Pretending to Fly 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 JAG/Pretender crossover story and it is set two years from the end of JAG season seven…that’s all I’m going to tell you. This is my very first fan fiction of any kind. So please send me feedback…good or bad. Feedback: jared2142@hotmail.com 0752 Eastern Time Saturday White House Washington, DC Harm sighed as he got out of his car and headed for the security desk at the side entrance to the White House. He liked his new job as the Presidents personal JAG. He just liked being at JAG headquarters so much more. ‘Who am I kidding,’ he thought as he handed his briefcase and cover to the Secret Service agent for inspection. ‘I just like being near her is all,’ he told himself with a smile as the agent returned his things and waved him thru. It had been almost two years since he and Mac had finally found each other, and still he thought about her every other second. They had married the previous summer and were looking forward to their first anniversary in just a couple of months. As he walked through the halls of the storied house, his thoughts were of her and the wonderful memories of the last two years they had spent together. Ever since the wedding, Harm had been shuffled back and forth between JAG headquarters, where he was still on loan and serving as a judge, and the White House where his official duties were. Overall it was a good deal and he got to see Mac most of the time, but there were still too many days like today. Too many days spent away from her. Finally, a familiar voice jarred him from his daydream. “Good morning, Captain.” “Admiral, good morning. What brings you to the White House this morning?” “Ernie Connolly called me last night and told me to be at the Oval Office at 0800. What’s your excuse, Captain?” Harm groaned inside as he heard the Admiral’s response. This couldn’t possibly be good. Why would the President want to see him and the Admiral this early on a Saturday morning? “Looks like the same reason as you, Admiral. I got a similar call last night.” “Well, let’s get in there and find out what this is about,” the Admiral said with an uneasy expression. Both men knew something big must have happened. Harm followed the Admiral into the outer office, and the President’s secretary pressed the intercom button and announced their arrival to the President. “Send them in, Jane” was his reply. As they entered the Oval Office they were surprised to find, not only the President and his Chief of Staff Ernie Connolly, but all of the Joint Chiefs as well. “Sit down gentlemen” the President said as Harm and AJ found seats on one of the sofas. “Admiral Grimsley, please begin your briefing.” “Gentlemen, as you know, the carrier USS Patrick Henry has been carrying out bombing raids over Beijing as well as other targets in China over the past three months.” At their nods the senior officer continued. “Two days ago, a pair of F-14’s collided on their way back to the carrier from a run over Beijing. Commander Jim Jeffries, the CAG aboard the Patrick Henry, and his RIO Lieutenant Shawn Matthews were able to punch out of the lead Tomcat and were subsequently rescued at sea. The pilot of the other Tomcat and his RIO were both killed instantly…” “What were the names of the men who died, Admiral?” Harm broke in interrupting the senior Admiral and earning him an aggravated glare. “I’m sorry sir,” he said quickly “but I served aboard the Patrick Henry, sir. Those two men were my friends.” “That’s quite alright, Captain,” the Admiral said with a reassuring smile. “I can certainly understand that.” With that, the Admiral looked thru some papers and found the names of the pilot and his RIO. “Lieutenant Carter Pike was the pilot and his RIO was Lieutenant Mike Stevens, Captain.” “Thank you, sir” Harm said with a sad nod as he remembered the two men from his time aboard the ship. “Please continue, sir,” he said trying to keep his emotions in check. He would have to call Kate as soon as he got out of here. Instead of Admiral Grimsley, it was the President who spoke next. “Admiral Chegwidden, a special Court Martial has been called for by the ship’s captain. Commander Jeffries is being charged with Dereliction of Duty and Negligent Homicide. I am going to be sending Captain Rabb to preside over the trial. I don’t want the Patrick Henry to be compromised in it’s mission and I believe Captain Rabb can prevent that as well as reassure the ship’s officers that this will be a fair Court Martial. I want your best JAG’s on this case. I want this trial prosecuted, defended, and judged by our very best. And I want justice served. That will be all, gentlemen.” * * * * * 0945 Eastern Time Saturday Pennsylvania Avenue Washington, DC Harm dialed his cell phone with his free hand as he guided his Vette thru the busy streets of Washington on his way back to JAG headquarters. His heart hurt at the thought of what he knew he had to do. “Leighton, Hines, and Morris,” came a voice on the other end of the Line. “Kate Pike, please,” he said as tears threatened to roll down his cheeks. Kate had moved on with her life and left the Navy a few years back. Now she was a junior partner at Leighton, Hines, and Morris, a large firm in Baltimore that represented a number of civilian defense contractors. They saw each other every few months and she was one of Mac’s bridesmaids at their wedding. After what seemed like an eternity, his old partner picked up the line. “Kate Pike” she said, her voice vibrant and upbeat as always. “Kate, it’s me,” he said, barely able to conceal the pain in his voice. “Harm, what is it? You sound awful.” Maybe he hadn’t hidden it so well. She already knew something was wrong. He knew he had to tell her. He didn’t want her to find out from some nameless chaplain on her doorstep. “Kate, it’s…it’s about Carter. His tomcat collided with…” he couldn’t continue as his tears fell. Kate was his first partner and still a very close friend and Carter was his wingman at the end of his tour on the Patrick Henry. He could hear her beginning to cry on the other end as the reality of what he was saying started to sink in. “Is he…is he…” she tried to find the words to ask but she couldn’t. Finally, after a silence that seemed to last for hours, he said the two most painful words she could imagine. “He’s gone.” 1525 Eastern Time Saturday Naval Air Station San Diego, California “Good morning. We’re here to see Commander Williams.” “And your names?” replied the petty officer behind the reception counter. “Just tell him that Miss Parker is here to see him.” “I am sorry, Miss Parker but Commander Williams has just been dispatched to Washington on a special assignment. Would you like to leave him a message?” “Well, when will he be back?” she replied with her normal sarcastic tone. “I suppose that depends on how long his assignment takes,” the young man replied, not at all pleased with her tone. “I don’t suppose you could tell me where I can reach him?” this time a little more politely. “I am sorry, ma’am. I can’t give you contact information for him. I do know that he is working out of the JAG headquarters in Falls Church, Virginia.” “Thank you,” she replied shortly, spinning on her heal and sending Brutes scurrying after her. ‘This is very odd,’ she thought to herself as they made their way back to the rental car. ‘Jarod must like being a Navy Commander. He usually doesn’t stay with one identity this long. Maybe this is just the slip-up I need to finally catch him.’ “Take us back to the airport, Brutes. We’re going to Washington.” 0825 Eastern Time Sunday Rabb Residence Georgetown ‘He looks so peaceful,’ Mac thought as she gazed at the strong form of her husband sleeping beside her. She knew that he was hurting from the loss of one of his comrades and from having to tell one of his good friends that her brother was dead. He spent most of Saturday in Baltimore with Kate trying to console her, trying to be strong for her. The Admiral had scheduled a meeting for later this morning and from what Harm had told her, she was pretty sure that she would be going with him to the carrier either as prosecution or defense. She was glad for that. This court martial was going to be hard on him and she was glad that at least she would be there for him. Slowly, so as not to wake him, she snuggled up to him and laid her head on his shoulder. It felt so good to have him love her after all the years of just being his friend or just being his partner. As her thoughts wandered she felt him stir underneath her and she rolled over to look into his eyes. “Good morning, Sailor,” she said with a warm smile. “Hmmm…Morning Ninja Girl,” he said as he opened his eyes just in time to see her smile grow bigger. She loved it when he called her that and he made it a point to do it often. At that moment he wondered for the thousandth time why he had waited so long to admit that he loved her. Now it seemed as though he had loved her his whole life. Some of what he was thinking must have been evident in his eyes. Suddenly she brought her lips down and placed a tender kiss on his cheek. “I love you too, Sailor,” she said softly, all of the love and understanding so evident in her voice. “You read my mind Sarah,” he said as he returned the kiss, this time kissing her lips. “I’ve been known to do things like that from time to time,” she said as she kissed him again lightly. “We better get moving if we are going to make it to the meeting this morning,” she said as they both got out of bed and started preparing for their trip to the Patrick Henry. As Harm buttoned the last button on his khaki uniform shirt, she came up behind him and put her arms around his waist. “I know this is going to be hard on you, Harm. I will be here for you. You know that, right?” “I know,” he said, regretfully breaking the embrace as they grabbed their covers and suitcases to head in to JAG. * * * * * 0955 Eastern Time Sunday JAG Headquarters Falls Church, Virginia Harm and Mac were the first to reach the Admiral’s office and helped themselves to the plush chairs that sat in front of his desk. “Just like old times, eh Harm,” Mac said with a smile while trying to read the look on his face. She couldn’t tell what to think and that’s what worried her more than anything. She could usually read in his eyes what he was thinking or feeling. She didn’t know if he was worried about the court martial or about something else. “Hey, you ok, Harm?” “Yeah, I’m fine. I guess it’s just been kind of a hard weekend. I’ll just be glad when this whole court martial is over.” She didn’t think that he was telling her everything, but she decided to let it go for now. Just then the Admiral walked in with Bud and two other officers that she didn’t recognize. They both stood at attention until the admiral told them at ease and began the introductions. “Captain, Colonel, I’d like to introduce Commander Jarod Williams from the JAG office in San Diego and Lieutenant Commander Meg Austin from the JAG office at Pensacola. Commanders, This is Captain Harmon Rabb, Colonel Sarah Rabb, and Lieutenant Commander Bud Roberts. Captain Rabb will be presiding over the court martial. Colonel Rabb and Commander Roberts will prosecute; Commanders Williams and Austin will defend. Are there any questions before you depart for Andrews?” After a few details were hammered out, the five attorneys where dismissed in order for them to make their flight to Miramar. From there they would take a transport flight to the Patrick Henry. While their plane waited for clearance to take off, Harm, who was seated across the aisle from Commander Williams, noticed that the Commander also wore pilot’s wings. “Tomcats?” he asked startling Jarod from his thoughts. “Yes, sir. What about you, sir?” “Same here, Commander. Looks like we have something in common. What made you decide to become a lawyer?” “I injured my back on a rough trap. The doctor said I could continue to fly but that eventually I would end up bedridden, so I gave it up. How about you, sir?” “Night vision problem grounded me originally. I’ve since had that fixed and I served another deployment, but I eventually found that JAG was my place. Besides I couldn’t stay away from the Colonel for six months at a time.” “Ah, I see. I was going to ask when the Admiral introduced the two of you, but I thought it would be inappropriate.” “She used to be my partner at JAG. We got married last July.” “She seems very nice, sir.” “She’s great. I don’t know what I’d do without her. So, is this your first time working with Commander Austin?” “Actually, yes this is my first assignment with Commander Austin. I just met her this morning on the flight up.” Just then Meg came up the aisle and sat down next to Harm. “So, I see you’ve met my new partner, Captain.” “Stuck with a flyboy again, eh Meg?” he said with a huge grin. “You two know each other,” Jarod broke in, more than a little confused. “The Captain and I were partners at JAG headquarters when he was a Lieutenant and I was a j.g.,” she explained. “Interesting, you’ll have to fill me in on what I am in for, Captain,” Jarod said, giving the other officers a much needed laugh. “Just keep her away from submarines, Commander.” 