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Title: Gold Wings and Dress Whites: Parts 01 to 05
Author: Anaika Skywalker
Author’s Email: lindsay30@xxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
Rating: 13
Summery: An old friend of Harm’s comes back into his life and old feelings resurface between them.
Disclaimer: I don’t own JAG; I just like to spread my wings occasionally.
Author’s Note: I’ve never written a Jag story until this one. As you may of guessed by my penname what I usually do write, but despite this I thought I’d give it a go, as I love JAG too. After all you do know what they say about gold wings and dress whites, if you don’t then it’s time to watch the pilot episode of JAG again. And I really wish they’d put season eight on here in Australia. Well enough of my ramblings, please review and let me know if I’m on the right track.
Author’s Extra Note: After getting only two reviews for this story, I decided to go back and do a little rewriting, to fix up a few things and make a few changers hopefully for the better. I’d also to thank everyone at dresswhites.net for all the information on Harm, knowing when, and what he’s been up to since leaving high school has helped me fit Sera into this story - my sincere thanks. - A/S
Chapter One: Angel
Harm’s apartment
North of Union Station
Washington DC.
The knock on the door took Harm away from the file he’d been going over, or trying to for the last hour. Opening the door he smiled. “Lieutenant.”
Sera Riggs smiled warmly. “Commander.”
“Come in, Sera,” he insisted and moved out the way.
She walked in admiring his apartment as she removed her cover. “The place looks great Harm.”
Having closed the door, Harm joined her, taking her coat and cover. “I’m proud of it,” he said lightly. “Can I get you anything?”
“No,” she shook her head as she crossed her arms against her chest, unconsciously rubbing her forearms. She turned to face him. “I need someone to talk to.”
He gestured for her to sit, putting her coat and cover on the counter before sitting next to her. He’d known Sera since Law School; she’d joined the Navy to be a JAG lawyer, but in her heart she’d wonted to be an Aviator.
Now looking into Sera’s sea green eyes, Harm knew something was wrong. “How can I help?”
She hesitated, pushing a lock of brown hair behind her ear. “I don’t think I can handle the pressure any more, Harm.”
Now he was worried. Sera never gave up, not even after her husband had been killed in a training accident. “What happened?”
“During a routine mission we had a run in with a couple of MiG’s, a lucky shot hit my canopy. As I was landing my Tomcat, my heart was pounding and I thought of nothing else other getting Blades and I on the deck. It wasn’t until after we’d landed that it was discovered a bullet was lodged in my seat, it had missed my head by inches,” she recalled, a waver to her voice. Her hands began to shake and she clenched them together to stop it. “I was so scared Harm, I couldn’t think straight. I’ve had close calls before but never like this.”
“Did you talk to someone?” Harm asked her, worried.
She nodded. “After the incident I talked with the Cag and the doc, they kept telling me it was a natural reaction to what had happened.”
“But you don’t?”
Sera got to her feet and walked over to the window. “No.”
Getting to his feet, Harm stood behind her, drawing her into his arms. She wasn’t as tall as him and her head came just under his chin as he held her close. “We all get scared, Sera.”
“Not like this,” she whispered, then announced. “I can’t get back into the grove. I keep it together during missions, but I’m second-guessing myself and I’m having nightmares. I wake up in a sweat, my heart pounding with fear. I just don’t think I can go back, Harm.”
“Is that why you’re here?”
“The Skipper gave me leave, told me to talk to a Navy shrink,” she turned in his arms. “I don’t want to stay with my parents and I didn’t know who else to turn to.”
Drawing her back into his arms, Harm felt her return the embrace. “You can turn to me Sera, you know that. In fact you can stay here with me. I’ll help you get through this.”
“I couldn’t put you out.”
“You won’t and I insist.”
She nodded. “Thanks Hammer.”
He smiled, feeling he was doing it again. Falling for her, just as he’d done before. Except this time she had no husband waiting for her. “You’re welcome Angel.” He finally managed to say, seeing her smile. Seeing the look in her eyes. Perhaps this time it wasn’t so one sided, perhaps their time had come.
A few hours later, after Harm had convinced Sera to get some sleep, he rang Admiral Chegwidden. “I’m sorry for ringing so late, sir.”
“What can I do for you Commander?” the Admiral asked.
“I’d like to take a few days personal leave Admiral,” Harm answered him.
The Admiral hesitated a moment. “Very well, I’ll see you in two days Commander.”
“Thank you sir.”
“Good night Commander.”
“Good night sir,” he bided, and then hung up. Leaving the phone he walked quietly into the bedroom. Sera was asleep, she’d removed her uniform and wore one of his t-shirts. Her luggage was still at the base; it would be delivered in the morning. Sighing Harm returned to the sitting room, turning the lights out before slipping back into the bedroom. He changed in the bathroom, prepared to crash on the couch when he heard Sera’s voice.
“Harm?”
“I didn’t mean to wake you.”
“You didn’t,” she reassured. “I’m use to sleeping on a carrier, its too quiet.”
He laughed and perched on the bed. “You get use to it.”
She nodded in the darkness, and then beseeched. “Stay, please? I don’t wont to be alone.”
“Are you sure?”
“I’m sure,” she told him.
