Foreword
This is a work of fiction. I took liberties with factual history to write my story, but I tried to stay truthful to the series JAG and its characters.
The first female fighter Pilot in the French Air Force is Caroline « Moineau » Aigle, who became one in 1999. This story is a tribute to all female pilots.
I'm not military, or a pilot, so any mistake is mine (and you can give me pointers if you want them corrected!)
Every sentence written in italics is spoken in French, but written in english for easier comprehension.
Sorry for the shipper fans, this is not a Harm/Mac story (and you can stop reading here if you don't like it, I won't mind)
Chapter 1
Thursday June 7 1990
Over the Adriatic
The two Navy Tomcats were looking for their targets, a couple of French Air Force Mirages. The skies were clear, the winds soft.
Suddenly, a voice resounded in Harm's helmet.
« Two bogeys, bearing two-five-nine. »
« Bad Man one, taking the lead. Let's go hunt some Frenchies. »
Clipping on their masks, Harm and his wingman Swan took a dive to try and shoot the enemy aircafts. It was a NATO exercise, so it was going to be a simulated kill, but the chase was real, and whoever were those damn Frenchies, they were gonna get it !
In the French Mirages, the excitement was the same. Time to show those amerloques who rules the sky !
The planes danced, swerved, dived, rolled, trying to get a lock and claim victory.
Swan was the first to yell.
« Bad Man Two, I got a firing solution, one bogey down ! »
« Let's go for the second one ! » Harm rolled to get behind the second Mirage, but it had time to disappear from the radars.
« Wedge, you see anything ? »
« Nothing on screen. Where did it go ? »
Harm and Swan went back in formation, looking for the Frenchie, but no luck. Until Wedge said. « I see it, it's coming right behind us ! »
Harm dived, trying to get away from the Mirage. But this pilot is a fine one, and Harm found himself locked... and shot.
« Swan, I'm out. They got me. Bad Man One back on deck. »
« Dam'it. I have to get the bastard ! Bad Man Two still in the air. Loki, you see anything ? »
The RIO nicknamed Loki looked out of the cockpit, trying to see where the Mirage went, checked his radar.
« No luck. Oh, wait. I have an echo on one seven four, but I'm not sure it's him. »
« Let's check it out. »
Swan and Loki turned to cross the bogey's path, but there's a slight problem.
« He's flying in the sun ! »
They dropped their sun visors to try and cut the sun's glare, but it was too late.
« He's locked on us ! Evasive maneuvers ! »
No luck. Only minutes after taking Harm and Wedge down, the Frenchie eliminated Swan and Loki as well.
The deception was big that night aboard the Seahawk. Despite one good kill, the idea of having been beaten by a single French plane was unnerving. First day of the war game, and they had already lost one encounter. Time to retaliate.
Over the next days, they shot down teams from other countries, but nothing could erase that first burn.
On the french Air Force base in Salon de Provence, on the other hand, a pilot was celebrated like a hero.
« To Dragon, who took down those two Navy jokeys after her wingman has been taken out. »
Lieutenant Hélène 'Nell' Marchand, callsign Dragon, was the first female aviator in the french Air Force, and the first to have taken down a target during these war games.
« Thanks. But you know it's a team effort. If Gecko hadn't been shot down, I couldn't have done it. »
The aviator nicknamed Gecko hanged his head with a half smile while everyone laughed. Dragon was known for giving a compliment before tearing you down.
« Do we know the name of the team we got ? »
« Not yet, but I'm sure word got around and we'll know soon enough. »
« One more for the Air Force the Navy won't get ! »
On the last day of the war game, the ship's captain gathered his pilots and officers in the briefing room. Every team involved in the war games had the same message.
« Ladies, gentlemen, to mark the end of this exercise, the American delegation in Italy is organizing a ball in Naples tomorrow night. You have all been invited to join. Dress Whites for the men, women can chose between Dress Whites or a formal party dress. Schedules for departure will be handed out. You can be excused if you want. Dissmissed. »
The crew snapped to, and broke in little groups.
« You're attending ? »
« Oh yeah ! No way I'm missing that ! »
« I don't know if I'm gonna go, I don't dance ! »
« Come on, it'll be fun ! »
Harm was excited to go there. He was sure he was going to meet the team that had shot him, and he wanted to face them, whoever they were. He was not afraid of a little brawl if necessary, he just had to avoid doing it in front of the brass.
In her quarters, Nell looked at her dress. No uniform for her. Her mom had shipped her graduation dress, made from a dark green silk that made her pale skin shine, with a strapless bustier and a flowing skirt that was short in the front and long in the back. It enhanced her slender figure and made her look taller than her five feet eight inches. She was going to wear it with four inches black strap shoes, putting her in the six feet height, enough to be noticed.
Her roommate Céline walked in, saw the dress and shoes. Her face fell and she looked bitter.
