A Cleansing Rain By Jared Chapman Disclaimer: I do not own JAG, the Pretender, or any of the characters in this story. Those of you who do…please don’t sue me. I’m just another one of the thousands of fans who love your shows and I am not profiting in any way from this story. Those of you who read this story…please do not copy or redistribute it. You could get me in trouble and that’s just not nice! However, if you wish to archive it, please send me an email and I will be happy to say ok! Spoilers: Everything through “Head to Toe” in season seven. This story is a sequel to the JAG/Pretender crossover story entitled “Pretending to Fly” and it is set three years from the end of JAG season seven. If you have not read the first story, this one might not make any sense. If you would like to read “Pretending to Fly,” you can find it at the BTL Archive: http://btlarchive.topcities.com Feedback: jared2142@hotmail.com Archive: BTL 0536 Eastern Time Sunday The Centre Sydney stormed thru the front doors of the Centre and glared at the security guard, daring him to slow down his progress. “Go ahead, Sir,” was all the poor guard could manage as the older man brushed by and entered the waiting elevator. ‘Just wait until I see that conniving…’ he thought as the elevator doors opened to reveal Miss Parker waiting for him with a smug smile. That made his anger boil even hotter as he stepped from the elevator and glared at her. “What on earth could possess you to call me here at this hour on a Sunday?” he growled, while the young woman simply turned and walked away from him. “Answer the question, Miss Parker,” he demanded, his voice barely under control. “Some of us have a life outside of this forsaken bunker, you know.” “We have him, Sydney,” she said finally, in a voice so calm it made his blood turn cold. “After years of near misses, I’ve finally found his weakness. In a matter of hours, your boy Jarod will be coming home. And, we’re not even going to chase him.” “But, how?” he wondered out loud, a part of him hoping that she was wrong, hoping that Jarod would find a way out of her trap, yet again. “What makes you so sure you have him this time, Miss Parker?” “Come with me,” she responded, leading him down the hall and into her office. Inside they found Brutes, working on some type of map. “Show him what you found, Brutes,” she said coldly, making Brutes so nervous that he could barely talk. “Here, Sydney,” he started shakily. “Take a look at this map I’ve put together on Jarod’s movements. These lines show his movements from the time we started chasing him until the time we barely missed him in Washington, D.C.” At Sydney’s confused look he clarified. “You know, the time he was pretending to be a Navy lawyer.” “Yes, I remember. So what does this map mean, Brutes? What are you getting at? His movements seem completely random to me.” “By itself, it means nothing,” he said, confusing Sydney even more. “But alongside this map…” he continued, pulling a similar map from an adjacent drawer. “This is a map of his movements since Washington. Notice anything unusual?” Brutes asked with a smile until he saw the icy stare Miss Parker was sending him. He knew he had better just get to the point before she lost her patience. “You see, Sydney, it seems as though Jarod has been making his way back to Washington periodically. I did some checking, and the Navy officer that worked with him on his case was a woman. Miss Parker put two and two together, we did a little more digging, and we discovered that Jarod has a girlfriend.” “How patently brilliant of the two of you,” Sydney said sarcastically, so far completely unimpressed by what they were telling him. Then realization struck him like a bolt of lightning. He spun toward Miss Parker with a look of fear in his eyes. “You’re not planning on doing something to the girl, are you?” he asked desperately even though he already knew the answer. “I already have,” she said coldly as she opened the door to her closet, revealing a bound and gagged Commander Meg Austin. * * * * * 0645 Eastern Time Sunday Rabb Residence Georgetown Harm and Mac were sleeping soundly when there was a loud knock at the door. “Who in the world…” Harm mumbled as he crawled out of bed to answer the door. He made his way thru the apartment, tripping over his child’s toys twice before finally getting to the front door. “This better be good,” he called out before swinging the door open to reveal a cold and shivering Jarod. “Commander Williams?” Harm wondered out loud. “This is a surprise, especially this early on a Sunday,” he said, a little annoyed. Then he saw the look on the other man’s face and his tone changed from annoyance to dread. “This is about Meg, isn’t it?” he asked, afraid for the answer. “I didn’t know who else to trust. May I come in, Captain? I’ll explain everything.” “Yes, of course,” Harm