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, 1990

U.S.S. Patrick Henry

Mediterranean Sea

Hi Mac!

I'm settled in on board the Patrick Henry – haven't been up yet – or met the squadron. Met the CAG – Captain Daniel Weston – and my new roommate Lieutenant Medwick. No first name offered – just a callsign 'Tuna' – how bad would your first name have to be to prefer being referred to as a smelly canned fish? I haven't been assigned a callsign yet either – I'm hoping the CAG doesn't make me use my old one – never liked it much.

My first deployment there weren't personal laptops or internet access for junior officers or crew. Getting to have a real time connection to back home is going to be a fun improvement! Even if getting used to having a roommate is going to take some adjustment after living alone for the past five years.

I know I've only been gone a few days but has anything interesting happened? How's JAG? And little AJ? Can he sit up on his own yet? I know he had mastered holding up his head when I saw him a couple of weeks ago and Bud said he'd probably be crawling – or even walking! – by the end of my deployment! I know babies grow fast but that's ridiculous! Write back soon so I can keep up to date with things at home. Say 'hi' to everybody at JAG for me! Oh and Chloe if you talk to her. I mean, when you talk to her.

Hugs!

Harm

Friday, June 4, 1999

Defense Justice Head Quarters

Falls Church, Virginia

Harm!?

You made me lose the pool! I had a minimum of three weeks before you got bored enough to e-mail and it didn't even take you 36 hours! That means Harriet won the pool – she was the closest with one week. I was going to use my winnings to treat myself to a nice steak dinner. Oh well – I'd rather hear from you than have a steak. Don't let it go to your head, Flyboy.

Is Flyboy your new callsign? What was your first one? You've never told me. Which now that I think of it that's weird – you talk about your flying days all the time but that detail you've never mentioned. Why? Is it embarrassing? Worse than a fish?

You had a roommate during law school? You didn't live in the dorms, did you? Somehow, I can't picture you living in dorms or eating in a school cafeteria.

I haven't seen Little AJ since you left but Bud says he's getting bigger every day. I'm sure once I tell Harriet you have your laptop she'll gladly send you pictures!

Be Safe!

Mac

Author's Note: Thank you for reading the first chapter of this story! It is completely written and ready to post – there are forty (40) chapters in total. I will post one chapter at roughly the same time each day, every day, Monday through Saturday. ~ Vi