« You're so lucky to go to a ball ! And in Naples of all cities ! »
« I'm sorry you haven't been invited. »
« Mechanics NCOs are never invited anywhere. »
« I'll throw a ball for your birthday if you want. »
« Nah, I'll get drunk and fall on my face, that wouldn't be elegant. »
They laughed. Nell was really excited to go to the ball. She loved formal occasions. Dancing, gourmet food, champagne, what's not to like !
« Oh, and don't forget about being a Girl Scout ! »
« What do you mean ? »
« Always be prepared ! » And Céline handed Nell a box of condoms.
« A whole box ? Aren't you a little optimistic ? »
« You have a two-day leave, you might as well enjoy them with someone ! »
Nell shook her head, but took the box anyway and put it in her party bag. Céline smiled and shook her own box. « You never know what may happen ! »
Chapter 2
Friday June 15 1990
Naples
The delegations from all the nations involved in the latest NATO war games arrived one by one, and Harm couldn't wait for the French to show up. He had finally got the name of the pilot who had shot him down : a lieutenant with the callsign Dragon. He spotted them entering the ballroom, a bunch of guys in Dress Blues, with a few women in party dresses thrown in. They went to the presentation rounds and made their way towards the buffet. A redhead in a green dress was looking a little stiff. She was speaking in rapid French to a blond-haired man standing next to her.
« I warn you, Benjamin, if you touch my six once more, I will break your nose, and I say you hit a door. And you know everyone in here will back me up. So quit it, now ! »
The guy looked miffed. He took a glass of champagne and downed it like it was water. A mate took him aside.
Harm signaled his fellow pilots and they headed for the French delegation.
« Who's Dragon ? »
He crossed his arms and looked at all the French men, staring at them in the eyes.
« Who wants to know ? » The French accent was thick but the tone was unmistakable. All the men were looking at each other menacingly and the tension was growing by the second. The redhead with a green dress stepped forward.
« Gentlemen, calm down. Why do you want to know who Dragon is ? »
The redhead was very pretty, with clear green eyes. Her English was flawless. Harm smiled.
« Sorry, Ma'am. This doesn't concern you. »
The redhead smiled back.
« Why do you assume this doesn't concern me ? »
« It's a pilot thing, Ma'am. »
« Then let me introduce myself. I'm Lieutenant Nell Marchand. First female pilot in the French Air Force. »
The French men moved to stand around her. Harm didn't back down, but he was impressed.
« Congratulations. Then maybe you know who Dragon is. »
« I do. » Nell's smile grew wider. She dropped her gaze to Harm's gold wings.
« Which one are you ? Harm or Swan ?»
«Harm. What is it going to take for you to tell me who Dragon is ? »
Harm couldn't help but notice that all the French men around Nell were smiling mockingly. He suspected something was going on he didn't understand, but he was feeling the presence of all his friends at his back. Nothing to fear.
Nell took him by the arm. « Let's dance. » She lead him on the dancing floor where the orchestra was playing some slow music. Harm took Nell's hand in his, slipped his arm around her waist and she put her other hand on his nape. They smiled at each other. Harm liked the feel of her against him. And from the way she was reacting, it looked like she was enjoying the feeling as well. Since he had the next forty hours free, they might enjoy some private... dancing as well.
« So, are you going to tell me who Dragon is ? »
Nell smiled, pulled his head towards her and murmured in his ear. « I am. »
Harm couldn't help but look astonished. There was only one female fighter pilot in the US Navy, and she was not nearly as good as Nell.
« You are ? You're good for an Air Force pilot ! »
Nell threw her head back with a quick laugh. « I'm the best there is ! But you're not bad yourself, for a squid ! »
Harm laughed in turn. They looked at each other, smiling. A few seconds later, looking over her shoulder, Harm saw the blond-haired Frenchie coming towards them. Nell turned her head just in time, to see Benjamin grabbing her hand and pulling her away from Harm.
Nell's face turned white with fury. She tore her hand away from his grip.
« You leave me alone. »
« He's the enemy, why do you dance with him ? »
The same friend who took him apart earlier came back and once gains lead him away from Harm and Nell.
« Gecko, you keep him away from me. This is his last warning. If we weren't in a ballroom, he'd be bloody by now. »
Nell was having trouble calming down. Harm stayed by her side, watchful.
« Is there a garden somewhere ? I need some fresh air. »
Harm lead her away through the French doors. « This way. »
A flight of stairs and they arrived in the garden, small but serene. Harm put his cap back on his head. The evening was young yet, and very few people were outside. Under the light of the setting sun, Nell looked more feminine and more fragile than she did in the ballroom. They walked down the path between bushes and trees. Harm took a cigar out of his pocket.
« Do you mind ? »
Nell shook her head. Harm lit a match and took a puff.