Without hesitation he slipped under the covers and drew her into his arms, her body fitted against his like it had been made too. Her fingers entwined with his, small against his large hands. He felt her Navy ring, her ring finger bare. “Do you still miss him?”
“At first, then I realized Chris would have wonted me to go on with my life. To find what I really wonted out of life and to love again.”
“And have you? Found love I mean?” he asked, uncertain he wonted to hear her answer.
Sera turned over and snuggled against him, her lips only inches from his. “I never lost love, Harm. I just didn’t realize it was staring me in the face, but not any more.”
She kissed him, and then he kissed her. Long lingering kisses that carried forth all the built up frustrations and desires both had harbored inside them for far to long. And they made love like two people who had been waiting a lifetime to find each other, or several life times.
********************
Two weeks later:
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia.
********************
Jason Tiner watched the young woman come off the elevator, she was attractive and the tight jeans showed off a great lower body. The white t-shirt she wore under a dark brown flight jacket did the rest. He smiled as she approached. “Can I help you Ma’am?”
“Yes, I’m looking for Commander Rabb.”
Why am I not surprised, he thought to himself, but said to her out loud. “This way Ma’am.”
“Thank you Petty Officer,” she said smiling as she followed him.
Harm was coming out of the Admiral’s office when he saw Sera with Tiner. He smiled and hurried over to her.
A grin eased onto her lips when she saw him, recalling how long it had taken him to get into those Navy blues that morning. “Commander Rabb.”
“Lieutenant Riggs,” he greeted, seeing the surprised look on Tiner’s face. “Come into my office.”
Colonel Sarah Mackenzie, better known as Mac, saw them disappear into Harm’s office, and wondered what the Commander was up to. “Tiner.”
“Yes Ma’am?”
“Who was with Commander Rabb?”
“Lieutenant Riggs Ma’am, she was looking for the Commander.”
“Thank you Tiner.”
He nodded and hurried back to his desk.
Lieutenant Harriett Sims came up beside Mac. “She’s very pretty, Ma’am.”
“Yes she is, Lieutenant,” Mac absently agreed.
“Who’s very pretty?” Budd Roberts, Harriett’s husband asked.
“The Lieutenant with Commander Rabb.”
“Oh?”
“Lieutenant Riggs,” Mac informed.
Bud’s eyes lit up. “Lieutenant Sera Riggs?” he asked and saw their questioning looks, explaining. “Lieutenant Sera Riggs started out in the Navy as a JAG lawyer, after her husband was killed in a training accident she changed designators and became a Naval Aviator. She served with Commander Rabb on the Patrick Henry, and was the Aviator chosen to give the President a ride in a Tomcat.”
Harriett found her husband’s excitement amusing. “Breath Bud,” she advised smiling.
He calmed down. “Sera Riggs was one of the youngest Navy Lawyer’s in JAG, and she went through Georgeton Law School with the Commander.”
Mac arched an eyebrow. “And how do you know all this, Bud?” she asked lightly.
“Commander Rabb has a photo of himself and the Lieutenant in his office, I asked him about it and he told me,” he answered. “It’s the one near his helmet.”
Mac recalled the photo. “So that’s Angel,” she said absently.
“Ma’am?” Harriett queried.
“The Commander told me about a pilot he’d served with whose call sign was Angel; he just never mentioned the pilot was a she.”
“Oh?”
They saw the Admiral come out of his office and over to the Commander’s, going in. Leaving them all wondering what was going on.
******
Harm had drawn Sera into his arms. “I’m glad you came today.”
She smiled, feeling comfortable in his arms. “I can’t keep hiding in your apartment, Harm. Besides my shrink told me I needed to get out.”
He grinned that flyboy smile of his. “I don’t think he meant a trip to JAG.”
Sera was going to comment when the door opened and the Admiral came in, she moved away from Harm quickly snapping to attention as he did.
Admiral AJ Chegwidden noticed the position the two had been in, choosing this time to ignore it. “At ease,” he continued when they’d relaxed their stance. “Lieutenant I have just received new orders for you, you have been temporarily reassigned to JAG for six months. Which means Lieutenant, I expect you in my office tomorrow morning in uniform with JAG insignia, do I make myself clear?”
“Yes sir.”
He saw Rabb smile, keeping his attention on the young woman, who was stunned, but also slightly relieved. “Then welcome to JAG, Lieutenant Riggs.”
“Thank you sir.”
He then addressed Rabb. “And Commander, I expect you won’t be found in any compromising positions with the Lieutenant in the near future. At least at the office.”
“Not a one Admiral,” Harm reassured.
“Good, as you were then. Commander you have the afternoon off, I expect you’d like to help the Lieutenant settle in.”
“Yes sir, thank you.”
AJ merely nodded and then left the office, shutting the door.
Sera smiled as she turned back to Harm. “I guess I’m going to be a lawyer for a while.”
“I guess you are,” he remarked tugging her back into his arms.
“I also need to find myself an apartment,” she added, slipping her arms around him.
“You could stay with me.”
Shaking her head, Sera stated. “It might be best if I didn’t.”
“You’re right and you’re also in luck, I happen to know there’s an apartment free in my building,” he noted matter-of-factly. “Interested in taking a look?”
Rising on her toes, Sera found herself staring into his blue eyes. “Is it near yours?”