2250 Eastern Time Sunday Transport Flight Somewhere over the Pacific “Won’t be long now, Commander,” Jarod said, startling Meg out her thoughts. The other three officers had long since fallen asleep, and Jarod thought this would be a good opportunity to get to know his new partner. “Please, call me Meg,” she finally replied after collecting herself. ‘My goodness, he is handsome,” she thought as she felt her cheeks start to blush. “Only if you call me Jarod,” he said with a textbook, flyboy grin. “I think I can do that,” she said while wondering what it was about tomcat pilots that always made her knees week. ‘Shake it off Commander,’ she told herself as she forced herself to look over at him and smile. “Tell me about yourself, Meg. How long have you been a JAG?” “It’s been almost nine years, now,” her thoughts wandering back to when she had first come to JAG. She smiled as she remembered her first assignment with Harm and how they had come in a helicopter to pick him up from his morning run. “What is it,” he asked when he saw the smile come over her face. She really did have a nice smile he thought to himself as she told him the story of her first assignment with Harm. “So, that’s what Captain Rabb meant about keeping you away from submarines,” he laughed. “He was your first partner, I take it?” “Yes, he was,” she said smiling even bigger this time as she thought back to the feelings for him she had had starting with their trip to the submarine. Jarod had run across many people in his travels, and he had become quite good at reading people. He could tell just from the expression on her face that she had once had feelings for the Captain. He would never mention it to her simply out of respect, aside from the fact that the conversation would be entirely inappropriate for two officers in uniform. But, he tucked it away just the same. He didn’t know yet, why he was on this particular case. He had planned to exit this particular adventure after the last case, but he had been given this new assignment so quickly that he hadn’t been able to get out of it. So, he was stuck defending Commander Jeffries. ‘Not a total loss,’ he thought to himself. After only a few minutes of chitchat he could tell that, as long as he had to be here, he wanted to get to know Meg Austin while he was at it. “How about you, Jarod? I heard you telling Harm about your injury and how you had to quit flying. How long ago was that?” “Three years ago in August,” he said, for some reason feeling guilty about lying to her. He had always had to make up his past before. He couldn’t understand what the problem was this time. ‘Focus, Jarod,’ he told himself. He couldn’t afford to slip up now. “I had just been promoted to squadron commander before the mishap,” he continued, a little more comfortable now as he finished telling her about his flying days. Before they knew it they began their descent toward the Patrick Henry. As they got closer, Jarod caught a glimpse of Meg out of the corner of his eye and saw that she had a mild case of the shakes. Reaching over, he took her hands in his and helped her calm down as they touched down on the deck. “Sorry about that,” she said, flushed with embarrassment. “It’s ok, I understand. Carrier landings can be a little nerve-racking, especially when you’re not the one at the controls,” he said with a gentle smile. Just then they heard the others starting to stir and let go of each other’s hands. “Thank you, Jarod.” “Don’t mention it, Meg.” The five weary officers made their way toward the bridge intending to report to the ship’s captain before finding their quarters. A young Lieutenant met them halfway across the flight deck and informed them that the Captain had left instructions for them to find their quarters and report to the bridge at 0700 the following morning. The Lieutenant led the ladies to their quarters first, pausing long enough for Harm to wish his wife goodnight. He then led Bud, Harm, and Jarod to their quarters, with Harm deferring the single quarters to Jarod so that the defense would have a place to meet and strategize. “Thank you, Captain,” he had said while breathing a sigh of relief. He was normally a very private person and it had been a while since he had had a place to be alone with his thoughts. “Not a problem, Commander. I want to hold a hearing for pre-trial motions at 1330 tomorrow. That should give you enough time to get prepared.” “Yes, sir,” both Bud and Jarod replied. “Goodnight, Commanders.” 0652 Eastern Time Monday Control Bridge USS Patrick Henry “JAGs on deck,” came the cry from the petty officer as the five JAG lawyers made their way to report to the ship’s captain. They made their way to the front of the bridge where they found Captain Ingalls staring out the front windows of the bridge, watching a reconnaissance plane launch from the deck. “JAG team reporting as ordered, Sir,” Harm said as all five lawyers came to attention in front of Captain Ingalls. “At ease. Welcome back Harm. Who have you got with you?” “Sir, you’ve met Colonel Sarah Rabb and this is her partner Lt. Commander Bud Roberts from JAG headquarters. They will be prosecuting Commander Jeffries. To my right, Sir, is Commander Jarod Williams, form our San Diego office, and Lt. Commander Meg Austin from Pensacola. They will be defending.” “People, everyone on board is prepared to give you their full cooperation. I only ask that you remember one rule while you are on my ship. We are a ship of war, and that comes first. Understood?” “Understood, Sir,” they replied in unison. “Very well, then. Captain, you may proceed as you see fit. Please keep me informed.” “Aye, Sir. I have called for a preliminary hearing at 1330 to discuss any pretrial motions. That should give both teams adequate time to prepare.” “Excellent. Dismissed.” As the five officers turned to leave the bridge the Captain motioned to Harm to hang back. “Colonel Rabb?” he asked with a teasing grin. “I believe the last time you were here the Colonel’s name was Mackenzie.” “Yes, sir,” Harm replied with a broad smile. “Well, Harm, after what I saw the last time you two were here, I can’t say I’m surprised. How long have you two been together?” “We were married last July.” “Well, congratulations, Harm.” “Thanks, Cap.” * * * * * 1145 Eastern Time Monday Officer’s Mess USS Patrick Henry “Mind if I join you, Captain?” “Not at all. Have a seat, Meg,” Harm said with a smile. “Thanks.” “How have you been, Meg? It’s been a long time.” “Well, I guess I’ve done fairly well since leaving JAG headquarters. I’m now the XO at Pensacola, which is an awfully nice place to be. It’s sunny and warm, and I don’t have to spend much time on submarines,” she added with a laugh. “That’s definitely a good thing,” he chuckled, drawing a mock glare from his old partner. “I’m sorry I couldn’t make it to the wedding, Harm. It was very nice of you and the Colonel to invite me." “That’s alright, Meg. We certainly missed having you there.” “Thank you, sir. How are things for you and the Colonel? You two seem very happy together.” “Very much so. I still can’t believe how long it took me to realize how much I need her. Now I can’t imagine my life without her.” “I hope one day that I can find someone who loves me half as much as you love the Colonel,” she said with a little sigh that Harm just barely caught. He knew that he couldn’t really get into a long discussion with her, at least not right now. So, he decided to tease her a little bit and try to cheer her up. “Well, you know, Meg, there is another handsome Lawyer/Tomcat pilot on this ship,” he teased