« Sorry about the scene. Ben is a good pilot, but he doesn't understand what no means. »
« Have you told your CO ? »
« He's been reprimanded once already. But it wasn't enough, obviously. »
« I've seen him harass you twice already in the last hour. I can testify if you need. »
« Hopefully, that won't be necessary. I'm counting on Gecko to keep him in line. » She shivered slightly. Harm stopped, took his jacket off and put it on her shoulders.
« Thank you, that's nice. » Nell tilted her head towards the collar and took a whiff. She smiled and looked at Harm.
He smiled back, intrigued. « What ? »
« You smell like sin. » She looked away with an engaging smile, started walking again and Harm suddenly felt quite hot, and a little tight in his formal attire.
Nell was a few feet in front of him when he started thinking again and he had to hurry to keep up with her.
« So, Harm is it ? Like, hurt, pain ? »
« No, it's short for Harmon. I'm Harmon Rabb. »
« Well, it is very nice to meet you, Harmon Rabb. There's a lucky girl somewhere, waiting for you to come home. »
Harm smiled. Nice way for Nell to test the waters. He liked that about her, that she was wondering about a possible girlfriend and not taking him for granted.
« Actually, there's not. »
Nell had a pause in her stride, and again an engaging smile.
« American girls must be blind. »
Harm also smiled. « And is there a lucky man waiting for you ? »
« No. I wouldn't be taking a stroll with you in the setting sun if there was. »
They were back to where they had started their walk. Harm threw the butt of his cigar in a can. They stopped at the bottom of the stairs and he turned to face Nell.
« Do you have to be somewhere tonight ? »
Nell licked her lips seductively and smiled. « I have to be at the airport Sunday at noon. That leaves me about forty-one hours of freedom. »
Harm put his cover under his arm, and his hands on her waist. He bent slowly towards her. Nell was about to put her hand on Harm's cheek and kiss him when he was violently pushed, and fell into the bushes. Benjamin turned to Nell and raised his hand to slap her. Nell had a swift movement of the arm, her wrist connected with his face and Ben landed on the stairs with a howl. When his head came up, his nose was pouring blood. Nell's face was like stone.
« You broke my nose, you bitch ! »
« It's not what I saw. You tripped and you fell face first on the stairs. Get up and the stairs will break your collarbone as well. » Ben didn't try to move.
Harm stood up, brushing his pants. He evaluated the situation with one glance.
« Let's go talk to your CO. »
At that moment, a French Colonel arrived at the top of the stairs. He too assessed the situation with a quick look. He turned to Nell.
« What happened, Lieutenant ? »
« Lieutenant Maloisel tripped on the stairs and broke his nose, Mon Colonel. »
Gecko stepped out from behind Nell.
« I can testify to that, Mon Colonel. »
The French Colonel remained silent for a second and turned to Harm.
« Have you seen what happened, Lieutenant ? »
Harm looked at Nell, and then at the Colonel.
« No, Sir. He pushed me out of the way and I fell. When I got up, the lieutenant was already down. »
« Lieutenant Lizard, take Lieutenant Maloisel to the hospital to fix his nose. Come back to the hotel when it's done and send me a message. »
« Yes, Mon Colonel. »
With one last look to Nell, the Colonel turned to enter the ballroom. Gecko took Ben with him and they left as well.
Harm and Nell remained behind, at the bottom of the stairs. Nell was still looking furious.
« You should have reported him. »
« And they would have let him go with a letter of reprimand, and ask me to not make a fuss about so little. I went to a military high school and believe me, I've handled guys like Ben before. They only understand brute force. Why do you think I practice karate ? »
Harm looked at her with a new respect.
« What do you want to do now ? »
« I need to unwind. The beach is not very far. Let me take my purse and let's get a cab. »
Before entering the ballroom, she gave Harm his jacket back and he put it on. While doing so, he did as Nell had, and took a whiff at his collar. It didn't smell like his fragrance anymore, but like hers, something flowery and sweet that stirred his heart.
Chapter 3
By chance, the taxi driver was speaking a little English and drove them to a little beach to the west of Naples. There was a little restaurant in a corner, and they shared a platter of seafood while the warm breeze danced around them. Harm asked Nell about how she was able to shoot both him and his wingman, and she explained in details and gestures how she did. They compared notes on their respective aircrafts, share stories. And as time passed, Harm was feeling more and more attracted to her. Not just her body, but her mind as well. She was smart, daring, and as enthusiastic as he was about flying. He was listening to her with a smile that wouldn't fade.