“Right next door.”
“Then I’m very interested.”
“I though you would be,” he said, then kissed her.
She responded without hesitation, opening her mouth to his probing tongue. She moaned as they parted. “I think this is what the Admiral meant by compromising positions.”
“So do I,” he smirked. “Lets get out of here and discuss these compromising positions at my place.”
“I’d like that Commander.”
“So would I Lieutenant, so would I.”
********************
Chapter Two: Soul Mates
Harm’s apartment (The next morning)
North of Union Station
Washington DC.
********************
Sera readjusted the Gold Wings on her uniform; she’d changed the insignia to that of JAG, it had felt funny taking off the Line Officers Star and replacing it with the JAG mill-rinde. It wasn’t that she was nervous, she was never nervous, not in the courtroom or the cockpit. It was something else, something she didn’t quiet comprehend, not as yet anyway.
“You’re going to be fine,” Harm, told her as he came up behind her. He drew her into his arms, holding her close.
“Then why am feeling like this?” she inquired softly.
He smiled at the rhetorical question, looking at the two of them in the mirror, the way they stood together. The strength of their relationship made what they felt comfortable, they were relaxed with each other. It was almost like being - married.
“Harm?” She saw the look on his face; as if he’d just realized something very important, something he hadn’t before.
“Mmm?”
“Are you okay?”
“Yeah, I’m fine.”
She knew it was more then that, that look was still there. The feelings she felt were still there and she liked it, liked how it felt. “Thank you.”
“For what?” he asked her.
“For being here when I need you.”
Harm turned her so she faced him. “I’ll always be here for you,” he cupped her face in his hands as he lent closer, his lips brushing over her. “I promise.”
She smiled warmly as he released her. “I guess we should be getting to work.”
“I guess we should,” he agreed, and then teased. “So should we arrive separately or together?”
“How about together, but I drive?” she suggested lightly.
“Yours or mind?”
Sera laughed. “Mine, I’d like to show off my Shelby Cobra.”
He released her. “It’s a deal, lets go Councilor.”
Shaking her head, Sera followed him. They grabbed briefcases and covers, then keys and left the apartment with their coats over their arms. Taking the elevator down. “So does Mac know about me?” she asked.
“She knows I served with an aviator whose call sign was ‘Angel’, but nothing else. Though I expect by now the scuttlebutt about you is flying around the office.”
“Probable at Mach 1,” she smirked.
“I wouldn’t doubt it,” he agreed. “Do you mind?”
“No, it’s the same onboard a carrier, but you know that yourself.”
“True, still you have me to protect you,” he mocked.
The elevator stopped and they got out, leaving the building they slipped on their coats as they headed for her car.
“So I need protecting now?” she was asking. “My Knight with Gold wings.”
“I am always one to serve Milady.”
Groaning Sera flicked him with her cover. “Get in the car, Commander.”
“Yes Ma’am.”
********************
Jag Headquarters
(Same day)
********************
Sarah Mackenzie was talking with Lieutenant Sims when Commander Rabb and Lieutenant Riggs came into JAG ops. She smiled warmly; it had been a while since she’d seen Harm so relaxed and on time. “Morning Commander, Lieutenant.”
“Morning Colonel,” Harm said with his usual cheerfulness.
“Good morning Ma’am,” Sera greeted.
Mac smiled. “Welcome to JAG, Lieutenant Riggs.”
“Thank you Ma’am.”
Harriet smiled. “Lieutenant Harriet Sims,” she introduced herself. “Welcome to JAG.”
Sera nodded, smiling. “Thank you.”
“Are you settling in all right, Lieutenant?” Harriet asked. “The Admiral said you were staying with the Commander.”
She saw Harm hold back a smirk. “Yes, until my apartment is ready the Commander has been kind enough to let me stay with him.”
“If you need any help just call.”
“Thank you, Lieutenant.”
“Well lets get you squared away with the Admiral,” Harm suggested a little more protectively then he should have.
Sera nodded. “Yes sir.”
They left their briefcases and coats in his office and preceded to the Admiral’s, Tiner informed the Admiral they were there, and then sent them in.
AJ gestured them in. “Good morning Commander, Lieutenant.”
“Good morning sir,” both acknowledged.
“At ease,” he ordered. “For the moment Lieutenant Riggs, I’m going to have you working with Commander Rabb. You’ve been out of the courtroom for nearly three years, though I doubt you’ve been completely out of the loop. There is still some catching up to do,” he paused for a moment. “You maybe only here as a temporary assignment, Lieutenant, but I expect you to give JAG you full attention. Do I make myself clear?”
“Yes sir.”
“Good, get yourself settled, and then help the Commander on his current case,” AJ commanded. “And one more thing Lieutenant, by know it is common knowledge you are staying with Commander Rabb. I suggest you sort out your living arrangements ASAP.”
“With all due respect sir, the Lieutenant has found herself an apartment, which will be ready in two days,” Harm defended.
“Excellent, where?”
“In the same building as Commander Rabb’s sir,” Sera revealed. “It was the only one available on short lease.”
“Understood, the Captain of the Patrick Henry has had your personals boxed and is sending them to you.”
“Thank you sir.”
AJ sat back in his chair, studying the two officers. Something was going on between them and it was more then a pilots bond. “Very well then, dismissed.”