with a sparkle in his eyes. “Harm…” she said drawing out his name as she fought to keep the smile from her lips. “See, I got you to smile.” “Thanks, Harm.” “You are welcome, and with that I need to get up to the ready room. I am supposed to give the pilots a run down on the rules of engagement while I am here, and I thought I would get it over with before this court martial gets going. See you at 1330, Commander.” “Aye, Sir.” * * * * * 1425 Eastern Time Monday JAG Headquarters Falls Church, Virginia “Good afternoon, ma’am. How can I help you?” Gunny said cheerfully as the young woman approached from the elevator. “I need to see Commander Jarod Williams, please,” trying with everything she had to be polite. It had been a very long flight from San Diego and she wasn’t in the mood for anymore set backs. “What’s your name ma’am?” the gunny asked carefully noticing that the woman seemed a little on edge. “It’s Miss Parker. Now, please, I need to see Commander Williams.” “I’m sorry Miss Parker, but Commander Williams is out on assignment. Would you like to leave him a message?” “Where can I find him?” she shot back barely controlling her building frustration. “In the Pacific Ocean, ma’am,” the gunny replied waiting for her reaction. “Excuse me,” was all she could muster as she was now totally confused. “He’s aboard the USS Patrick Henry, Miss Parker. He’ll be back as soon as the court martial he is working on is over.” “Thank you,” she replied as she headed for the door. “Nothing we can do but wait now,” Brutes said drawing an icy stare from the angry brunette. “Shut up, Brutes,” she growled as they headed for the elevator. 1545 Eastern Time Thursday Temporary Courtroom USS Patrick Henry “The prosecution rests your honor,” Mac said while trying to bite back the smile that was threatening to cross her face. She had tried a few cases before Harm over the last few months since his promotion, but she still couldn’t get used to calling him Your Honor. “We stand in recess until 1000 tomorrow morning, at which time the defense may present their case,” Harm said with a bang of his gavel. It was just as hard for him. He had to try not to laugh every time Mac tried to call him Your Honor. It was fun though, teasing her about it at the end of the day when it was just the two of them. As the rest of the personnel filed out of the makeshift courtroom they had set up in the officer’s wardroom, he motioned to her to stay behind. “Hey Jarhead, you were good today,” he said after they were finally alone. “You too, squid!” she said, poking him in the stomach. Before she knew it he pulled her into his arms and planted a soft kiss on the top of her head. “They’re launching a mission at 1600. I was going to go up to the platform and watch them takeoff. Care to join me?” She really didn’t care much about watching fighters take off from the deck of a carrier, but she didn’t let him know. One of the things she had learned from her new relationship with Harm was that sometimes doing what the other person loves to do can be more fun than doing what you want to do. Because of that she wouldn’t miss watching tomcats with him for the world. “Only with you, Sailor.” * * * * * 1610 Eastern Time Thursday Officers Quarters USS Patrick Henry After a long day in court, Jarod sat behind his computer watching his childhood on the screen as he had done so many times before. Right now he was enamored with Popsicles and he had several spread over the desk as he replayed the events of the last few weeks in his mind. It had been a long day for the defense and Jarod was just glad that Commander Austin had not insisted that they talk strategy all evening. He needed to be alone now. He needed to focus. Very few things ever took Jarod by surprise the way this case had. In all of his adventures he had never become sidetracked like this before and now he had to focus on getting this case over and getting out of the Navy before they found him. It started just two weeks before he was sent to the Patrick Henry. He assumed the identity of a JAG lawyer working out of the San Diego office. He was investigating the murder of a Marine sergeant killed during a training exercise. He wrapped up the investigation and he had the fake papers he needed to get out all prepared when his commanding officer told him that he was requested by the JAG office in Washington for a special court martial. He couldn’t understand how this had happened. How could he be selected when no one even knew he was in the military? Something told him that the Centre was somehow involved but he couldn’t figure out how. ‘I’ve got to stop thinking about this,’ he told himself. ‘I’m the only thing standing between Commander Jeffries and Leavenworth. I’ve got to focus.’ Just then his cell phone rang. It could only be one person. “Hello, Sydney,” he said knowing exactly who was on the other end of the line. “Jarod, how are you taking to the seafaring life?” “Funny, Sydney, what are you trying to do here?” “I believe you owe me one Jarod,” he said with no further explanation. “You’re probably right, but if you don’t tell me what you want then I can’t really do much for you now can I?” “This time it’s personal Jarod. The man you are defending is my brother. He is my half-brother to be more exact. He doesn’t know me and probably never will, but I didn’t want to see him go to Leavenworth. Think you can help me out on this one, Commander Williams?” he said drawing out the name of Jarod’s fake identity. “Not a problem, Sydney. Consider it done.” “Thank you, Jarod. Oh, there is one other thing. Miss Parker and Brutes are in Washington looking for you, so keep your eyes open when you get back.” “Some things never change,” he said as he clicked the phone shut and looked back at the screen. On it was footage of a test he had done with Sydney when he was eight. Suddenly something in his mind clicked. Careful to log off his computer first, he grabbed his cap and headed up to see Meg. He knew what they needed to do. * * * * * 1645 Eastern Time Tuesday Visitor’s Quarters USS Patrick Henry “This is terrific work, Jarod,” Meg said in admiration as she looked over the new evidence he had uncovered. “This just might be enough to get Captain Rabb to dismiss the case. How did you come up with this?” “Let’s just call it a little case of Déjà vu,” he said with a knowing grin. Years before he and Sydney had conducted an experiment with the same types of metals that were used to build tomcats and after doing some checking he found that high levels of static electricity from the air had caused several of the instruments on Commander Jeffries’ tomcat to fail. “I’m sure that the Commander will be glad to know that this wasn’t his fault. I know he feels quite awful about the accident.” “He’ll have you to thank, Commander,” she said scooting a little closer to him and gazing into his eyes. “I don’t know about that, Commander, he said returning her gaze, “I