said, just as Mac appeared from the bedroom. “Who is it, Harm?” she asked as Jarod stepped through the doorway. “Commander Williams, what are you doing here?” she asked as she shot her husband a worried glance. “The Commander was just about to explain that,” he replied. “Ok, I’ll put some coffee on. Why don’t we all sit down in the living room and you can tell us what this is about.” “Ok…” Jarod replied. “But you probably need to sit down for this one.” * * * * * 0658 Eastern Time Sunday Rabb Residence Georgetown After the coffee was served and Mac settled in next to her husband, Harm broke the silence that had prevailed ever since Jarod had stepped thru the door. “Ok, Commander Williams, what is going on? Let’s talk this thing out,” he said, giving Jarod a reassuring half smile. “Well, the first thing I should clear up is the name. My name is not Commander Williams. It is just Jarod. I’m not a lawyer and I’m not a Tomcat pilot. Well, I wasn’t until we shot down those MIGs…” “Wait a minute,” Harm said holding up his hand. “You’re telling me that you’re not a Commander in the US Navy and that you had never tired a case or flown an F-14 until our trip to the Patrick Henry?” Harm asked, completely bewildered. “Yes.” “Than how in the…” Harm started to loose his temper until Mac placed a hand on his arm, quieting him for a moment. “Harm, he did say we would need to sit down for this,” she said with a reassuring smile. “Let’s let Jarod finish his story before we jump to any conclusions.” “Ok, Jarod, you have the floor,” he said using every once of restraint he had. “Thank you, Captain. I’m sure you are both wondering how I was able to try that case and how I was able to fly that Tomcat when I wasn’t really a lawyer or a pilot. I was able to do those things because of a gift that I’ve had ever since I was a child. I am able to pick up and master a skill or an activity in the fraction of the time a normal person can.” He paused for a moment and thought about how to tell them the next part as he took a sip from his mug. “You see, when I was very young, I was kidnapped and taken to a place called the Centre. The people, who operate the Centre, kidnap children with this gift and use their minds to conduct experiments. They call us Pretenders. I was held at the Centre until several years ago, when I escaped. I have been traveling all over the world using my gift to help people. I’ve been a doctor, a race car driver, and a hundred other things, all to help people in need.” “So, that’s why you impersonated a JAG,” Harm interrupted. “You were there to help Commander Jeffries.” “Yes.” “What if he had been guilty?” Mac asked. “Then you would have won, Colonel. I don’t help guilty people, only innocent ones.” “Ok, so what does all of this have to do with us? You got the charges dropped and you moved on,” Harm replied, still a little confused. Then it hit him. “These people from the Centre, they want you back don’t they?” he asked. “Yes, they do. And, they will stop at nothing to capture me,” he said as he felt tears welling in his eyes. “They’ve got Meg, Harm. They found out about us. I don’t know how but they did. I received this note this morning,” he said handing the piece of crumpled paper to Harm. Jarod, We have you’re little girlfriend, Commander Austin. Even trade? Call me. Miss Parker Harm handed the letter back to Jarod and reached for his cell phone. “Admiral.” “Yes, Sir, I know it’s Sunday.” “Sir, this cannot wait. Can you see the Colonel and I this morning?” “Yes, Sir, we will be right over,” he said hanging up. He made one more phone call, this one very brief, and then turned back to Jarod. “There are two people we are going to need on our side if we are going to get Meg back. You are going to have to trust me and you are going to have to tell them what you just told us,” Harm said, staring evenly at Jarod. “I’ll do anything to get her back, Harm. Anything.” * * * * * 0805 Eastern Time Sunday Chegwidden Residence MacLean, Virginia “Enter!” the Admiral bellowed from the rear of his house when he heard the doorbell. ‘This had better be good, Rabb,’ he thought to himself as he rounded the corner to the living room. There he found not only the Captain and the Colonel, but Jarod as well. “Commander Williams, I wasn’t aware that you were in town. What is all of this about, Harm?” he asked now as thoroughly confused as Harm and Mac had been a couple of hours before. “Sir, I think you had better sit down,” Harm said as the Admiral crossed the room and settled into his armchair. “We are actually waiting for one more person so that Jarod won’t have to tell this story for a third time.” AJ caught Harm’s use of the Commander’s first name and then he saw the look on Jarod’s face. From that moment he knew that they had a good reason for disturbing him. He just wondered what it was and what he could do to