They left the restaurant not by the main entrance, but by jumping the low wall that separated them from the beach. The owner shouted a few words to them in Italian, but they laughed and waved at him. They thought they heard him say « Americani ! » with an air of disgust but it was lost in the sound of the sea. Nell took her sandals off and let a happy sigh. « These shoes do the trick, but they're hell on the feet ! »
They crossed the little stream that ran to the sea and found themselves on another beach. This one didn't have any restaurant or house. Nell took a look around her. There was no one on sight, and it wasn't lit very well. She dropped her shoes, her purse and her wrap in the sand and turned her back to Harm.
« Can you help with my zipper ? »
Harm turned around in turn. « Are you sure you want to do that here ? »
« Come on, I want to get a midnight bath, and I can't do it with my dress on ! »
He had never believed reputations or unsubstantiated rumors, but he had heard them, and French girls... well... This one was everything they talked about. Wild and free. Harm slowly pulled her zipper down. Her skin was pearly white up to the small of her back where a dragon was wrapping its multicolored coils. Deeply aroused by the sight, he stopped breathing when she ditched her dress and stood with just her panties on. She took a run at the sea and dived right in. She surfaced a second later, with only her head showing. « Come on, the water's fantastic ! » And she dived again. Harm threw his cover on the sand, undressed as fast as he could and ran after her. She was right, the water was perfect. He dunked and let the warm Mediterranean sea engulf him. He let it rock him for a moment, until his lungs started to burn, and emerged again.
They played in the waves for a while, brushing against each other, seducing and being seduced. Nell was standing still, nearly out of breath, when Harm surfaced very near to her. He appeared much taller than her, since she didn't have her shoes on, and she had to bend her head backwards to look at him. He flexed his knees and embraced her. Nell threw her arms against his neck and put her mouth on his. Their kiss was deep and ravenous. Their tongues intertwined hungrily while their hands roamed over each other's bodies. Nell wrapped her legs around Harm's waist and felt that he was hard with desire. She smiled against his mouth and bit his lower lip. He let a cry of surprise and kissed her harder. She had a small laugh and rested her forehead against his. He carried her back to the beach, walking on his knees until they reached the shore. He laid her down on the sand, their bodies still in the water.
She reached for him and kissed him again passionately. He left her lips to trail down her neck, licking and biting softly. She had a taste of woman and salt. She moaned softly and stroked his hair.
He was about to descend to her breasts when a flashlight blinded them.
« Questo non è il posto giusto per ripetere 'Da qui all'eternità' ! »
Nell quickly folded her arms over her breasts while Harm was trying to shield her from view. Two Italian police officers were standing in front of them, barely concealing a laugh.
« Sorry, we thought we were alone. »
« Americani ! Go to a hotel, this is not a bed. »
« Sorry, Sir. »
« If you are... fretta, hotel Mare Blu in the road, there. Avanti ! »
The policemen watched them get up and left them while they put their clothes back on. One of them turned and pointed to his left. « Albergo, hotel. »
Nell waved, clutching her dress to her chest while Harm was trying to fasten it. « Grazie mille. »
Once they were alone again, they looked at each other and burst out laughing. They were wet, covered with sand, and half-dressed. Harm put his cover back on and stepped closer to Nell. He took her face in his hands and kissed her like it was the most important thing in the world. Nell felt the warmth of it to the tip of her toes.
Harm drew back a little. « You're shorter. » Nell laughed again and showed him her sandals. « Four inches heels. » Harm laughed too and hugged her.
« I'm lodged at the base, I can't take you there. Can we go to your hotel ? ? »
« Oh, Harm ! I share my room ! »
With a smile, they both turn to the end of the street.
When they step on the pavement, Harm put his shoes back on but Nell didn't. He looked at her curiously. « Oh no, I'm not slipping those back on ! I'd rather go barefoot than walk with those again ! »
His smile spreads wide. « Then I'll have to carry you ! » And reaching down, he slid his arm under her knees and back and lifted her. Nell took his cover and put it on her head. « Two movies in a row, you impress me, lieutenant ! »
Nell let Harm carry her for a few meters, put his cap back on his head and dropped on the pavement.
« Nell ! You're gonna hurt your feet ! »
« The hotel is just there, I can walk, don't worry ! »
She took his hand and looked at him. His cover was askew on his damp hair, his jacket was half-buttoned and opened at the collar, and his pants were sticking to his legs and covered in sand. She glanced at herself and noticed she was pretty much in the same state of disarray. The reception desk at the hotel was going to look at them the same way the policemen had ! Just before entering, they tried to put some order to their outfits, without much hope.
The night clerk was half asleep when they entered.
« Buona notte ! Vuoi une stanza ? »
« Good evening. »
« Oh, americani. Do you want a room ? »
« Yes, please. »
« That will be one hundred and fourteen american dollar. »
Harm looked stunned. « What ? »
« Permesso, Signore. » Nell pointed at the sign hanging on the wall. « The price range for your rooms go from twenty thousand to fifty-five thousand lire. With the current change for an American dollar being one thousand and fifty lire, that makes your best room at... hum... less than fifty dollars. »
Harm crossed his arms and tried his best intimidating look. The clerk swallowed nervously.
