, what happened?' Taking another deep breath, he typed out the account in detail, pausing several times to re-read what he wrote. He told her the facts – a brief investigation had found that the mechanism which the throttle was attached to, had gotten stuck. It wasn't a common occurrence and Harm would not be at fault even though his landing was not a pretty one. Most saw it as a pilot unable to get into his groove after a scary experience. 'Okay, maybe I misunderstood. . .If you aren't at fault, why did you tell me your flying career is over?'

This was the tricky part. How could he explain to her that he felt he just didn't have it anymore. That he lost his edge. 'I don't think I can go up again. . .I lost something.'

"Harm, it was a tough moment, I understand. . . You had to have gone through worse during the Gulf war. What about after your ramp strike? You still got up there."

He did get back up there, though it was hell to fly after he'd spent so many years away from the cockpit. Back then he did it to save Tom Boone. Now, he wasn't saving anything cept for tax payers money if he didn't fly. Besides, he wasn't a young man anymore and soon he'd just have to give it up anyway. 'This is different, Mac. . .Once a pilot looses his edge, it's best not to go back up. . . If I do something stupid, it's not just my life, I'd be responsible for others. . . I can't go through that.'

Mac knew Harm had a penchant for blaming himself over things. Fundamentally she knew he'd have problems when they arrived back from Canada. A person couldn't possibly live through months of captivity without it affecting you. But this she wasn't prepared for. As much as she would have loved to hear he'd never fly again, she loved him too much to allow him to take that away from himself. He was a great pilot, one of the best and she was damned proud of that. 'You have to try Harm, you need to get back up there and beat this thing:

'I thought you'd be happy if I never flew again?'

'I won't lie, I hate it when you fly, part of me is up there with you. . .But asking you not to fly or encouraging you not to fly is like. . .like someone telling me that I couldn't love all of you. . .Because I fell for a cocky pilot and lawyer, not for one or the other. And I want the whole package.'

'Eventually I'll have to stop flying anyway. I can't do this forever. I am not getting any younger.'

'I know. But, I don't think now is the time for you to give it up.'

'So you want me to go up despite the fact that I am currently scared to death?'

Mac, on her side of the world, stared at the words with an odd mix of emotions. More than anything she felt the need to be physically close to him. To hold him, soothe him. With a frown she typed, 'If you are that unsure about going up again, then don't. You can always give it a try again next time. Besides, you have nothing to prove to anyone. You are an awesome pilot and a hero. But you aren't immortal, Harm. Things do get to you, it's just part of being human. When you get back we'll talk about things ad nausea. Then we can make a rational decision about your pilot status.'

Harm read the words twice and then a third time for good measure. This couldn't be the same woman who had said never. 'We can make a rational decision? This from a woman who said there would never be an us?'

She didn't quite know what to make out of his statement. Was it meant in anger or was he just trying to bait her into some stupid argument? God knows they still hadn't had that first couple's fight. And with their personalities it was pretty obvious things could get heated. So, Mac treaded carefully. 'When I said never, it was a mistake. I thought we both needed a clean break. I was wrong, I'm sorry and I'll spend the rest of my life making it up to you if you give me the chance. And yes, damnit, I meant it when I said 'we.' I want to be in this with you. I want to help you, is that so wrong?'

Suddenly, he felt a little angry with himself. He hadn't meant for his statement to sound so, cold. Then again, he was trying to rib her, but, in his mood, he really couldn't be held accountable for it. 'Mac, I'm sorry. I don't mean to be an ass. Look, I am going to get some rack time. I'm heading back on Thursday. See if you can get Friday off, we'll go somewhere.'

'Okay, but take care of yourself. No matter what happens, I love you.'

Three simple words, yet they held so much emotion and angst all in one. Maybe if he'd told her that so many years ago, life would have been different, pleasantly different. Then again, in the end, he did get the girl. 'I love you too, Sarah. Bye.'

September 2, 2005
1620 Zulu
Blue Ridge Mountains
Virginia

"Now, Mac. Pull back on the stick and push down on the right rudder." Harm commanded over the headset and held on as his partner sent the plane into an aerobatic maneuver. Their joined laughter filled their ears. The day was absolutely breathtaking and one hundred percent perfect for flying. He'd let Mac fly in the pilot's seat with the agreement that he would be the one flying them home. This new side of her amused him. After their crash in Paraguay he thought she'd never ever go in a biplane with him again and now, she was piloting one.

Mac pulled back on the stick and aligned the plane so that it went straight up in the air. "My teacher taught us this one." Letting go of the controls, she let the plane seem like it was falling out of the air only to swoop it back up and bank it to the left side. "Oooooooh yea!"

Harm was in the front seat, laughing. "I think you missed your real calling in life, Marine."

"Think it's too late to change my designator? I am sure we can pull a few strings and get me over to the Marine air wing. Then we'll both be bug drivers." (AN: Bug driver Hornet pilot) She joked, then chuckled along with him. Sure, she could learn to fly the biplane, but supersonic flight? Hell no. That wasn't in this Marine's destiny. "So, where we landing? My stomach is talking to me."