help. “I’m assuming you’re talking about me, Harm,” Clay said as he entered the room, surprising everyone. “Webb, don’t you ever knock,” the Admiral replied with a sarcastic tone. Webb ignored him, instead focusing his attention on Jarod. “What brings you to our neck of the woods, Jarod?” he asked coolly, as he watched a look of shock come over the Pretender’s face. “You two know each other?” Harm asked incredulously. “Jarod doesn’t know me, but I certainly know him,” the spook responded, not giving them any more information and causing the Admiral to grow increasing annoyed. “Will someone please tell me what is going on!” he said in his best command voice. Clay was the first to speak. “Jarod, here, is what we in the business call a Pretender. He has the ability to assume any identity he wants, including that of an ex-pilot turned JAG lawyer. Most Pretenders either work for me, or they are held in a think-tank up north called the Centre. Jarod escaped from the Centre several years ago and has been roaming around using his gift to help people. We have been watching him for some time.” “Obviously, you know about me. Who are you?” Jarod asked, wondering who, besides the Centre, would be watching him. “Let’s just say, I work for the State Department.” “He’s CIA, Jarod,” Harm cut in. Webb just shrugged knowing that Harm wouldn’t give him an inch even when he was asking for a favor. “Ok, so you aren’t really a Navy Commander or a lawyer. This is very fascinating, but none of you have told me what this had to do with me,” the Admiral said, growing more and more impatient. This time it was Jarod who filled in the rest of the blanks. “Admiral, the people from the Centre have been chasing me ever since I escaped. They will stop at nothing to get me back. And, now they have kidnapped Meg.” “Commander Austin? Why would they kidnap her?” Jarod paused a moment before answering, looking down at the floor and letting out a deep sigh. “Because, I love her, Sir.” “I see.” “I’ve been sneaking back to see her every so often. She knows that I am a Pretender. The woman who is chasing me must have figured it out. She left me this note,” he said as he handed the note to AJ. He then handed it to Webb. “Do you know where they will hold her, Jarod?” Webb asked, almost sounding genuinely concerned. “They will hold her at the Centre. I am sure of it. If there were to be an exchange they would want it to be there. They wouldn’t risk transporting me.” “Webb, put together a small strike team. The five of us and three or four of your people should be enough. We are going in and getting my officer back,” the Admiral ordered. Webb didn’t even try to put up a fight. He just turned and dialed his cell phone. “The rest of you go home and get some rest. Meet back here at 1500. Understood?” “Aye, Sir.” * * * * * 1500 Eastern Time Sunday Chegwidden Residence MacLean, Virginia “Ok, attention people,” the Admiral said sternly, causing the small group that had assembled to be quiet. “You have the floor, Mr. Webb.” “Thank you, Admiral. As you all know, this raid is for the purpose of extricating a hostage from a heavily guarded, civilian facility known as the Centre. Jarod will be our point man on this operation. He has first hand intel on the interior of the facility and his word is law so keep your ears peeled. Mr. Clintock, here, has been in charge of monitoring the center for the State Department for ten years now. Any questions that Jarod cannot answer, he may be able to.” “The plan is simple.” He continued as he passed out intel folders to the members of the strike team. They contained complete diagrams of the facility and personnel files on Sydney, Miss Parker, Mr. Raines, and a dozen other Centre notables. “Jarod will make contact with Miss Parker, and arrange the exchange…Himself for the hostage. He will insist that the exchange take place in the lobby of the building and that only Miss Parker and Sydney be allowed in the room at the time of the exchange. Captain Rabb will supervise the exchange and will clear Commander Austin from the building once the exchange is made. Once the Captain and the Commander are clear of the suspects, Admiral Chegwidden and four Navy SEALS will repel to the lobby floor from access panels located here, here, here, and here,” he said pointing out the openings on a set of building plans laid out on the coffee table. “They will secure Miss Parker and Sydney. At the same time Mr. Clintock and Colonel Rabb will lead the remaining team thru the parking garage and in the south entrance. They will raid the building and round up additional suspects and material evidence. Is everyone clear on this plan?” After all of the team members were clear as to their places in the raid, the team filed into two large black vans and headed north for the Centre. * * * * * 1635 Eastern Time Sunday Miss Parker’s Office The