« I am sorry, I thought you wanted two rooms. »
Harm took his wallet out and handed out a fifty note. « No, just the one. »
« Si, signore. » He takes a key in the rack behind him. « Our best room. Numero trentuno, terzo piano, third floor. Breakfast is from seven to ten and you have to leave by eleven. »
Harm took another fifty note. « We'll take it for two nights. »
« Of course, signore ! Do you have luggage ? »
Harm and Nell looked at each other with a smile. « We'll get them later. »
Chapter 4
Harm got up to open the window. The night was warm enough and they were facing the sea. He turned on the light on the nightstand and stretched out near Nell who was lying on her stomach with her eyes closed. He pulled down the sheet that was covering her back until he saw the dragon. It was sprawled against her pale skin, blue and red and gold, looking fierce. Harm brushed his fingers on the tattoo, tracing the coils. He'd never seen such a beautiful work of art. Nell sighed.
« Did the callsign bring the dragon, or was it the other way around ? »
Nell turned her head to face Harm and rested her cheek on her hand.
« I told you I was in a military high school ? »
« Yeah. »
« It was the hardest time of my life. There are very few women there, and the guys try to weed us out. Either they harass us, treat us like dirt, make us do all the chores, or they just ignore us, pretend not to see us. I was a bit apart because my dad's a Colonel in the Army, but it was so hard. »
« He is ? »
« Yeah, he's CO of the Train and Logistics School. »
« Cool. He must be proud of you. My father and my grandfather were aviators too. »
« I'm fourth generation. My great grandfather was a military vet and my grandfather was also in the Train and Logistics. Anyway. I turned eighteen in April, and the day I graduated I went to the tattoo parlor. I wanted something to remember I'm stronger than anything anyone can throw at me. »
« It's beautiful. And how did you get the callsign ? Someone saw you in a bathing suit ? »
« I wish ! » Nell paused, lost in her memories. « Different school, same treatment. When I entered flight school, I was one of the very first females to attend. I got all kind of hazing, practical jokes, you name it. Since it was common occurrence since I was fifteen, I played duck. You know, water on my feathers. One day, we were coming back from a training session that had been particularly hard. I was exhausted, sweaty and cold, I just wanted a hot shower and a meal. »
« Yeah, I know the feeling. » They looked knowingly at each other.
« At the time, there was only one locker room for everyone. So I usually took my clothes with me in the shower, put everything on a chair, and I was alone enough. Six years of coed dorms, I was used to the lack of privacy. But this time, I turned to get in the shower and there was no more curtains, on any of the stalls. »
Harm looked appalled. « They didn't ! »
« Oh, they did. I was so tired I just walked in, put my clothes on the chair and undressed. I just made sure to keep my back to them, so they wouldn't get a full frontal. And I walked under the spray. After a minute, I felt a presence behind me, the guys had gathered to watch me take my shower. So I told them I had nothing they hadn't already seen, and asked them not to bother me anymore. There was movement again, and the light changed. I turned my head a little, and I saw the curtain was back in place. » Nell falls silent again.
« I'm sorry you had to live through all this. »
« It made me stronger. When I got out of the shower, I was alone. I got back to my room and headed to the mess hall. Business as usual. I got my tray, sat down alone at a table. »
Nell turned in the bed, looked at the ceiling and smiled.
« The guys came up to me, snapped to. I got up, a bit uncertain about what was happening. And they presented me with my newly painted helmet. They never called me Nell again, I was always Dragon from that moment on. »
« Nice ! »
Nell snickered. « The only nice thing about it is they never played any pranks on a female aviator ever again. »
Harm traced the little tattoo she had on her breast. « And that one ? »
« It's the shadow of sparrowhawk. The emblem for aviators in France. We all got one when we graduated. »
« And why did you get it on your...chest ? »
Nell has a small laugh. « It's not on my chest, it's on my heart. »
With a smile, Harm bent over and kissed the tattoo. « I like it. »
« You like where it is. »
He smiled against her skin, and heard her yawn. He settled beside her, put his hand on her belly and closed his eyes. They both fell asleep with a smile on their faces.
When he entered the bathroom later that morning, Harm shook his head with a smile. He didn't know how they could have showered together in the small tub, much less have a bit of a snuggle. But the spray was still hot and plentiful.
In the bedroom, Nell was examining her dress. It was stained, crumpled, no way she could wear it to go back to her hotel. She took a look at Harm's uniform and sighed at the sight. She put on his t-shirt and wondered how to get some clean clothes. She unhooked the telephone.
