Rating: T for occasional language

Summary: Set in early season 5 when Harm was out flying. This story gives Harm a different (better!) reason for changing his designator than the show provided. And may just open the way for him to find his happily ever after – with a little trouble along the way, of course.

Disclaimer: JAG was created by Donald P. Bellisario and is owned in whole or in part by Belisarius Productions and Paramount Network Television (CBS Studios). This is a work of fiction playing with the characters that I have loved for more than twenty years – I make no money from this and no copyright infringement or disrespect is intended.

Letters Home: Doin' It Their Way

By: visions2share (a.k.a. Vi)

Friday, June 4, 1999

U.S.S. Patrick Henry

Mediterranean Sea

Mac,

I met my RIO – her name is Elizabeth Hawkes, callsign 'Skates'. She's pretty green – this is only her second deployment and she's never seen combat. Something she has in common with the rest of the squadron (even the CAG). Thankfully she doesn't seem overeager to change that. Some of these guys are really joansing for it. Tom Boone used to say pilots like that had a hard-on for trouble. (Please pardon his language. You are a Marine. I know. But still … sorry.) And yes, I'm aware of the irony of Tom calling somebody else a … trouble magnet … or a hothead – I don't think he was, or is, aware of it though.

I lived with my Gran during law school. I took the accelerated track and finished in two years. I was still struggling after my crash for most of the first year. It helped being with Gran – she's always had a special way of cutting through my ego and what she called my 'macho bullshit'. You would get along well – maybe too well. Maybe you could take leave for a long weekend when I'm home and come up and meet her!? She's amazing – and a big draw for you - she's a fantastic cook! So no, there was no cafeteria for me!

I hope Harriet sends the pictures soon – and often – I want to recognize him when I get home. I brought a copy (the original is safe at home) of my copy of the baptism photo of us with him. I didn't bring the one with Harriet and Bud – limited space – but it was the most recent picture of us I had. And we looked great in our civvies … well mostly you.

Did you live in the dorms during law school?

I have my first shift at flight ops in the morning. I have to be in the ready room at 0700 P.H. time. Apparently Captain Pike prefers to use ship's time rather than zulu. Personally, I think that just makes the whole time zone confusion we normal mortals have a hundred times worse. It is so arbitrary. I guess I better try to sleep so I make a decent showing tomorrow – wouldn't want the greenhorns to show me up too much. Wish me luck?

Hugs,

Harm

Saturday, June 5, 1999

Mac's Apartment

Georgetown, DC

Harm,

Two e-mails before you even flew – are you feeling alright?

I've decided, since you've deprived me of a steak dinner, you can take me out for a fancy one the first night you're home. Warning: it's going to cost you! I'd love to meet your grandmother and see her farm. I'm not sure I can trust your judgement of her cooking prowess though – considering some the horrible things you find palatable. Please tell me she doesn't believe tofu is a real food?!

I lived in a B&B type place off campus during law school. The old couple who owned it rented out rooms to graduate students and provided two meals a day. It was kind of like dorm life except I had a private bathroom and some of the food was better.

I do think I'd like your grandma – anyone willing to call you out on your nonsense (macho and otherwise) sounds like somebody I need to know.

You managed not to tell me your old callsign again – why is that? Did you get a new one yet? Are you going to be okay having a woman sit second seat? I know you aren't really sexist, but I also know you've spent too much time with old man Boone. How about the rest of your squad – are you getting along?

I told Bud to tell Harriet that you have your laptop and are hoping for regular Little AJ updates. I'm sure the first pictures will be in your inbox before long.

I think Bud was hoping he might get your office but the admiral gave it to Brumby. I guess that's fair because he outranks Bud – but still, Bud's put in the time here and Brumby hasn't. And won't as he'll be going back to Australia in another six months or so. We're probably going to need another new lawyer here too– there's just so much work and so few hands. Brumby seems to think that taking over your office means he'll take over your assignments and get to conduct investigations – so far, the admiral hasn't allowed that though. But it's only been less than a week.

I found out in the staff meeting yesterday that I was requested to act as defense council for a Marine I used to serve with in Bosnia – while we were both under Farrow's command. I haven't thought of him since I transferred out so I don't know how he knew I'm at JAG now.

I'm going to spend most of my day off running weekend errands. Laundry, dry cleaning, grocery shopping - the usual.

More next time.

Fly safe, Navy,

Mac

Author's Note: As always, thanks for reading! ~Vi