think we make quite a good team you and I.” “Definitely…” she whispered as the gap between their lips closed and he gently kissed her. She leaned her head back and he placed a hand behind her head as the kiss began to turn from sweet to passionate. Suddenly there was a knock at the door. “Commander Williams, it’s Commander Roberts and Colonel Rabb. May we come in?” They immediately pulled away and Jarod wiped the lipstick from his lips. “Enter,” he called as Meg stood and moved to the other side of the room. “Good evening, Commanders,” Mac began as she and Bud made their way into the room. “We would like to discuss a plea, if you would care to meet in the officer’s wardroom.” “Actually, Colonel,” Meg began, “We have some new evidence we would like to discuss with you and with Captain Rabb.” “That will be fine. Bud, please find Captain Rabb and have him meet us in the wardroom.” “Aye-aye Ma’am.” 1652 Eastern Time Thursday Officer’s Wardroom USS Patrick Henry Several minutes later, after Bud had managed to drag Harm from the flight deck, the five lawyers were seated at a large conference table set up in the Officer’s Wardroom. “What’s this about new evidence, Commanders?” Harm started off. “Here you are, Sir,” Meg said handing him the manila folder that she and Jarod had been going over earlier. The former pilot looked over the new evidence carefully for several minutes with a rather serious look on his face. This made Mac and Bud more than a little confused. “What is it, Sir?” Bud finally asked, his curiosity getting the better of him. “Have a look for yourselves,” he replied handing the file over to Mac. After a few moments reading the file and a few more discussing it with Bud, she handed the file back to Harm. “Commanders, if you would like to make any motions…” Harm began. This time Jarod was the first to speak. “We move that the case be dismissed without prejudice, Captain.” “Objections?” “We have none,” Mac responded with a smile. “Very well, then. Commanders, you may inform your client that the charges have been dropped. I will let the Captain know that Commander Jeffries is available for duty.” “Thank you, Sir,” came the reply from Meg and Jarod as they snapped to attention. “Dismissed.” “That went really well,” Meg commented lightly as the two officers headed back to Jarod’s quarters after letting the CAG know that he had been cleared. “Yes, it did. Like I said before, we make one heck of a team,” he said, tossing her a flawless grin. Her reaction was not at all what he had expected, though. He saw a look of embarrassment and maybe even a little regret coming over her face. “What is it?” he asked in a concerned voice. “Talk to me.” “I guess I just wanted to apologize for…” she started but he wouldn’t let her finish the sentence. He didn’t want her to be sorry for their kiss. After all, he certainly wasn’t sorry. In the few years that he had spent traveling the globe, he had met many women, and he had even loved a few of them. But, there was something different about Meg Austin. She had captured his heart in just four short days, and he wasn’t about to lose that by letting her apologize. Before she could say anything else, he pulled her into his quarters, shut the hatch, and proceeded to kiss her again. After a few moments they finally broke the kiss and he gathered her into his arms, his chin resting in her soft blonde hair. The moment was perfect and they were totally lost in each other’s arms. So lost, in fact, that they never even noticed the two officers already in the room. “Remind you of anyone, Colonel?” they heard a male voice say. They quickly let go of one another and whipped around to find Harm and Mac wearing matching wide grins. “Oh yeah, flyboy. I remember those days,” she replied as Jarod tried to act cool and Meg fought a losing battle to keep from blushing. “This isn’t what it looks like…” Jarod began, afraid that he might have jeopardized Meg’s career. Harm interrupted quickly and relieved his fears. “Oh, I’m pretty sure that it is,” he responded with a chuckle. “Either way, your secret is safe with us, right marine?” “Sure thing, flyboy,” Mac replied. “We just came by to congratulate you two on a job well done, but I guess you are capable of congratulating each other,” she laughed as she grabbed Harm’s hand and led him to the hatch. “We’ll just leave you two alone, now,” she said smiling at Harm and thinking about how much she loved it when he kissed her and held her like that. After Harm and Mac left, they sat down next to each other, both of them knowing that they needed to talk about this. After a few moments, Jarod reached over and took her hand as their eyes met. “There is something that I have to tell you, Meg, and I am going to tell you at the risk of making you angry. I just can’t keep this from you. I care about you more than anyone that I have ever known and I can’t have you thinking that I am someone that I am not. Over the next hour, Jarod opened up to Meg in a way that he had never opened up to anyone before. He told her everything, the Centre, his childhood, his escape. He told her about his adventures and about Sydney and Miss Parker. She was shocked to say the least, but surprisingly she wasn’t angry. Just as he had finished and was looking to her for a reaction, the com phone rang in his quarters. After listening for several moments, he finally spoke. “Yes, Sir. I’m on my way.” “What is it, Jarod?” she asked with a concerned frown. “That was the CAG. Apparently our boys were on their way back from a mission and they are caught in a dogfight with Chinese MIG’s. We’ve lost three ‘cats already, and they are dropping like flies. On top of that the MIG’s are getting too close to the carrier so the Captain has requested that Captain Rabb and I launch as reinforcements. I have to get to the flight deck ASAP.” With that he ran thru the hatch and headed for the flight deck. Meg just sat on the bunk stunned for several seconds before realizing that she couldn’t let him leave without telling him how she felt. She grabbed her deck gear and sprinted out after him. 1732 Eastern Time Thursday USS Patrick Henry While Harm and Jarod’s Tomcats warmed up on the deck of the carrier, Meg made her way to the observation deck to watch them take off. She had so many things that she wanted to say to him before he left, but there had only been enough time to say goodbye. Now her feelings would have to wait until he got back. ‘If he gets back,’ she found herself thinking as she rounded a corner and made her way down the narrow hallway leading to the observation deck. As she opened the hatch and stepped out onto the narrow platform, she noticed Colonel Rabb standing at the far end. She was leaning against the rail, looking down at Harm sitting in his tomcat ready to takeoff. Her expression was one of obvious worry. As many times as Harm had left her to fly, this one was going to be the hardest. This time she knew