Both came to attention. “Aye, aye sir,” they said, then turned and walked out.
Going straight to Harm’s office, once inside he shut the door, turning to her. “Well you survived.”
“For now.”
“You’re going to be fine, Sera,” he assured.
She was going to comment when a knock came on the door and it opened.
Gunnery Sergeant Victor Galendez came in on Harm’s insistence. “Commander,” he greeted, then addressed Sera. “Lieutenant your office is ready.”
“Thank you Gunny,” she picked up her briefcase and coat, smiling at Harm. “I’ll get squared away, sir.”
“Very well Lieutenant,” he said grinning.
She held back a smirk and followed the Gunny; he guided her to her office, opening the door for her. Letting her enter first. She put her briefcase and coat on the desk and turned. “Thank you Gunnery Sergeant.”
“You’re welcome Ma’am,” he said warmly, and then excused himself.
Sera dropped her cover on the desk and sighed. The temporary assignment had come at a good time, she needed this break and once it was over, perhaps she could go back to flying. Shaking her head, she squared away and then headed back to Harm’s office, they still had work to do. And a lot could happen in six months.
********************
Sera’s apartment
(Three days later)
North of Union Station
Washington DC.
********************
Sera finished putting the last of the kitchen utensils away, sighing as the strong arms circled her waist and she lent against the hard male body. “I hate unpacking.”
Harm chuckled. “I offered to let you stay with me,” he reminded lightly.
“I know,” she said turned so she could embrace him, standing on her tiptoes she placed a light kiss on his lips, and then another as he pulled her closer and deepened the kiss.
Mac came out of the bedroom with another empty packing container; fighting the urge to tell them to get a room she cleared her throat. She’d figured out they were more then friends on the first day, she’d also came to realize they kept it out of the office. “Cut it out you two, you’ve got company.”
They moved apart, grinning. “All finished?” Harm asked her, remaining unconcerned about being caught. Not by his best friend.
She knew that look, being amused by it. “I even made the bed.”
“You didn’t have to do that,” Sera announced, her face flush. “I could of done it later.”
“It was no problem,” Mac said not worrying. Doubting making the bed was the last thing on their minds.
Sera’s older brother, Matthew got to his feet, he’d been hooking together his sister’s TV, video and DVD player, as well as her stereo. “All done Squid.”
“Thanks Jarhead,” she taunted.
Mac shook her head. “How do you put up with her?” she asked him.
“I out rank her,” Matt mused, with a sexy smirk. “The advantages of being a Colonel.”
Matthew Mitchell was the poster boy of the Marine core; he’s good looks had done for the core what Harm’s stint on TV had done for the Navy. And he was handsome, tall, board shoulders, and dimples to die for. A lawyer who could speak five different languages and was flight qualified, being currently assigned to Norfolk Naval Air Station.
Sera rolled her eyes. “Be nice or I’ll tell Dad,” she warned.
“Try it squid.”
Harm shook his head. “Be good children,” he ribbed.
“Or what Commander?” Matt challenged him with a wide grin and a sparkle to his green eyes.
“You don’t get dinner, I’m cooking.”
Matt looked to Mac, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “What do you say to a Beltway burger, Colonel?”
“Better then a salad, Colonel,” she accepted, picking up on his playfulness.
“It’s a date, sorry Harm, but I’ll take a Beltway burger over a salad any day.”
Sera winkled her nose. “How can you be my brother?” She moaned. “A Beltway burger?”
“Careful little sister, not everyone enjoys rabbit food like you and Harm,” he taunted.
“Yeah stick boy, a good burger would do you good,” Mac challenged.
Sera returned to Harm’s embrace. “Stick boy?” she queried, and then whispered with a soft purr in his ear. “I wouldn’t say that.”
Mac and Matt laughed at the look on Harm’s face. “I love it, someone who knows how to make Harm blush,” she teased.
Matt good-naturedly put his arm around her shoulders, despite only meeting a few hours ago, he felt very comfortable showing affection towards her. “Over dinner I’ll tell you a few things about your partner here, I’m sure you don’t know.”
“Oh I think I know him pretty well?” she remarked matter-of-factly.
“Not the way I do,” Matt commented. “I happened to have details on his first court case.”
“That’s it, out,” Sera ordered stepping away from Harm, ushering them towards the door with mock annoyance. “Go stuff yourselves on Beltway burgers.”
“We’re going,” they both yielded laughing.
“Do you need help later?” Matt asked his sister, as he ran his hand over his short brown hair, which seemed darker then usual because it was so short.
“No, go home and be with Emily,” Sera insisted. “She’ll be wanting to know where her daddy is.”
“All right kiddo,” he gave her a quick hug noticing Mac’s curious look at the mention of his daughter. Deciding he would tell her when they were alone. “Night Harm.”
“Night Matt, night Mac.”
“Night Harm, Sera,” Mac bided. She waited until after they’d left the apartment and were in Matt’s car before asking. “Tell me about Emily?”
“She’s six and thinks her Aunt Sera is the best,” he said proudly, and then added. “Her mother took off two days after she was born, left me a note and divorce papers, as well as full custody of Emily.”
“I’m sorry.”