Centre “Well, well, well,” she muttered with an evil smirk as she hung up her cell phone. “Looks like you really did a number on our boy,” as she turned to face Meg, still tied to an office chair. “He’s coming to make the exchange just after midnight, my dear. What he doesn’t know is that I have no intention of letting you leave here alive,” she finished with a cold laugh as she left the office. After Miss Parker was gone, Meg continued to work the ropes that bound her to the chair. After several hours she managed to free one hand, but she had to stop before she could get completely free of the ropes. She heard the distinct sound of heels coming down the hallway. In a moment Miss Parker was in the office again. She grabbed the back of Meg’s chair and began wheeling her down the hallway. “It’s almost time.” They made their way thru the halls, down the elevator, and into the lobby. Sydney was already there, waiting for them. “You’ve gone too far this time, Miss Parker. That’s a Navy officer you have there and they are going to want to know where she is.” “Shut up, Sydney. This is my show,” she responded, before looking up to find Jarod standing at the door. “Welcome home, Jarod,” she said, sending a shiver down Meg’s spine. Meg worked quietly to get the gage from her mouth while the two talked. She had to warn him. “I’ve had enough of your games, Miss Parker,” Jarod said, drawing out her name, all the while buying time for the strike team. “Let Meg go. Now!” he said, knowing that she would drag out the exchange for the sake of her own vanity. “What is it about this scrawnly little blonde, Jarod? I thought you were stronger than that,” she said meaning to torture him. “I wouldn’t expect you to understand. You would need a heart first,” he replied coolly, his eyes never betraying the turmoil raging inside him. “You have what you want. Jarod is here. Now let her go,” Harm said after hearing from AJ in his earpiece that everything was ready. Suddenly, Meg got the gage loose from her mouth and shouted to the men. “Jarod, Harm, get out of here. They’re not going to let me go…” she started before she took a blow to the head from the butt of Miss Parker’s pistol. The tall brunette kicked the chair to the side and pointed the weapon at Meg, who was now out cold. “Say goodbye to her, Jarod,” she said as she clicked off the safety and prepared to fire on the helpless woman. “Nooo…” Jarod cried out as he flung himself in front of his love just as the shot rang out. He hit the floor, and a pool of blood began to appear next to him. Hearing the shot, AJ and the SEALS sprang from the ceiling and subdued the two suspects without another shot. Meanwhile, Mac lead her team thru the south entrance and raided the remainder of the building, gathering fifteen prisoners and taking the positions with zero casualties. In the moments that followed the shooting, Harm had begun to address Jarod’s injuries. He had taken the shot just above the stomach and he was bleeding heavily. Harm turned to Webb. “Can you get us a chopper evac. I don’t know how long he’s going to last.” Within ten minutes, a Marine Medivac team was on the scene. Meg woke up just as the chopper was arriving to take Jarod to Bethesda. ‘This is all my fault,’ she thought to herself as she cried on Harm’s shoulder. * * * * * 0817 Eastern Time Monday Bethesda Naval Hospital Washington, D.C. As morning dawned on Monday, it found a lovely blond attorney crying on the shoulder of a balding ex-SEAL in the waiting room of Bethesda Naval Hospital. It had been a long night for everyone involved, but especially so for Meg Austin. The doctors had not held out much hope when Jarod had first arrived in the Medivac. He was in surgery for what must have been several hours, and even when he came out of surgery she hadn’t been allowed to see him. He slipped into a coma following his surgery and he still hadn’t woken up. Harm and Mac had wanted to come with them on the Medivac, but Meg had protested. ‘Stay here,’ she had said. ‘Find the evidence he needs to be free. Nail these people, Harm.’ With that they had taken off and left the Navy’s best two investigators to work on putting the Centre away for life. Meg found herself wondering how they were doing back there. She hoped that they had found enough to shut down the Centre altogether. She wanted so badly for him to be free, even if it only meant that he could die free. This thought made her sob a little harder and the Admiral noticed. “Shhh…He’s going to fine Meg. I know his kind. He’s just like Harm that way. This is not enough to end him. You have to believe that.” He had been whispering these things in her ear all night. Very few people knew this side of the Admiral, and Meg was very glad that he had it. She needed to be comforted and AJ was doing a good job for a grumpy old SEAL. Just then he saw the doctor walking