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)

1801 zulu Sunday, June 13, 1999

U.S.S. Patrick Henry

Mediterranean Sea

It was all Mac could do to not bounce in her seat when the flight crew informed them they were starting landing procedures. Mac used to tense in dread at the thought of tailhooking onto a carrier - time and experience had dulled that dread into apprehension. And, while she still wasn't looking forward to the bone-rattling bounce that was a carrier landing, she was comparatively so excited to see Harm again the discomfort would be inconsequential. They'd both be in uniform and likely in front of many witnesses so their reunion wouldn't include the passionate embrace she'd been dreaming of but just to lay eyes on him again would be such a joyous thing.

"Brace for landing," came through the headset and Mac instinctually grabbed the straps holding her to the bulkhead with her arms crossed in front of her chest. The admiral, who would apparently soon take command of the sixth fleet, gave her a brief nod of approval before the two of them and Bud, were jarred by the tailhook catching and holding them to the ship. Before the plane had even stopped vibrating they were unfastening their restraints and preparing to get out.

They'd come in right on time: 1802 zulu - still past sunset in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea but far off pitch black on the deck. They were met by an Ensign that took one look at the stars and bars of the rear admiral and was immediately at attention with as salute. Once the salute was returned the young man, who couldn't have been a day over twenty-two, took notice of Mac and Bud - his eyes widening even more.

"Welcome aboard the Patrick Henry, Admiral, ma'am, sir. We weren't expecting you?"

"We need to see Captain Pike. While we meet with him you find us billets - in officers' country and have our gear stowed," when the ensign didn't immediately jump to obey the admiral continued, "Take us to Pike, Ensign."

"I'm afraid the captain has been called to deal with an issue with the CAG and one of the pilots, sir, and isn't currently available."

Mac had stepped up beside the admiral and they shared a glance. Apparently, they hadn't gotten there quickly enough after all.

"I didn't ask to see Pike, Ensign, I'm telling you. Where is this 'meeting' happening?" his tone left no option but to answer and quickly.

"Pilots' ready room, sir."

"Well, either lead on - or get out of my way!"

The boy's eyes were blown wide, "Aye, aye, sir. This way, sir," with that the ensign did an about face and took off quickly across the flight deck the admiral, Mac, and Bud nipping at his heels.

1809 zulu Sunday, June 13, 1999

U.S.S. Patrick Henry

Mediterranean Sea

They could hear them when they were still several steps from the door.

"... precious pilots are too stupid to follow basic rules - they deserve what they get!"

"Listen here you snot nosed bureaucratic shithead - if you lived out here in the real world like the rest of us maybe you'd understand what it takes to make a judgement call."

There were four men in the room - a captain and a JAG lieutenant squaring off, another, older, captain his back to the door was apparently just observing, and Harm, a head taller than any of the others, was standing back watching with a look on his face like Mac had never seen. A cross between frustration, anger and weariness.

"Admiral on deck!" the ensign escorting them announced as soon as they'd stepped inside the room.

Harm's eyes found them first, even as the other three faced them and snapped to attention, his expression turning first to relief then a big smile formed at odds with his otherwise perfectly correct at attention posture.

The silence was thick with the tension from the fight and the apprehension of even the skipper of coming unexpectedly face-to-face with an admiral who would be recognized by any officer with carrier experience over the past thirty years. He was a man who was literally a living legend among aviators and carrier officers throughout the Navy. A man who needed no introduction.

"Lieutenant Commander Rabb, the introductions if you would."

Author's note: Another short chapter today but things are about to get interesting. And longer. On a side note – I received a guest review, which was very nice and complimentary, saying that I should 'finish the story'. I thought I had mentioned that the story is complete, but if failed to, please know that it is. I appreciate all the reviews! Thanks for reading! ~Vi