“It’s her lose, Emily is a great little girl, and she’s a little trooper. She loves Sera and Harm, she has them wrapped around her little finger.”
Mac shifted a little in her seat. “I get the distinct feeling my partner has a secret life he’s never told anyone about.”
“Sounds like Harm,” Matt agreed lightly, adding seriously. “He was Sera’s strength when Chris was killed, he kept her going.”
“He never said anything,” she said, and began to wonder why?
Matt pulled the car into the parking lot of Beltway burger and stopped, turning off the engine he unbuckled and turned to her. “Sera has loved Harm since law school, she could never admitted it because she was married to Chris.”
“Did she love her husband?”
He nodded. “She did, but he wasn’t her soul mate. If Chris hadn’t of died she would have eventually realized it and they would have went their separate ways.”
“So Harm is her soul mate?”
“Yes,” he got out of the car and walked around to her side; opening the door he helped her out. “Just as you have a soul mate, Mac.”
She felt butterflies in her stomach, she should of release his hand but she didn’t. She felt comfortable holding it, very comfortable “Then I guess I’ll just have to find him.”
“Oh I think you already have Sarah, you just don’t know it yet,” he said gentle. Then smiled. “Come on, let’s get that burger.”
“Let’s,” she decided. Having a feeling there were going to be more dates in the future and more Beltway burgers, with and without Emily.
********************
Chapter Three: A part of the team
One Week later:
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church Virginia
Washington DC
********************
Lieutenant Roberts knocked on the door to Lieutenant Riggs’ office, and then went in, stopping quickly at the sight of the Lieutenant on a small stepladder; she was hanging her Law diploma on the wall. It had taken more then just a few days for her personals to arrive from the Patrick Henry; now they were there, she wanted the office to feel more like it was hers.
“Is it straight Bud?” she asked, knowing he was there.
“Yes Ma’am, how did you know it was me?”
Climbing down from the stepladder Sera turned, smiling. “Your cologne, the way you walk.”
“Really?”
“Really,” she said, finding the expression on his face amusing. “So what can I do for you, Bud?”
He held out the file he’d been carrying. “The information you asked for concerning the Sanderson case.”
She took it, flipping it open. “Has Commander Rabb seen this yet?”
“No Ma’am.”
“Can you ask him to see me then please?”
“Yes Ma’am.”
Sera rolled her eyes, dropping the file on her desk. “Bud, we’re the same rank, I think you can call me by my first name while we’re in my office.”
He smiled, “Yes Ma’am, I mean Sera,” he said, then saw the next certificate she removed from the box alone with a plaque. “You went to ‘Top Gun’!”
She saw he was just a little taken aback, wondering if it was because he’d never known any who had or if it was because she was a woman. “May of 2000, Blades and I were top of the class,” she showed him both.
Bud took a closer look. “Wow, it must have been exciting.”
“It was and a lot of hard work, movies glamorized it a little then it is,” she put both on her desk and then took a framed photo from the box, showing him. “This was taken when Harm and I served on the Patrick Henry together, September of ‘99’.”
In the photo Sera and Harm were standing side by side, their RIO’s were either side of them. Harm had his arm around Sera’s shoulders, all were grinning happily. Behind them was a Tomcat, with writing on the side - Lt. Sera Angel Riggs.
Bud looked at the photo, his smile faded to seriousness. “You were at ‘Top Gun’ when Commander Rabb was aboard the Patrick Henry to do his carrier qualifications.”
Sera nodded. “We arrived back a few hours after he was found, I went to see him. He knew who I was, but thought I was still with JAG. He asked me why I was in a flight suit and inquired how Chris was,” she revealed and took the photo back from him, running her fingers along the frame. “I stood there for a moment a little bewildered, and then told him Chris had been killed three years early and I was an aviator. He hugged me and said he was sorry. I didn’t talk to him again until a few months later, when he apologized for what he said,” she put the photo down.
“I’ll let you finish up,” Bud said, deciding it was time to leave. “And I’ll tell Commander Rabb you need to see him.”
“Thanks Bud, and can you also ask Gunny to come in please?”
“Yes Ma’am,” he acknowledged, and then grinned as she rolled her eyes. When Bud left, Sera climbed the ladder again taking the plaque with her, hanging it. She heard the Gunny coming, and then his knock. “Come in Gunny.”
Gunnery Sergeant Victor Galendez smiled, shaking his head. “How do you do that, Ma’am?”
“Your walk,” she told him, but didn’t turn.
“And how do I walk, Ma’am?”
“Like a Marine, Gunny,” she mused and came down the ladder, picking up the list she’d made from her desk, she handed it to him. “I need you to find these people for me.”
“Concerning the Sanderson case?”
“Yes,”
He glanced quickly at it, than announced. “I’ll get right on it, Ma’am.”
“Thank you Gunny.”
He didn’t leave though. “Ma’am, if I walk like a Marine, how does Colonel Mackenzie walk?”
“Like a Marine in heels, Gunny,” Sera smirked.
Galendez laughed. “Right Ma’am,” he smirked, and then left.
Sera grabbed a larger framed photo of a Tomcat with afterburners in full burn against a twilight sky. After moving the ladder, she took the photo and climbed it, hanging the photo. The unknown footsteps made her frown and then turn, the ladder moved with the shift of weight and Sera lost her balance.