toward them, and he pushed on Meg a little to get her to sit up and look. “The doctor is coming.” “How is he?” she asked calmly, masking the terror she felt inside. Then she saw the doctor smile, and all of the hope that had slowly drained out of her thru the night came backing a rush. “Is he awake?” she asked praying that he would say yes. “Yes, he is,” the doctor finally replied as Meg threw her arms around him and kissed his cheek. He laughed a little and then continued. “He’s not totally out of the woods, yet. But he is awake, he remembers what happened, and he is being moved to his own room,” he finished as he watched the young woman’s eyes light up with joy. “You will inform us the moment that he can have visitors, Captain?” the admiral asked as more of an order than a question. “Yes, Sir.” * * * * * 0956 Eastern Time Monday Records Vault The Centre “Harm?” Mac called as she rounded the corner into the records vault. “Right here,” he called out, not looking up from the file he was reading. “We’ve been at this all night, Harm. Let’s go take a walk.” “That sounds good. I could use a break,” he said, smiling for the first time in a day. As Webb’s boys continued to search for evidence, the two lawyers walked along the beach below the Centre. They walked back and forth for a long time, neither one saying a word. They just needed to be alone together, and digest what had happened over the last twenty-four hours. Finally, after about a half hour of silence, Mac voiced what both of them where thinking. “I hope he’s alright, Harm. And not just for his sake, but for Meg too.” “Me too. I know she loves him very much. She’s told me so a few times. I just hope she isn’t blaming herself for this. From what I have seen in those files, this place was bound to catch up with him regardless of him falling for Meg.” “I agree. But, she probably doesn’t feel that way,” Mac added sadly. “I just hope that one day she has the chance to be with her sailor the way I got my chance with you.” “I love you, Ninja Girl.” “And I love you, Flyboy. Come on, let’s go see if we can help them get their chance.” * * * * * 1042 Eastern Time Monday Intensive Care Unit Bethesda Naval Hospital “Commander Austin?” the doctor asked looking at the young woman who was now alone. The Admiral had to return to Virginia to open up JAG and get the new week started. He had promised to be back before lunch. “Yes?” “He’s awake, and he’s asking for you,” the doctor said softly. “Follow me.” As Meg walked into his room, she couldn’t help but let out a small gasp. He looked so weak and he was hooked up to a half dozen machines. She rushed to his side and took his hand, lifting it to her cheek so that he could fell the tears she was shedding for him. “Don’t cry,” he said, using his thumb to wipe away the tears. “I can’t help it. We almost lost you.” “You could never lose me,” he said with a reassuring smile. They were silent for a long time, happy just to be together again. After several minutes, the Admiral appeared at the door and he was wearing a grin from ear to ear. “What is it, Sir?” “Good news,” he said with a broad smile. “The Commander and the Colonel have found a mountain of evidence at the Centre. I just got off the phone with Justice, and they are already planning a trial. Congratulations, Jarod. It looks like your running days are over.” * * * * * 1856 Eastern Time Monday Roberts’ Residence Washington, D.C. Harm and Mac had been up for almost thirty-six hours when Harm finally pulled the SUV up the Roberts’ driveway. Both of the officers were dead on their feet when Bud answered the door. “You two look horrible,” was how he greeted them. “Thanks, Bud,” Harm replied with a weak chuckle. “You sure know how to make a guy feel better.” “Sorry, Sir.” “Bud, it’s almost 1900 and I am at your house to pick up my son, whom you are babysitting. I’m pretty sure it’s safe to call us Harm and Mac.” “Yes, Sir…I mean Harm.” Just then, Harriet came into the living room carrying little Ethan Rabb. “Come here, big man,” Harm said as he took the little boy and spun him around until he giggled. “I’ll bet you want to see mommy, huh?” At the mere mention of the word ‘mommy’ the infant started to squirm in his father’s arms. “I think our little man would like a word with you, Ninja Girl,” he smiled as he handed Ethan off to Mac. “I’m here little one. Mommy missed you so much.” While the two rookie parents sat on the couch fussing over their child, Bud and Harriet watched with a matching gleam in their eyes. The two of them had wished for so long to see Harm and Mac get together. Now, not only were they together, but they had provided Bud and Harriet with a godson. Suddenly, Bud remembered that Harm and Mac still hadn’t told them why they had decided to leave Ethan with them for two days. After all, he was just supposed to stay with them on Saturday