Ch05 of "Bringing up babies with Harm": "17 messages from Mac"
A/N: AU. This is a fictional story, in a fictional Alternative Universe, about fictional characters who entertained us in a fictional TV series between 1995 and 2005. Mike. Characters borrowed with love and appreciation for the great team who brought us "JAG"; may your following careers blossom.
A/N: AU: "they aren't mine: I'm just playing with them - apart from any fictional character created by myself". See Ch01 of this story for the whole disclaimer A/N. Feel free to PM me if you spot any typos - my goal is 100% error-free. Feedback and comments are also welcome. Your opinions, critiques (and requests as PMs) are always helpful - and will be considered.
A/N: Publication date: 30-OCT-2022: summary: Harm and Carolyn return from a successful trip to Lansing, to find 17 messages from Mac on Harm's answerphone. Harm sets about helping his former partner and fellow JAG. Mike, UK, 30-10-2022. Happy Hallowe'en.
A/N – link to Canon Episodes: nothing specific, just general post-Paraguay canon.
Characters from FFNET – H Rabb; Carolyn Imes-Rabb: Jen Coates; RAdm AJ Chegwidden: plus others, TBD as my storyline grows.
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Monday 17th November 2003, 18:42hrs EDT
Apartment of Harmon Rabb, North of Union Station, Washington DC
Carolyn had the easy job (unlocking Harm's apartment door and opening it), whilst he did the "heavy lifting" of their cases. Carolyn had elected to travel back in her uniform (no point in having two sets of laundry for the day, she had rationalised) so Harm directed her to the settee - where she instantly began to relax from their journey - while he set about the kitchen, brewing a pot of tea.
"Harm, is that the message light on your answerphone?"
In the 16th week of her pregnancy, Carolyn was glad to get her uniform heels off and to unbutton her uniform jacket. The uniform still looked smart with the new (wider-waisted) uniform skirt. She realised that she would, probably within a month, need to move across to the USN maternity uniform. At least she'd be able to get herself back to fighting fitness before she returned to Falls Church - and the next year's switch to Summer Whites!
Harm pushed the "Play" button – and was shocked to hear the torrent of messages from Mac. These had built up over the weekend – co-incidentally, the first one had arrived just as their plane was pushing back for the flight to Lansing.
He looked at Carolyn, concern in his eyes.
"How many…?"
She shrugged: "I think I lost count at 15 – hell, I may have missed a few! I think that Mac needs help. Look Harm, call her and then - if you need to - just go, my darling. I can stay here; there is enough clothing for a couple of days and I'm due in Falls Church tomorrow for depositions. Hey, I'm grateful for that airline sandwich and cola now!"
She stretched out an arm to him, gently dragging him down to graze her lips.
"Harm, she is your (hopefully-lifelong) friend and I know that she is a good little Marine. From those messages, she's obviously had a tough time in Paraguay. We'd all realised that, but the counselling clearly is a work in progress. Look, my darling husband-to-be, get on the phone on your way over there and then, once you are in contact, call me with an update – I'll be in bed by 2200hrs."
She hugged him closely as she continued.
"Let her know that you're coming - and get over there. Clearly Clayton Webb isn't helping. You mentioned something about 'never' when she was coming back, didn't you? She needs you. Anyways, just come home safe once you have helped our favourite Marine, OK darling?"
He bent down to kiss her.
"Thanks, Carolyn, I love you."
"Indeed you do, Harmon Rabb – and our daughter is very grateful for that. Now, leave our daughter with her Mom and you go off to help our colleague and friend. We'll be fine here."
Harm appreciated the fact that Carolyn considered herself a friend to Mac. He had a suspicion that this would not be a quick visit – and that both he and Carolyn would be helping to pick up the pieces of Mac's Paraguay adventure.
Locking the apartment door, Harm left his wife-to-be and their unborn daughter, then headed out on the well-worn path to Georgetown.
Whatever had happened to Mac in Paraguay, she clearly needed her Flyboy.
He was ready to support her – while Carolyn (his wife-to-be) had his back and supported him. At some point, he would need to update Mac about his news regarding his upcoming marriage and the baby. But this was of secondary importance tonight, because their focus was on helping Mac.
But what would he find at her apartment?
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End of Chapter 5 of "Bringing up babies with Harm": "17 messages from Mac"
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Mike: UK, 30-10-2022. Happy Hallowe'en, everyone!