from the moment that he left the carrier that he would be involved in the fight. She knew that this time there was a very real chance that she would never see him again. A soft voice brought her from her thoughts just as the two planes were about to takeoff. “They’re about to go,” Meg said softly, jarring Mac out of her thoughts just as the catapult sent the two jets screaming off the flight deck. “You look so sad. I know Harm, he will make it back ok.” “That’s what I keep trying to tell myself,” Mac said with no relief evident in her voice. “I just wish I had had a chance to tell him before he left…” she started, and then stopped, realizing that she was talking to someone she barely knew. “Tell him what?” Meg asked softly, not wanting to press the other woman. Mac didn’t respond for a few seconds and Meg began to think that she had overstepped her bounds. “I’m sorry, Colonel. I didn’t mean to press you.” “It’s ok, Meg. I found out just before we left Washington, that I am pregnant. I was waiting for the right moment to tell Harm, and now I am afraid I may never get to tell him,” she said as two small tears made their way down her cheeks. Meg walked over and put her arm around Mac’s shoulder and gave her a gentle squeeze. “Colonel, if there is anyone who can make it back in one piece, it’s Harm. You will get your chance to tell him. Maybe, I will get my chance too,” she added softly. At Mac’s bewildered glance she continued: “I just wanted to tell Jarod how I feel about him before he left and I didn’t even get the chance. I guess I am a little bit afraid that he won’t make it back and I will never get to tell him how much he means to me. Mac gave her a reassuring smile. “He will be fine, just like Harm is going to be fine. Come with me to the bridge. It will probably help to listen to them on the radio.” * * * * * 1806 Eastern Time Thursday Control Bridge USS Patrick Henry The two JAG officers made their way onto the control bridge to find their two flyboys right in the thick of battle. They exchanged worried looks as they heard the pilots calling back and forth as they battled the Chinese MIGs. By the time Harm and Jarod made it to them, two more Tomcats had gone down and the remaining fighters were getting dangerously short of fuel. “Jarod, I have a bogey at 1 o’clock. Cover me while I take the shot,” they heard Harm say. “I have your six, Hammer. Let’s make that bogey go away.” “Roger that. I have missile lock. Firing sidewinder. Oh yeah, that’s one.” “I’ve got one at three o’clock, Hammer. Breaking left.” “Roger that, Jared. I have your six.” “Missile lock, and missile away. That makes two.” “Nice shooting Jarod.” “Thanks, Hammer. Let’s get these boys freed up and back to the ship.” “Roger that, break hard right and cover my six.” Harm and Jarod showed no signs of rust as they continued to pound the Chinese MIGs. When they had fired all of their missiles, they switched to guns and continued to shoot down enemy planes. The control bridge aboard the Patrick Henry erupted every time they took one down and the two women began to relax as it became obvious that Harm and Jarod had things well in hand. More importantly than the enemy planes they shot down, was the fact that the two veteran pilots where creating so much confusion that the other tomcats, who were running out of fuel, where able to get back to the carrier. “MIGs 10 and 11 are bugging out and going home,” Harm said as the bridge erupted in cheers. “We’re on our way back, command.” “Roger that, see you on deck,” was the Captain’s reply as high fives were exchanged all around. Mac and Meg exchanged a relieved sigh and a brief hug before heading back to the observation deck to watch their flyboys come home. * * * * * 1845 Eastern Time Thursday Flight Deck USS Patrick Henry Harm and Jarod climbed down from their planes to be mobbed by the entire squadron. Jarod recorded three enemy kills that day to go along with Harms seven, which was without a doubt one of the most successful missions recorded by a combat pilot. Not to mention that he would undoubtedly receive some sort of medal for his efforts. None of that was important to him at this moment. He didn’t even feel the high fives and the hugs that he received from his peers. He didn’t see the smiles or hear the words of encouragement as he made his way thru the crowd of well-wishers. All he could think about was seeing her again. As he finally made it to the edge of the crowd, he saw her. Their eyes met for just a moment, and he knew. He ran to her and pulled her into his arms and kissed her. It was a passionate kiss, a kiss that on any other day would have never happened in uniform. They were so lost in each other, they didn’t even hear the entire flight deck explode in cheers. Finally, after more than a few moments, they broke the kiss and stared into each other’s eyes. “I don’t even need to tell you, do I?” she smiled up at him. “I saw it your eyes, Sarah. You have made me the happiest man alive.” “I love you, Harm,” she said laying her head against his chest. “And I love you, Sarah.” 0747 Eastern Time Monday JAG Headquarters Falls Church, Virginia “At ease, people,” the admiral said as he entered his office. He was anxious to hear about their trip to the Patrick Henry. “Captain Rabb, Commander Williams, there are rumors going around that the two of you shot down half of the Chinese Air Force. What do you have to say for yourselves?” he asked in a mock tone. “Hoo-Rah! Sir,” they replied, both of them grinning from ear to ear. Mac and Meg just looked at each other and rolled their eyes. “I see. Well, Commander Williams, the SECNAV called me last night, and asked me to inform you that you will be receiving a commendation for your efforts. Commander, you will be receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross. Your CO in San Diego will present it to you upon your return.” “Thank you, Sir,” Jarod replied. “Well deserved, Commander,” he paused and his gaze shifted to Harm. “Captain Rabb I got several calls about your exploits. It seems there are a few people that want to see you inducted into the Aviators Hall of Fame. After the many incidents, accidents, and heroics in your career, I can’t say that I am surprised. It is not official yet, but they tell me it looks very promising.” He paused again as Harms grin grew until it was ear to ear. “Oh, that’s not even the best part,” he said, enjoying stringing the younger man along a little more. “What is it, Sir,” Harm finally said, brimming with expectation. “The President called me this morning, Captain. At the next official ceremony, you will be receiving the Congressional Medal of Honor. Congratulations, Captain. I can’t begin to tell you how proud I am. Well done.” “Thank you, Sir,” Harm managed as he fought off the shock of the news. In all of his years in the Navy, he had never imagined receiving such an honor. He had never considered himself to be a hero, and