night. “Harm, Mac, you still haven’t told us where you went these last two days. Not that we mind having our godson around, but I have to admit that I am a little curious,” Bud said as he caught a look of worry pass between the couple. “Is everything alright?” he asked when they didn’t answer right away. “Where should we start,” Harm said with a slight grin as he looked over at his wife. She really did look tired. He imagined that he didn’t look any better. After another moment, he proceeded to fill in the Roberts’ on everything that had happened. After they got over their shock, they agreed to meet the Rabbs’ at Bethesda in the morning, to visit Jarod and check up on Meg. * * * * * 0935 Eastern Time Tuesday Bethesda Naval Hospital Washington, D.C. When the four officers arrived on Tuesday morning, they were informed that Jarod had been taken off of all life support machines, and he was now in a private room on the second floor. When they reached his room they found him awake and in good spirits. He actually looked better than Meg, who had refused to leave him and hadn’t been home since being abducted. “Good morning, Jarod,” Harm said as they made their way into the room. “Good morning, Harm, Mac, and who is this little guy?” he asked spotting baby Ethan in Mac’s arms.” “This is our son and future naval aviator, Ethan Rabb,” Harm said proudly while tossing a teasing glance at his wife. “Not if he decides to be first on the beach, Captain,” she replied returning the banter. “Commander Roberts isn’t it…” Jarod started before Bud interrupted him. “Please, call me Bud. This is my wife Lieutenant j.g. Harriet Sims, and this is our son AJ.” “After the Admiral?” Jarod asked. The others just laughed. “That’s a long story, Jarod,” Mac finally explained. “Well, perhaps you will have a chance to tell me sometime. I hear you’ve built quite a case against the Centre. The Admiral said, that with my testimony, we might be able to shut down the Centre permanently.” “That is the idea, Jarod. But that means no more running for you. You sure you’re not going to miss it a little,” Harm asked already knowing the answer. Jarod looked over at the stunning, blonde, attorney seated next to him. He gently took her hand and pressed it to his lips before answering. “Not for a second, Captain. Not for a second.” * * * * * 1317 Eastern Time Tuesday Bethesda Naval Hospital Washington, D.C. After receiving strict orders from both Captain and Colonel Rabb, Meg had reluctantly gone home for a few hours. After a shower and a short nap, she could think of nothing but getting back to the hospital. When she exited the elevator on the second floor she could hear voices coming from Jarod’s room. She stopped just short of the door and caught the tail end of a conversation between Jarod and Clayton Webb. “Are you sure this is the identity you want. You can’t just go changing it around anymore, Jarod. You know that right?” “Yes, Mr. Webb. I am sure.” “Ok, I think that you have made a wise decision. Very much like another decision you made several months ago. I have to say, you are a very lucky man. She loves you very much.” “Yes, you are right, Mr. Webb. That was the best decision of my life.” “Good to hear. Well, I’m late for a meeting. I’ll be in touch.” “Thank you, Mr. Webb. I owe you one.” “Yes, you do.” * * * * * TWO MONTHS LATER 1735 Eastern Time Friday JAG Headquarters Falls Church, Virginia Mac peeked her head into Harm’s office and just watched him for a moment as he wrapped up for the day. She marveled at how much he looked like their son. Although she would never admit it to Harm, she truly hoped that Ethan would grow up to be just like his father. It would mean so much to him to have a son follow in his footsteps the way he had with his father. Though she was looking right at him, she must have been daydreaming, because suddenly she heard him calling her name and waving his hand in front of her face. “Hey, you with me, Marine?” she heard him say as she finally snapped out of it. “Yeah, I was just thinking about Ethan,” she replied with a small sigh. “Well, I’m all wrapped up here, so let’s go get him and go home. What do you say, Jarhead?” “Not a bad idea for a squid. You know, sometimes I almost think you could be a Marine,” she replied, returning the playful banter that she loved so much. “Not in this lifetime. Love you, Marine.” “Love you, Flyboy,” she replied as he placed a quick peck on her cheek and walked past her toward the elevators. They were almost across the bullpen when they heard a thunderous voice coming from behind them. “Rabbs, my office,” came the call from the Admiral. When the two officers arrived in the Admiral’s office they found Clayton Webb, Meg Austin, Bud Roberts, and Harriet Sims waiting. Satisfied that everyone was accounted for, the Admiral looked to Webb and motioned for him to begin. “For