The young man who had entered her office moved quickly, catching the Lieutenant as she fell, holding her in his arms.
Sera had screamed as she fell, finding herself enclosed in the arms of a handsome young man, who had familiar eyes.
Harm had been coming to see Sera about the Sanderson case when he heard her scream, rushing into her office, the Gunny behind him, both seeing her in the arms of the grinning young man.
Harm chuckled. “Playing superhero, Sergei.”
“What can I say brother, she fell into my arms,” he smirked, his accent thick, he put Sera down.
“Are you all right, Ma’am?” the Gunny asked seriously.
“Yes, thank you Gunny.”
Galendez nodded and then left.
Harm came further in. “Sergei Zhukov, Lieutenant Sera Riggs,” he introduced.
“Aha, Angel,” he acknowledged using her call sign.
She smirked mischievously at Harm, and then turned to his brother, talking to him in Russian, only because she knew Harm didn’t understand it.
Sergei grinned and replied in his own language.
“Okay cut it out you two,” Harm ordered and they both laughed.
“So brother, are you and Lieutenant Riggs free for lunch?” Sergei asked.
“We are, we can go over the case when we come back,” he rationalized.
“Excellent,”
After grabbing their covers, they left with Sergei, taking Harm’s SUV, they stopped at a little café not far from Headquarters. They chose to sit outside and ordered drinks with their lunch.
“You did not say, Sera was so beautiful, brother,” Sergei announced frowning at his half brother. “Shame on you.”
“He has that habit,” Sera teased, beneath the table, her hand rested on Harm’s thigh, gently caressing.
“Hey I’m your superior officer, you’re not suppose to be picking on me,” he remarked, light heartedly. Putting his hand over hers so their fingers entwined.
Sergei shook his head laughing. “You give as good as you get, brother.”
“True.”
Despite their casual attitude towards each other, Sergei had a feeling his brother and Sera’s relationship was anything but casual.
A pretty blond headed waitress arrived with their lunch, blushing as both men thanked her before rushing off, making Sera chuckle. They chatted through lunch, Sera and Sergei occasionally slipping between languages, making Harm groan.
“You’re going to have to teach me Russian,” he decided as they drove back.
“You’ve never wanted to learn before, brother,” Sergei noted matter-of-factly.
“I’ve never had to put up with both of you, before.” he remarked.
Chuckling, Sera patted his thigh. “I’ll teach you.”
“Thank you.”
“Don’t mention it, I’m sure you’ll repay me somehow,” she said grinning.
“I like her brother,” Sergei smirked.
Shaking his head, Harm smiled. “So do I, Sergei, so do I,” he said, then realized he didn’t just like Sera he loved her.
********************
JAG Headquarters (Two Days later)
********************
Mac was talking with Harriet when she heard the little voice calling out to her, turning she smiled seeing six-year-old Emily Mitchell running towards her, her father in tow. In the past two weeks they had been spending a lot of time together, enjoying Matt’s company as well as his daughters.
Mac scooped the little girl up into her arms. “Hi Emily.”
“Hi Mac,” she hugged her tight. “Daddy said we could come see you.”
Mac smiled warmly at Matt, and then addressed the little girl with the cutest light brown pigtails. “Well, I told your daddy I’d love for you to see where I worked and the people I work with,” she turned her towards Harriet. “Emily, this is Lieutenant Harriet Sims.”
“Hello,” Emily greeted grinning.
“Hello Emily,” Harriet said happily. “I have a little boy, named AJ.”
“Wow.”
“I hope this is a good time,” Matt said to Mac, “Emily was determined to come today.”
“It’s alright,” she assured, then addressed the little girl. “Come on Emily, I’ll introduce you to everyone,” she told her and they moved around the office saying hello.
Matt watched, amazed at how natural Mac was with his daughter so like a mother should be.
“You have a very beautiful little girl, Colonel.” Harriet told him.
“Thank you Lieutenant,” he acknowledged, and then asked. “Have you seen my sister around?”
“I believe Commander Rabb and Lieutenant Riggs are still in court, the Sanderson case is taking longer then expected.”
Matt had heard about Sanderson. “I know what I’d do if anyone tried to rape my daughter, Lieutenant, exactly what Major Sanderson did.”
“I believe that is a general consensus among parents, Colonel,” Harriet agreed, keeping her opinions about the case to herself, even though she felt the same.
“Yes Lieutenant it is,” he commented sternly, adding. “If anyone can handle this case, Sera and Harm can.”
“Yes sir,” Harriet agreed. “They’ve become quiet a team.”
“Well they always have been good together, Lieutenant, just too damn stubborn to realized it,” he commented with a goodhearted grin.
Mac and Emily walked back hand in hand, smiling.
“Daddy I got to meet the Admiral,” his daughter said excitedly.
He hankered down so he could look eye-to-eye with her. “And what did you think of Admiral Chegwidden?”
“He’s like grandpa, except he was a Seal.”
Mac saw Harriet’s inquisitive look, as Matt stood with his daughter in his arms. “The Colonel’s father is Admiral Ryan Mitchell, a former Naval Aviator.”
“Grandpa calls daddy a Jarhead,” Emily giggled, then wiggled in her father’s arms in excitement seeing who had arrived. “Aunty Sera, Uncle Harm!”