now the President himself had called and confirmed that indeed he was a hero. Just as his thoughts were beginning to spin out of control, Mac wrapped her arms around him. In that moment he realized that all of his accomplishments and all of the medals in the world wouldn’t make him a hero. But, with a son or daughter, he could be a real hero. The thought warmed his heart. “Admiral, with all do respect, I have news ten thousand times better than that,” he said with a broad grin. Mac looked up at him and smiled. She knew exactly what he meant and it meant so much to hear him say that she and their child were more important to him than flying or medals. “Well, out with it, Captain.” “I am going to be father, Sir. Nothing can compare to that.” “Captain, that’s the smartest thing I’ve ever heard you say,” the Admiral replied. “Congratulations, to both of you. Now get out of here, and don’t come back for at least a week. Mandatory leave. Understood?” “Aye-aye, Sir.” * * * * * 1950 Eastern Time Monday Harm’s Old Apartment North of Union Station “Thank you for letting me stay here, Harm.” “It’s not a problem, Meg. I haven’t used this place for quite a while. I hope you don’t mind a little dust.” “Not at all.” “Good,” he replied with a smile. “There’s not much in the way of furniture here anymore, and as you can see, there is no bed. But, this couch here folds out and I put fresh linens over there on the coffee table.” “Well, it’s not Buckingham. But, I guess it will have to do,” she said with a grin, causing Harm to chuckle. “Well, I am going to get back to the lovely mother to be. Stay safe and make sure the door is locked. This isn’t the greatest neighborhood you know.” “Thanks, Harm.” “Don’t mention it, Meg. Goodnight.” With that, Harm turned and left. As he went, Meg could hear it beginning to rain, and she wandered over to the window to watch it. The weather mirrored the way she felt inside. The gloom of the clouds mirrored her feelings of sadness in the fact that she still hadn’t had a chance to tell Jarod how she felt about him. And the rain made her hope still that with the dawning of a new day she would get her chance. She was just as sure now as she had been on the carrier. Her chance for happiness lay with the tall stranger who had shared with her his secrets. For the first time, that day, she found herself smiling. It didn’t last long, when her thoughts were interrupted by three soft knocks on the front door. She moved quietly to the door and peered thru the peephole, hoping against hope that it would be him. And then she saw him and her heart leapt in her chest. He was standing outside the door with a dozen red roses and a bottle of champagne. She couldn’t have imagined a better ending to this otherwise dreary day. Without another moment’s hesitation, she swung the door open and grabbed him by the color of his uniform shirt, dragging him into the apartment. He set down the roses and the champagne on the kitchen counter before sweeping her into his arms and kissing her passionately. After a few moments, that seemed to last a lifetime, they broke away. She looked into his eyes and she knew that she had to tell him. “We need to talk,” she said, smiling up into his eyes. “Yes, we do, don’t we?” he replied with a broad grin of his own. 2015 Eastern Time Monday Harm’s Old Apartment North of Union Station “Come sit down with me, Jarod. I have something I want to tell you,” Meg began after finally catching her breath. “Ok, how about I pour us some champagne, first?” he asked, trying to put himself at ease more than anything else. He had a feeling that she would be angry with him in a few more minutes. “That sounds nice,” she said with a glorious smile before wandering over to the couch. A few moments later, Jarod handed her a glass of champagne and joined her on the couch. She immediately snuggled into his arms, just lingering in his touch for a moment, before she began to speak. “Jarod, I’ve wanted to tell you how I feel about you ever since the night you and Harm went up to fight the Chinese. Just as that COM phone rang, I was about to tell you and then it was too late. I was so scared that you wouldn’t be coming back and that I would never get the chance to tell you how much you mean to me. I think I am falling in love with you, Jarod. That may sound silly to you after having known you little more than a week, but it is true. I have never felt this way about anyone before.” She started to say something else, but she saw in his eyes that he had something to say. “I’ve never met anyone like you before, Meg Austin. I’ve traveled the globe many times over. I’ve seen and done more things in a few short years than most people do in a lifetime. And, in all that time, I have never been more certain about anything than I am about you. I am in love with you, Meg Austin. And it is definitely not silly,” he added with a smile. Meg had been waiting for years to hear those magical words. All of the years she had spent on her own and alone, she dreamt of hearing those words coming from the lips of the man she loved. And now her dream was coming true. Overcome with joy, she turned suddenly and caught his lips in a passionate kiss and then fell into his arms. She lay there that way for some time before she heard his voice again. This time it was soft and he sounded sad. “Meg, I want you to know how sorry I am…” “Sorry for what?” she interrupted, not wanting to hear what was coming next. “Sorry, for letting you fall for me like this. Meg, I can’t tell you how much I want to be with you. I want to be with you every moment of every day. But, they are still chasing me and I am going to have to leave in the morning,” he said in a tone so sad they both began to cry. “I know,” she said with a lone tear glistening on her cheek. “But, don’t be sorry, Jarod. I am not sorry. I know you have to go. I want you to go. I couldn’t live with myself if those people caught you because of me. I just want you to promise me two things.” “Anything,” he replied as he stroked her soft blonde hair and placed a kiss on the top of her head. “If you ever get free of the Centre and get to live a normal life, please consider spending it with me,” she said, pleading with her eyes, and causing a single tear to roll down his cheek. “There’s nothing to consider. Meg, I am going to find a way to free myself from the Centre. And when I do, I am coming back for you.” “I love you, Jarod.” “I love you, Meg. What was the other promise?” “Don’t leave me tonight.” “Ok,” was his simple reply. She leaned back against his chest as he wrapped his strong arms around her. They stayed that way until they fell asleep listening to the soft pitter-patter of a cleansing rain. * * * * * 0625 Eastern Time Tuesday Harm’s Old Apartment North of Union Station Meg awoke to find herself alone and curled up on the couch. She looked around quickly, hoping that he hadn’t left without saying goodbye. Then she heard