"Give me a sec. . .I need to confer with the GPS." He lowered his head and started down at the contraption. Flipping a few controls, he found they were about ten minutes away from a place Frank had told him about. "Keep heading southeast. . .You'll see a runway."

"Roger that." Mac kept her eyes open and then, about eight minutes later, she spotted the runway nestled within lush, green vegetation. "Is there a control tower here?"

Harm glanced out. "Yes, I'll contact them." He relayed all of his information to the small control tower and was cleared to land. "All clear. . . Give me a smooth landing, Marine."

The landing was better than picture perfect. She flew the plane in at the correct angle, then eased it down, allowing it to kiss the tarmac and continue to roll along it as it's speed descended. "How was that, Commander?"

"Colonel, you can take 'Sarah' up anytime." He was impressed, very impressed. She'd learned all of this for him. To keep part of him alive and he was touched. "See that building to your left? Taxi her that way." Mac headed the plane in the direction of the hangar and soon, they came to a stop inside.

Standing up, Harm grabbed the small duffle that had all of his things, then jumped down. Reaching up, he grabbed Mac's duffle and placed them on the ground then wrapped his hands around Mac's waist as he eased her down to the ground. His impish grin made her chuckle. With a shrug he said, "What? So I like touching you."

"Uh huh, you wanted to do one of those romance movie thingies and sweep me down with a swoosh." She waved her hands through the air, exaggerating the movement which only made him chuckle more. With a grin, she stepped up to him and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "It was nice thou." She conceded, then grabbed her duffle.

"Harmon Rabb, how are ya, boy?" That voice could come from non other than Pops, the former hangar owner of where he kept 'Sarah' in Blacksburg. Glancing over at Mac his smile widened a few notches. "Oh, I see you aren't doing too bad are you?" He wiped his hands of grease and offered one to Mac who shook it. "Name's Robert Wells, but everyone calls me Pops."

"Sarah MacKenzie, nice to meet you."

Harm also took Pop's hand then got slapped in the back as Pops enthusiastically called him a "Lucky Devil." Leaving Pop's to chat it up a bit with Mac, he went out to the small office in hopes they'd had a car waiting for them, or some mode of transportation which he could use for the surprise he planned. Sure enough, just next to the office was a four year old Jeep Wrangler. In just ten minutes, after getting the keys to the Jeep and giving last minute instructions to Pop's on when they'd return, Harm and Mac were on their to the small town of Crockett.

"Your not scoring any points keeping a hungry Marine waiting, Commander." Mac said with a small smile. She was starving, but, seeing as through most of the driving trip he'd been ranting and raving about a 'surprise,' she was sure that she could wait. That was until her stomach grumbled again. "Shhh! Down girl!" She commanded, rubbing a hand over her stomach.

Harm just shook his head in amusement. "Ever think of doing one of those eating contests?"

"Ewww, no! I have a figure to watch."

"And boy is it fun to watch your figure, MacKenzie." He said with a smirk, for which he earned a soft slap on the arm. "Owww!"

Mac rolled her eyes and chuckled. "Oh please, didn't Annapolis treat you guys not to be so wimpy? I mean, at least the Marines. . .Oh Wow!" There, right in front of them was a small cabin nestled within the pines and hardwoods. "Is this the surprise?" She really, really, really hoped that his answer would be. . .

"Yes." He'd called ahead of time to make the reservation for them to stay in this bed and breakfast within the Blue Ridge Mountains. The place, instead of being one large building, was actually a group of small cabins where the main purpose was privacy. It was a popular place of honeymooners or couples just wanting to get away, or so Frank had told him. "We're completely private and since it's a B&B, they'll bring us food and make sure we have everything we need." He parked the Jeep in the designated space, then got out and went around to open the door for Mac who was still awestruck. With a grin, he looked into the mountains. "The last time we were in a cabin it was under some odd circumstance, I want to change that."

Mac placed her hands on the sides of his face then pulled him close for a soft kiss. "Thank you." But, it wasn't her that needed to extend the thanks, it was Harm who needed this time with her, without the real world getting in the way. "Now are we going inside or we just going to stand out here and stare all day long?"

Grabbing their things, they headed towards the cabin and, after fumbling with the keys, Harm opened the door and stepped in. He let out a long whistle. The cabin was entirely made out of wood. Upon walking in, the first view was of the bed and the two oversized chairs with ottoman that faced the fireplace across the room. Behind the door, in a raised platform was a large tub, big enough to fit two. There were a few 'modern' touches, a TV, radio, mini fridge and microwave. Finally, under the window was a table for two. "I was trying to surprise you but I think I got me as well. . .this is nice." It was a small cabin, definitely not built for more than two people. It was quaint, cute and the best part, it was private and practically secluded.

Walking past Harm, Mac headed towards the bed and sat down on the edge. She bounced on it a bit, glancing at him with a mischievous grin. "Yep, it's perfect." She curled her finger and patted the bed.

Even as he spoke, Harm was tearing his t-shirt off. "I thought you were hungry?" Walking over, he stood in front of Mac and bent down to kiss her.