the last two months, a secret trial has been taking place at an undisclosed military base in an attempt to bring justice to those involved in the Centre. Jarod has been in protective custody throughout the trial. However, the trial is now over and Jarod will be returning to a normal life. He has chosen to assume the identity of Commander Jarod Williams permanently. I have taken the necessary steps to insure that this identity is not questioned. Those of you who know his story, it is absolutely vital that you keep it to yourselves and treat Jarod as just another member of the military.” After he was finished, Meg spoke up. “Will he be stationed here at JAG headquarters?” she asked. “No, I have offered Jarod a position with the State Department. His special skills will be a terrific asset at Langley. However, he will be on loan to JAG and he will maintain an office here at JAG Headquarters. All of this is, of course, up to the Admiral’s approval.” “You have my approval, Mr. Webb.” “Very well, I am late for a meeting. I will see you all next Friday night,” he said before turning to leave. “What’s next Friday night?” Harm asked as he caught sight of the Admiral’s face, which was taken with a wide grin. “Next Friday night,” the Admiral began, pausing for dramatic effect. “You get your first star, Admiral Rabb,” he finished as the rest of the officers swarmed around Harm. He turned and swung his lovely wife into his arms and kissed her passionately. When he set her back on her feet, she gazed up into his eyes. “I’m so proud of you, Flyboy.” * * * * * 1758 Eastern Time Friday JAG Headquarters Falls Church, Virginia After hearing such wonderful news, the six Navy officers decided to head for McMurphy’s to celebrate. They had made their way to the parking lot and were in the process of deciding which cars to take, when they heard the squealing of tires coming from up the road. A few seconds later, a silver Porsche convertible came screaming up to the guard gate. After passing thru the guard gate, Jarod pulled the car up slowly in front of the stunned officers. Meg smiled when she saw Jarod, dressed in a summer white navy uniform, looking as relaxed and free as she had ever seen him. It had been just over two months since she had seen him last, and she didn’t want to waste another second as she ran and leaped over the door and into the passenger seat. She put her hands on either side of his face and pulled him into a sweet, lazy kiss. After a moment he broke off the kiss and looked up at the other officers, who still had shocked expressions on their faces. “I guess it pays to be CIA,” he said with a sly grin. “I get the beautiful girl and the hot car.” With that he shifted the car into gear and took off down the road, leaving a trail of black smoke in his wake. Harm let out an excited, “Go Jarod” as the car disappeared around a corner. “Be happy, my friend. You deserve it.” * * * * * 1926 Eastern Time The following Friday The Royalty Hotel Ballroom Washington, D.C. “Hey, Jarod, Meg. Glad you could make it,” Harm said as he spotted his friends. “Congratulations, Harm,” Jarod said, accepting the handshake Harm offered. “Yes, congratulations,” Meg added, before leaning forward and placing a soft peck on his cheek. “Thank you both, very much. Meg, you look positively lovely,” he added with a dazzling grin. “Thank you. Where’s Mac, Harm?” Meg asked scanning the room. “I suggest you head that way, toward the refreshments, and look for the truly stunning brunette in the red dress. Can’t miss her.” “Alright,” she replied with a small chuckle. “See you boys later.” “Does it ever wear off?” Jarod asked when the two men were alone. “What’s that?” Harm replied. “The butterflies I get every time I see her. The desire to cling to her and never let go,” he said sincerely, his eyes never leaving Meg as he watched her cross the room. “Thankfully, no,” Harm replied with a grin. “I still feel those things every time I see, Sarah. There is nothing like it and nothing could ever replace it,” he said as he gave Jarod a pat on the back. “I take it, you are asking me this for a reason?” “I was considering proposing to Meg tonight,” he replied, obviously very nervous about the idea. Harm couldn’t help but laugh a little when he thought about how he had felt when he was about to ask Mac. He remembered having a very similar conversation with the Admiral, who had convinced him to go thru with it. “And you’re just a little nervous.” “That would be putting it very mildly, Harm.” “Ok, where were you planning to do this?” “That’s one of the things I’m so nervous about. I want it to be perfect.” “Relax, my friend. I think I know just the thing.” * * * * * 2045 Eastern Time Friday The Royalty Hotel Ballroom Washington, D.C. After discussing his plan with Jarod, Harm made his way up to the band that was playing in the corner. After