Matt put her down and let her ran over to the two in question. She went first to her Aunt, who hugged her and then to Harm, remaining with him. Leaving Sera to carry his briefcase along with her own while he carried the little girl.
Harm put his cover on Emily’s head. “How’s my favorite recruit?”
“I’m good.”
“Stop corrupting my daughter, Rabb,” Matt ordered in his best Colonel voice.
“Is that an official order, sir?” he asked grinning that winning smile of his.
“Damn right it is, it’s hard enough being in a family of squids without having a daughter as one.”
Harm laughed. “Aye, aye sir.”
Emily rolled her eyes. “Daddy,” she groaned coursing everyone to laugh.
The call to attention on deck was given as the Admiral came into ops. “At ease everyone,” he commanded and joined the group. “Lieutenant Riggs, I hear congratulations are in order. You and Commander Rabb won the Sanderson case.”
Sera, who’d put both briefcases down at her feet, nodded wearily. “Yes sir. His daughter confessed to the murder, the Judged then ruled it was self defense and declared no chargers would be laid.”
“Outstanding work,” he informed, then raised his voice. “Listen up people,” all stopped what they were doing. “The promotions list came out this afternoon, one name was on it from this office. Lieutenant Riggs is hereby promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Commander.”
Emily squealed excitedly and hugged her Aunt, remaining in Harm’s arms, coursing the two to be drawn closer together.
Startled by both the action and the announcement, Sera managed to untangle herself from her niece. “Thank you sir.”
“You deserve it, Lieutenant Commander,” AJ endorsed, silently amused by the little girl’s actions. “Now back to work,” he ordered. Smiling as he headed back to his office, leaving his officers to offer Sera their congratulations.
Matt finally got his turn. “Up for some celebrating tonight?”
“Sure.”
“McMurphy’s?”
“Sounds good,” she accepted. “After work, say twenty-one hundred?”
“I’ll be there.”
“Aunt Sera, when do I get to celebrate?” Emily asked stumbling over the last word.
“Well kiddo, how about on the weekend Uncle Harm and I take you flying, if your daddy lets us?” she suggested.
“In your plane, Uncle Harm?”
“Sure kiddo,” Harm agreed, not being able to say no to those pleading emerald green eyes.
She looked anxiously to her father. “Can I daddy?”
“Sure sweetheart, we’ll take a picnic and make a day of it.”
“Mac too?”
“Mac too,” he answered, seeing his fellow Marine smiling.
“Cool!” Emily exclaimed.
Matt lifted her from Harm’s arms. “Come on kiddo, let’s get going,” he turned to Mac. “See you tonight?”
“Of course, can you pick me up?”
“No problem, twenty-thirty hours.”
“I’ll be ready. Bye Emily.”
“Bye Mac,” the little girl said cheerfully.
“Drive carefully Matt,” Sera said lifting Harm’s cover off her niece’s head.
“Bye,” Emily called out to everyone, waving as they left.
Mac laughed. “She’s a great kid.”
Sera handed Harm his cover and picked up her briefcase, grinning cheekily. “Make a great daughter too,” she smirked, and then headed for her office.
Harm grabbed his briefcase. “Not to mention a good squid,” he smirked and then made a hasty retreat.
Mac groaned, shaking her head she then laughed as she headed for her office.
Harriet smiled, the Lieutenant Commander was right about one thing; the Colonel would not only make a good mother for the little girl. She would make a good mother period.
********************
Chapter Four: Family and Friends
Dr. Stevenson’s Office
Bethesda Naval Hospital
********************
Sera stared out the window of the office, wishing she was anywhere but where she was.
Behind her, Dr. Marc Stevenson waited. “What about the nightmares?”
“They’ve stopped,” she announced bluntly.
“How are you sleeping now that they have?”
A sarcastic comment popped into her head, but she held back, snapping at him wouldn’t help anyone, let alone herself. “Usually pretty well.”
“Usually?” the doctor promoted slightly amused.
This time she turned. “I have a life outside of JAG, doc.”
Dr. Stevenson smiled at the comment. “So how is Commander Rabb?”
“Well.”
“How do your work colleagues handle your relationship?”
She returned to her seat. “We keep our personal relationship outside of the office,” she answered. “It doesn’t affect our working relationship.”
“Do you feel the age differences courses a problem?” he inquired. “He is ten years older then you.”
“No, why should it? We have a lot in common, we enjoy each others company.”
“What about Career wise? He’s been a aviator longer, as well as a lawyer?”
Sera frowned. “Harm doesn’t throw his experience in my face, Dr. Stevenson. Nor do I throw mine in his, he handles the fact I’ll be going back to sea after this assignment.”
Dr. Stevenson waited for her to cool down. “When you first came into my office a month ago, you told me you didn’t think you wanted to go back to sea. What changed your mind?”
She sighed. “I miss it.”
“Are you still keeping your hours up?”
“Yes.”
“Do you fly with Commander Rabb?”
“As much as I’m able.”
“Do you worry about him?”
“What kind of question is that?” she retorted. “Of course I worry about him, just as he worries about me.”
“Would you handle him being at sea, while you were here?”
She hadn’t thought about it. Would she able to handle Harm being on an Aircraft Carrier while she was at JAG?