« Ricezione ! »
« Hello, this is room thirty-one. »
« Si, the americans. What can I do for you ? »
« I have two questions. First, how can I make a call outside the hotel ? »
« You dial zero, and then the number that you want to call. »
« All right. Do you have a phone book I could look into ? »
« What number do you need ? »
« The Hotel Joyfull, in Poggioreale. »
« You stay on the line, I will call them and connect you. Do you want to call the reception desk or a room ? »
« I need to call room fourteen. »
« Perfetto. And what is your second question ? »
« Do you do room service ? We'd like to have two breakfasts delivered, if it's possible. »
« Si, I can arrange that, but there is a... supplemento. »
« All right. »
« What do you want for breakfast ? »
« Whatever you have, with a big pot of black coffee and extra cups, please. »
« No problem. Is that all ? »
« Yes, thank you. »
« I'll make the call now, please hold. »
After a minute or so, a sleepy voice answered.
« What ? »
« Virginie ? It's Nell, sorry to wake you up. »
« Nell ? Where are you ? I saw you get in the garden with the American, and then I lost you ! Everything's all right ? »
« I hope you didn't look for me too long. »
« No. You know Ben is in the hospital ? »
Nell's tone froze. « Yes, I know. He fell down the stairs and broke his nose. »
Virginie stayed silent.
« Tell me, did you have plans for today ? »
« I wasn't planning to be awoken at nine freaking thirty. Seriously, Nell ! »
« I'm sorry, I didn't look at the time. What do you say about spending the day at the beach ? I'll pay for the taxi and I'll invite you for lunch, what do you say ? »
« Yeah. What's the catch ? »
« Ah... »
« And where the hell are you ? »
« I found a little hotel to spend the night. Long story... anyway, I need my pack. »
« What do you mean, you need your pack ? »
« Well... I don't have anything to wear beside my party dress which is in no condition to be worn. »
Virginie sneered. « You had a crazy night, didn't you ? »
« I had an... opportunity, and I seized it. »
« I see... six three, brown hair and a thousand watts smile. »
Nell had a wide grin. « And Dress Whites and Gold wings. »
« Do I bring you just a change of clothes, or your whole pack ? »
« The whole pack, you're gonna be alone tonight as well. »
« No kidding... give me the address. »
« Hotel Mare Blu, in Bagnoli. It's on the waterfront. Take your bathing suit. »
« Your hotel has a private beach ? »
« No, but there's a strip of sand a few hundred meters from there. And the water is delicious ! »
« All right. Give me time to get up and come. You better have some fresh coffee when I arrive ! »
« I will. And it's good coffee. »
« How do you know ? You don't drink coffee. »
« My six three brown hair opportunity seems to like it fine. »
Virginie hung up with a shake of her head. During their conversation, Harm had finished showering and opened the door for the waiter carrying the breakfast tray. Nell sat down and helped herself with some tea.
« I got in touch with my roommate, and she's bringing my pack over. I'll be able to give you back your shirt. »
« I like the way you wear it. »
Nell has a flirtacious smile. And told him how the desk manager had helped her. She tasted the tea, jerked when she burnt her tongue and started on her cornetto. Harm took the receiver and called the clerk.
Once they had finished their meal, Harm and Nell sprawled on the bed and spent a quiet time talking, cuddling, and just enjoying the moment.
Nell jumped at the knock on the door and let Virginie in.
« Thank you so much for coming ! »
Virginie dropped Nell's bag on the floor. « You owe me one hundred and twenty seven francs. Is that coffee I smell ? »
Harm was wearing only a towel around his hips, and he made sure it was secure before getting out of the bed.
« Virginie, this is Harm, Harm, this is Virginie. »
Harm handed her a freshly poured cup of coffee.
« Hi ! »
« No talking before coffee. » Virginie sat down and sipped her brown dose of revival with her eyes closed.
Nell grabbed some clothes from her bag and left for the bathroom. « Be right back ! »
Harm didn't move, or talk. He thought he was stuck with the brunette who looked like she was having a coffee-induced orgasm. She opened her eyes and looked at him.
« So, you're Harm. You don't hold a grudge, do you ? »
« Why should I ? »
« Because she shot you down. »
Harm had a smile. « It was a game. »
Virginie's smile was even wider. « Still. »
« I don't see the point in holding grudges. It holds you back. »
« I suppose you're right. » She took another sip of coffee, watching Harm suspiciously.
Nell stepped out of the bathroom, wearing a sundress over a bathing suit. « You're alive again ? »
« Barely. »
« Let's go for a swim. Harm, you'll join us a the beach when your pack arrives ? »
« Sure ! »
Nell pecked Harm on the lips, took a towel and left with Virginie.
Chapter 5
Nell and Virginie were sitting on their towels in their bikinis when Harm arrived with his shipmates. They were talking and laughing and Harm thought Nell had a happy nature, despite the harshness of her life.