whispering his instructions to the conductor, he made his way back to their table. A few moments later the band began to play soft dance music. Jarod suddenly got up and walked around to where Meg was sitting. “Commander Austin, would you like to dance?” “I would love to dance with you, Commander Williams,” she replied as he took her hand and lead her to the dance floor. As they danced, Meg slowly melted into his arms. They continued to dance as song after song came and went. The two were so lost in each other that they didn’t even notice the changes of music. Finally, as the music slowly died away, he let go of her waist and took her hands. He looked deeply into her eyes before dropping to one knee. As he did so, her mouth fell open and a look of shock mixed with joy spread over her lovely features. “You are the most incredible person that I have ever known,” he began. “The moment I met you, I knew there was something special about you. And, ever since that day, you have been the light in my life. I don’t know what my future holds, but I know that I want to spend it with you. Meg Austin, will you be my wife?” By now the tears where flowing freely down her face. This was the moment she had dreamed about since she was a little girl. She looked down into his eyes and said the most wonderful words any man can ever hear. “Yes. Yes, of course I will marry you.” With that he swung her into his arms and carried her toward the doors as everyone in the ballroom broke out in applause. Mac, who had been standing next to Harm with her arm clinging to his, leaned up and whispered in his ear. “I guess it’s true what they say about dress whites and gold wings.” Harm shot her his best flyboy grin before replying. “Works every time.” * * * * * Epilogue 2125 Eastern Time Friday October 5, 2024 Vietnam Veterans Memorial Washington, D.C. A light snow fell from the dark sky as two Navy Lieutenants, one male and one female, made their way along the black wall, hand in hand. They stopped at a particular panel that the young man new very well. After squeezing his hand and placing a soft kiss on his lips, the young woman stepped back a few feet to give him some privacy. “Hello, Grandfather,” Ethan Rabb started, not getting any farther before his eyes began to well with tears. “I have so much to tell you this time. Ruth and Jake send you their love,” he said, referring to his younger brother and sister. “They are growing bigger everyday. You would be so proud of them. Ruth is going to graduate high school this summer. She’s already been accepted to California State. Jake is going to start high school in the fall.” He paused a moment as he imagined his grandfathers smile at hearing such good news. “Mom and Dad are doing pretty well too. Admiral Chegwidden decided to run for President this year, and he asked Dad to be his running mate. He and Mom are out on the campaign trail. No one expected them to get out of the primaries, but they took the party nomination and they are leading the incumbant President in the polls. They’re the talk of the whole country. You would be so proud of him.” He smiled a little as he thought of just how proud he was of his father. After another long moment he spoke again. “Well, then there is me, Grandfather. I am sure Dad has told you how much I share your love of flying. It has been my dream to follow in the Rabb tradition as a Naval Aviator. Well, today my dream came true. I graduated from flight school today. In two weeks, I ship out aboard the USS George W. Bush as a part of the first squadron to fly the new F-28 Talon. I can’t tell you how excited I am to have the chance to follow in my father’s footsteps just as he did in yours. And, I know I will serve my country well, because I will have the two best pilots in the world to look up to.” His smile grew bigger when he realized that that was only the second best piece of news that he had for his grandfather. “That’s not the best part, Grandfather,” he said as he motioned for the young woman to join him. “This is Lieutenant Katelyn Williams. I have spoken about her before. Her parents worked with Mom and Dad, years ago at JAG. We have grown up together, we are best friends, and I love her with all my heart. I asked Kate to marry me, Grandfather. And, she said yes!” He paused again, this time to share a brief sweet kiss with the lovely, blonde, Navy Lieutenant to his right. After a moment he turned back to gaze at the name etched into the wall so long ago. “Dad once told me that, no matter where my life took me, you would always watch over me the way you watched over him. Thank you for doing such a good job.” With that the two officers snapped to attention and saluted the name on the wall. Ethan reached down and took Katie’s hands and brought them up to his lips. “I love you, Katie Williams.” “And I love you, Ethan Rabb.” * * * * * The End