the sound of breakfast cooking in the kitchen, and she smiled. She still had a little time left. “Morning, sunshine,” he called from the kitchen as he tossed the eggs he was cooking on the stove. “Breakfast is almost ready.” “Smells delicious,” she said walking into the kitchen and wrapping her arms around him from behind. She stood on her tiptoes and placed a kiss on the back of his head. “Thank you, Beautiful,” he said with a dashing smile. Then his eyes clouded and his face fell a little. “You know I can’t stay much longer, Meg. Miss Parker is here and it won’t be long before she finds me,” he said so softly that she barely heard him. “I know,” she replied sadly. “Stay for breakfast and then we will say our goodbyes, ok?” “Ok,” he said as he turned around in her arms and placed a soft kiss on her forehead. * * * * * 0735 Eastern Time Tuesday Outside Harm’s Old Apartment North of Union Station ‘I have you now, Jarod,’ Miss Parker thought to herself as she and Brutes ascended the stairs to the apartment. “Guard the front entrance, Brutes. We are not going to let him get away this time,” she said in a voice so cold it made Brutes shiver. “Yes, Ma’am.” Inside the apartment, Meg and Jarod were just finishing their breakfast and were getting ready to say goodbye when they heard a knock at the door. “That’s her, Meg. I have to go now.” “How do you know?” she asked, desperate for a few more moments with him. He took her face softly in his hands and gazed into her eyes. “I just do,” he said. “I love you,” she whispered in his ear. “And I love you,” he whispered back. “I will be back for you. Never doubt that.” With that he dashed out the window and down the fire escape. By the time Meg opened the door he was long gone. “May I help you?” Meg asked, trying to control her anger toward the woman who was keeping her from Jarod. “I want to see Jarod, now,” she demanded, having long since lost her patience. “I am sorry, but Jarod went back to San Diego last night,” she said with a satisfied smile. “You’re lying,” the woman snapped at Meg. “See for yourself, then,” she replied, as she calmly stepped aside and allowed Miss Parker to enter the apartment. She quickly searched the apartment and when she found no sign of Jarod she left just as quickly. When she was gone, Meg went to the window and looked out over the city, wondering where he was now. “Don’t forget me, Jarod,” she whispered, for some reason knowing that he could hear her. 1735 Eastern Time Friday Bethesda Naval Hospital Washington, DC “Well, what’s going on in there, Mr. Roberts?” the Admiral demanded as he entered the waiting room. He had stayed behind to secure the office while the rest of the JAG staff had assembled at the hospital and were anxiously awaiting the outcome from the delivery room. Mac had gone into labor at the office and Harm had ridden with her in the ambulance. “No word yet, Sir.” “Nothing at all? It’s been over an hour,” the Admiral asked, more worried about his friends than anything. “I’m sure everything will be fine, Sir,” Meg said, placing a hand on her CO’s shoulder to reassure him. She could see the worry in his eyes, probably from seeing two of his officers lose a child. “Thank you, Commander,” he replied as he caught sight of Harm out of the corner of his eye. They all waited anxiously as Harm walked slowly down the hallway, hiding a smile. He wanted to let them cook in their anticipation just a little bit longer. “If you all will follow me this way,” he started with a gleam in his eye. “I would be happy to introduce you all to Mr. Ethan Jeremy Rabb,” he finished as the group of lawyers broke out in applause and congratulations. Meg stood at the back of the group crying softly. Her tears were a mix of joy and happiness at the birth of her friend’s child, and also a little sorrow for still being alone and missing a certain someone. After each of their coworkers where able to see the new baby, the nurse took him and put him down for the night. After she left, Harm curled up next to his wife on her hospital bed. She sighed a soft sigh as he wrapped his strong arms around her and gently squeezed her to him. “You are so amazing, Ninja Girl,” he whispered softly in her ear. “And I love you and our Ethan so much.” “We love you too, Daddy,” she whispered as she began to fall asleep. “Daddy…I think I like the sound of that.” * * * * * 1839 Eastern Time Friday Outside Bethesda Naval Hospital Washington, D.C. The rain was falling lightly now as Meg stood outside the hospital doors. Her eyes were doing their best impression of the weather regardless of her efforts to stop them. The weather had been like this that last night she had spent with Jarod. She began to wonder if she would ever see him again. In her heart, she knew that he would keep his promise if he could. But what if he was captured or what if they killed him? The thought shook her so much that her tears began to come down with renewed force. “I miss you so much, Jarod,” she whispered into the wind as another sob came and went. Just as she was about to turn and run for her car, a pair of strong hands rested on her shoulders. She was startled at first, until she heard his voice. “Don’t cry, Beautiful,” Jarod said as he took her into his arms and held her close. He could never explain his feelings for this woman. They had spent barely a week together and that was eight months ago. Still, when he held her in his arms, the whole world just seemed right. She looked up into his eyes and she could see a little bit of sorrow. He wasn’t free yet. “They’re still chasing you aren’t they?” she asked with an understanding smile. She wanted him to know that it was ok. She would wait for him. “Yes,” he replied softly as his eyes betrayed their pain. Then his countenance shifted and a slight smile crossed his handsome features. “They think I am in Europe right now. That should buy me about a week,” he said hopefully. “Hmmm.” she sighed. “That sounds nice,” she said as she took his hand and led him to her car. Before she could unlock the door, he grabbed her and kissed her wildly. It was a kiss like she had never felt before. There was no holding back as they let loose eight months of loneliness and worry in one passionate exchange. Finally, after what seemed to her like hours, he broke the kiss and smiled a mischievous smile. “This is going to be the greatest week of my life,” he whispered softly in her ear as the rain continued to fall. “Mine too.” * * * * * The End Thank you to all of you who took the time to send me feedback on this story. My first fanfic was a pleasant experience because of you. I’d like to send out a special thanks to Victoria Gray, who faithfully sent me encouragement after every single part of this story. Your feedback gave me the confidence to finish this story the way you just read it. Thank you so much. This is the end for now…but keep your eyes peeled for the sequel entitled “A Cleansing Rain.”