Swan whistled softly. « Nice ink ! »
Nell turned back and smiled to him. « Thanks ! I like yours too. I get why you got your callsign. » On his right pectoral, he had a beautiful rendering of a pelican nourishing his young from its flesh, that unfortunatly looked a bit like a swan.
« It's not a swan ! »
« I know. I did a bit of heraldry. It's the symbol for paternal love. »
Swan was taken aback, as were the others. « You know that ? »
« I know a lot of things about a lot of things. »
Wedge sat down at Virginie's side, while Loki tried to cham Nell. The three others dropped their gear and ran to the water.
« So... what else do you know ? » He was clearly in flirting mode, and Harm wasn't having it.
He pulled Nell's hand to get her up and lead her to the sea. When they were waist deep, he pushed her slightly, making her loose her footing and sink with a shriek. He dived after her and they emerged with a laugh.
The five men and the two women spent a long time playing in the waves. When hunger became too much, they went to the little restaurant in the corner. The afternoon was spent much as the morning had been, between water games and rests on the sand. The mood was light, the atmosphere pleasant.
When the sun started to descend on the sea, they went back to the beach. Harm sat down on a towel, and Nell settled between his legs, her head resting on his chest. It was the first time they had displayed any kind of intimacy since the morning, but time was running short, and Nell wanted to enjoy their last hours together. They talked about what they wanted to do that evening, and settled for dinner and beer at an Irish pub situated half-way between them and their accomodations. Virginie and the Americans took cabs to go back to the city, while Harm and Nell stayed behind.
Alone at last, still sitting together, they watched the sea for a moment. They sun wouldn't set for a long time, and they couldn't stay until it did, but they could relax and savor the moment. Harm put a kiss on Nell's temple and murmured a few words in her ear. That brought a large smile on her face and she looked bewitchingly at Harm. They grabbed their belongings and walked quickly to the hotel.
The sky was greying in the west when Harm woke up the following morning. He turned to go back to sleep, but felt an empty space beside him. At the same moment, he caught a movement near the door. Nell was facing away from him, practicing her kata in her pyjamas. She was very focused, every movement very precise, her breathing even.
He just laid there, watching her. He was fascinated by the way she moved, she had to have practiced the kata a thousand times or more.
« Hello Harm. »
She surprised him by greeting him without looking at him, and without skipping a beat.
« Hey. How did you know I was awake ? »
An inspiration. « Your breathing changed. » A kick. An expiration. « Did I wake you ? »
« The bed is cold. »
« Sorry. I'm almost finished. »
A few more movements, a final bow, and Nell turned to Harm with a smile. « Let's warm up this bed. » She knelt on the bed and advanced towards Harm. He put his hand out to her, hooked it behind her head and put his lips on hers. Nell melted against him, snuggling in his arms.
« We haven't emptied the box. »
Nell smiled. « We can keep the rest for next time. Naples is not very far from France and I don't have a deployment scheduled yet. »
Harm grazed her mouth with his. « I'd like that. » He rolled over her and proceeded to make love to her one last time.
A few hours later, they left the hotel, both dressed in their uniforms. They didn't smile. Inside the cab, Nell put her head on Harm's shoulder, she looked a bit sad. Harm inclined his head and took her lips. They shared a long and tender kiss that the driver had to interrupt when they arrived at the airport. Time was up.
Harm exited the cab, closed the door and Nell scooted over. She leaned through the open window for one last look at her lover. Harm smiled warmly at her. It took her a second or two, but she ended up smiling as well. She was a little blue to break up like that, but they would get in touch. Harm bent down and they kissed one last time.
« So long, Sailor ! »
« Bye, Dragon ! »
And as the taxi took Nell to her destination, Harm watched her go with a pensive air, wondering what the future would bring them.
Chapter 6
September 1990
Dear Harm,
I was so happy to hear your voice in my helmet this morning. I'm stationned in Saudi Arabia, with no hope of joining Naple anytime soon, so that was good.
I'm not seeing combat, I'm strictly on recon and patrol, but I get to fly almost everyday. And I got promoted to Captain, which means you still outrank me... Sir !
How are you guys doing ? Virginie kept talking about Loki, it seems they had a nice time in Naples (which he proably talked to you about in details...). I heard him call her « Ginny » several times, and after talking to my squadron, we decided to make it her callsign. At first she wasn't sure she liked it, but now she doesn't want to be called anything else !
The heat is unbearable here, I hope you have AC on your carrier !
I can't wait to hear from you !
Fly high !
Nell
October 1990
Dear Nell,
Congratulations on your promotion !
The heat is unbearable here too, but at least we have the AC inside and the sea winds to cool us down a bit.
From what I've heard, Loki hasn't been in touch with « Ginny », but yes, he told us about Naples. Tell her congrats too !
It was nice to hear your voice too, I enjoyed flying with you mostly because you didn't try to shoot me down this time !