"I am hungry. . . just not for food." Licking her lips, she made quick work of his belt and the zipper to his jeans. Harm tugged them off, then went to work on removing her clothing. "Oooh. . .and I thought only us Marine's stormed the beaches."

"Mac, just shut up and kiss me." He said with a chuckle and the only other words uttered were those of encouragement as they made love. (AN: Lame, I know. . .but you can't always write smut! Get your mind out of the gutter people! Sheesh!)

September 3, 2005
1852 Zulu
Big Walker Lookout
Wytheville, Virginia

"Dear, sweet, Jesus." Harm huffed as she stood to the side, allowing to teenagers, followed by, what had to be their girlfriends, pass by him and up the steps to the lookout. He glanced up to find Mac a few steps higher than him, shaking her head with amusement. "What? You can't tell me this sort of thing isn't taxing."

Mac sighed and sat down on one of the steps. "Actually, I was more amused at how religious you suddenly got." With a smirk, she handed him the bottle of water she was carrying and watched as he took a big drink. "Hey, not too much. . ." Maybe hiking today was a bad idea? She was fairly certain that he still wasn't up to par. He'd managed to get some weight back on his body, but it was possible that the drastic loss and the trauma he suffered from Temir would affect him for life. Or so Dr. Bishop had told her, she hoped that wasn't the case. "Harm, sit down for a bit, take a break and we'll take the rest of this tower slowly." With a nod, he lowered himself onto the steps and took a deep breath. They were heading up the Big Walker Lookout in Wytheville, Virginia.

Though they'd had a very nice and romantic time at the cabin, it was Harm's idea for them to see the sites and, as the manager of the B&B suggested, 'be one with nature.' Mac lowered herself a few steps so that she sat right behind Harm. Her hands came to his shoulders, which she started to rub gently. "Why are you so tense?" If possible, that question managed to tense him up even more. He knew she would pick up his hesitation and fought his urge to move her hands off of him. He knew that would bring up more questions and he wasn't up to running their much deserved weekend. "Is it because of the quals?" She frowned, from the moment he arrived back at home, he'd made the unilateral decision not to talk about it. She would try to bring it up and Harm would find one of his Rabb-methods of avoidance. So, she opted to let it slide, but now, as her hands worked on kinks that only seemed to get worse with each stroke, she was going to press him on it. "Something else happened and I know it's not just the thing in Canada." She deduced that it couldn't possibly just be reoccurring trauma because of Temir.

Harm didn't want to answer, how could he when the reason for his current state was sitting right behind him, carefully kneading his aching body. "You're right. . .there is something else. . .I just can't tell you here. . .Can we wait until we get back home?"

"Home as in DC?"

"Yea." It was a desperate attempt in hopes that she would forget about it altogether. He knew that wasn't the case and she'd grill him the moment they'd walk through the door.

But Mac had other plans come what may. "No. But we can talk about it when we get back to the cabin." He turned slightly, trying to protest but with one flick of the wrist and a pinch in an obviously painful muscle, she quieted him. "Sorry. . . Look, I think it's better we talk about it here so we can leave it here and not take it home with us."

He made to look at her and saw the no nonsense look and knew, immediately that she'd won. "Fine, but you aren't going to like it."

"No, I don't suppose I would, but I promised to look out for you and to be with you. If getting a little upset is what it takes, then bring it on."

It was admirable, the way she was so vehement on sticking by his side. He felt the same strong need to take care of a relationship that was a long time coming. He loved her too much to let her go or to let this damn them. Standing up, he rolled his shoulders, then reached a hand down to help Mac. "Okay, MacKenzie, let's tackle this monster, huh?" This time, they did manage to make it all the way up without stopping.

At the top awaited a breathtaking view, a scenery that just couldn't survive amongst the big city hustle and bustle. Mac walked to the railing and placed her hands on it as she took a look down. Somehow, one hundred feet seemed higher from the bottom. She felt his arms wrap around her from behind and lazily leaned herself into his embrace. There was still a tension in his body, one that she could actually feel, but she vowed to help him, no matter what it took. . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ltjgmeg - Well yer gonna haveta wait and see! You'll find out soonish. :)

ng - You are forgiven! They're already having sex. ;) As for the babies, there's something in the works, just don't get your hopes up. It's not what you'll expect.

Xblue - Mac is going to try to make him get better, but there is a reason for all of his... shall we say, uneasiness. The dream holds a key peice that he hasn't thought about yet.

Brittany - Did the TAD end soon enough? ;)

Alix - Yea! Action packed. . .I love season 2 and 3. There was the UST, the teasing, the action. sighs Then it went to hell :P

harmfan - I am not a sicko! I'm a psycho! Jeez, you'd think you'd get that right by now! shakes head ;) As for Harm and Bud playing paper football, LOL! Would love to see that on the show!

Nix - Nooooooo adrift all over again. I already did that. LOL! It's a wonder Skates even gets in the plane with the man.or Mac for that matter LOL! Umm, Harm you flyin'? Yea, well I'll walk, thanks:)