Take care of the Dragon !
Harm
December 1990
Dear Harm,
The problem with flying with you is I can't tell you personnal stuff, since everything is recorded.
Ben is finally out. He graduated from harassement to attempted rape last month and got sent to jail. I'm breathing easier ! The Colonel said nothing about all this, but I know he feels responsible, as he should. I'm sorry for the girl he attacked, so I started a karate class on the base. It's for women only, and it gives me a sense of purpose (and something to do between training and missions). I have five pupils, Ginny is one of them.
And as for trying to shoot you, if I remember correctly, YOU were the one trying to shoot me down after you had Gecko !
A happy new year in advance !
Fly high !
Nell
January 1991
Dear Nell,
I heard a french pilot crashed in December, and I got scared it was you, until I got your letter. I'm glad you're okay ! I'm also very sorry for your squadron. Losing a man is always hard, I know.
Just wanted you to know I'm all right. I went to Naples for three days between Christmas and New Year, and thought about you.
Happy new year !
Harm
February 1991
Dear Harm,
Your turn to scare me ! I had a mission scheduled with you today, and Swan explained to me what happened. I'm so sorry about Wedge. But I can't belive it was pilot error, that you screwed the pooch. I've flown enough with you to know you're an excellent pilot. I hope the guys in your squadron don't turn their backs on you, that would be so unfair !
Swan told me you didn't get hurt, that's a relief. I hope you're back in the air as soon as possible, once you're cleared. I'll be waiting to hear your voice in my helmet again !
Take care of my Flyboy !
Nell
February 1991
Dear Nell,
I'm grounded. Definitly. The doctors diagnosed me with night blindness, which led me to miss the ball and hit the deck. I killed a teammate, so the squadron was relieved, if not happy, to see me go.
But I hate it. I hate being back on the ground. I hate that I can't fly again. I can tell you that because I know you'd understand. I miss flying like I miss breathing. It's like they cut my arm or my leg. I have no idea what to do now with my life. And I feel like I've let my father and grandfather down. They went down flying. And I have bad eyes.
I'm so jealous that you still fly. Take me with you up there, be my eyes and ears. Tell me all about how the skies are. Here in Norfolk it's dull and grey and cold. I miss the sun at twelve thousand feet.
Take care of my Dragon
Harm
PS : I don't need my wings anymore, you might as well have them.
March 1991
Dear Harm,
My heart aches for you. I can't imagine what you're going through. I carry your wings on every mission I fly, so you are up there with me.
I've been back in France for a couple of months now, but I have a deployment coming up, I'm going to Djibouti. Any chance of seeing you there ? Any idea of what you'll be doing next ?
You know you can talk to me.
Your friend,
Nell
March 1991
Dear Nell,
I'm at my grandmother's farm at the moment. I'm staying in my childhood room, and it brings back a lot of memories. My collection of model airplanes is displayed on the walls. It's a reminder I can't fly anymore, and it breaks my heart, but at the same time I have happy memories of making them.
So yesterday, I took out the family Stearman, Sarah (named after my Gran). My grandfather bought it before the war, but he was shot down in '43 and never fixed it. My dad worked on it a bit, with the intention of restoring it with me, but he went MIA in '69, so it didn't happen either. I started to take on the repairs when I was in high school, after I went to Vietnam to try to find him, and now it's in perfect condition.
A few years back, I brought it to an airfield not far and it's always available. At first, I didn't want to take her out this morning. But the sky was so clear, and the winds so perfect I couldn't resist.
I'll never fly jets again, I'm slowly coming to terms with that, but I can still enjoy going up in Sarah. I never thought I could. Thank you for your encouragements, and your friendship.
I've talked with someone from the career bureau, I'm thinking law, JAG. Not sure about it yet, but with my night vision impaired, I can't pilot a ship either. I'll think about it some more, let you know.
Fly high !
Harm
April 1991
Dear Harm,
I hope the letters we exchange are not too painful for you. I'm still flying and I know how much you miss it. Tell me if it is, I'd be sad to stop writing to you, but I'd do it for you.
I'm glad you're finding a way to trim your sails. Lawyer for the Navy should be interesting. We don't have those in France, military people are judged by civilian courts.
I'm still in Djibouti, and it's getting hotter by the day ! Four months to go, it's going to be a long summer !
Take care of my sailor !
Nell
April 1991
Dear Nell,
Please keep writing ! I miss the sky but I love hearing from you. What is there to do in Djibouti when you're on the ground ? Do you still teach karate ?
I moved to Washington to attend Law School in Georgetown. I got a spring admission, so I'm already taking classes. I think it's the best career path for me, and who knows, I might even enjoy it one day ! For the moment, I spend my nights buried in books. Reminds me of my Academy years !
Fly High !
Harm