“Lieutenant Commander? Sera?” Dr. Stevenson got her attention. “Are you all right?”
“Yes, sorry Doc,” she said aimlessly.
“Are you going to answer the question?”
“No, not yet,” Sera informed.
“Why is that?”
“Because I don’t have an answer for you,” she got to her feet again and walked back to the windows.
Dr. Stevenson made notes on his notepad. “Lets get back to the day of the incident, did anything happen before you went up?”
“I got an email from Harm, he sent a photo of him and his godson AJ Roberts,” she recalled, smiling. “They were laughing in the photo.”
“How did that make you feel, seeing Commander Rabb with his godson?”
“Empty.”
“Why?”
She hugged herself. “Because I know he’d like a son and I can’t give him one,” she said, her heart ached with that knowledge.
“Why is that Sera?”
“I had a miscarriage when I was in law school, a couple of months after my husband when back to sea. They told me the damage was extensive, enough that I needed to have a hysterectomy.”
“I’m sorry,”
Tears glistened in her eyes, when she closed them they slid down her cheeks. Opening them again, she turned back to him. “Harm was there when they told me, he held me while I cried, comforted me. I don’t know what I would of done without him.”
“Did you love him then?”
She nodded. “I know it was wrong, I was married to Chris, but the more time I spent with Harm. The more I fell in love with him.”
“And now?”
“Now,” she wiped the tears from her cheeks. “I still love him.”
Closing the notepad, Dr. Stevenson stood and walked over to her. “Can you answer the question now? Could you handle him being at sea?”
Sera nodded coming to a conclusion. “If he loves me as much as I love him, than yes. I would never stand in his way, nor would I ever ask him to turn in his wings for me.”
He smiled. “I think we’ve covered enough for today, I’ll see you next week Sera.”
She nodded and grabbed her cover and coat, turning back to him. “Dr. Stevenson.”
“Yes Sera.”
“Thank you.”
“That’s what I’m here for, Sera.” he said cheerfully.
She smiled and left his office.
********************
JAG Headquarters (The same day)
********************
Gunnery Sergeant Galendez looked twice as the young woman walked into JAG ops, at first he thought it was Lieutenant Commander Riggs in civilian clothing until he realized it wasn’t, this woman had longer hair. He approached her. “Can I help you Ma’am?”
“Yes, I’m looking for my sister, Lieutenant Commander Riggs,” she answered, then saw one person she did know. “Commander Rabb.”
“Sam,” he hurried over to her. “I didn’t think you were back yet.”
Samantha Elliot, Sera’s twin sister, hugged the handsome Commander. “I heard Sera was here, so I came as soon as I could.”
He grinned, and then addressed the Gunny. “Gunnery Sergeant Galendez, this is Samantha Elliot, Lieutenant Commander Riggs’ twin sister.”
“It’s nice to meet you Ma’am.”
“You too Gunnery Sergeant.”
He excused himself, going back to his work.
Harm escorted Samantha to his office. “Sera is in Court at the moment,” he informed putting the file he’d been holding on his desk. He gestured for her to sit. “How long can you stay?”
She sat down and waited until he had too. “A little while,” she announced, and then asked. “How is she Harm, Dad said the Navy has her seeing a psychologist?”
“There was an incident at sea that shock her up a little, but she’s getting over it.”
“Than why did they assign her here to JAG, she’s an aviator?”
“She’s was a lawyer first, Sam, and she still is a good one, and this assignment is temporary.”
Sitting back in the chair, Samantha smiled. “You’re in love with her,” she saw he was going to comment, interrupting. “Don’t deny it, I see it written all over your face.”
“I wasn’t going to deny it, it’s true, I do love her,” he admitted, feeling he’d needed to tell someone.
“Have you told her yet?”
That had him squirming. “Not as yet.”
Samantha groaned and shook her head. “Than tell her, she’s a big girl she can handle it. Besides she’s been in love with you since law school.”
Now he was surprised. “How do you know that?”
“I’m her twin, she tells me everything,” Samantha confided.
“I must remember that,” he teased her.
“I’m sure you will,” she mused. Then asked seriously. “Truthfully Harm, is Sera all right?”
“She’s fine Sam, she keeps up her hours, and keeps in touch with the squadron.”
“How will you handle her being at sea?” she asked, and then saw him hesitated. “Harm, you love her, you’re aloud to be concerned about her returning to her duties as a Naval Aviator.”
“I understand that, I just worry how she’s going to handle it all.”
“You maybe surprised,” Samantha told him.
He smiled warmly. “I expect so,” he noted, then saw the person in question coming. “Here she is now.”
Sera came in as Samantha stood, the twins hugging each other. “It’s so good to see you.”
“You too.”
“Why don’t you take a break, catch up with Sam.” Harm suggested.
“Only if you come with us.” Samantha insisted.
“Alright,” he agreed.
They got coffee and sat outside in the courtyard.
“How long are you home for?” Sera asked her sister.
“A few weeks, Mike is still in Australia filming at Fox Studio’s.”
“Then what?”
Samantha hesitated, realizing what her news would mean to her sister. “We’re taking some time off, we want to have a baby.”
“That’s great, Sam,” Harm told her, feeling Sera grip his hand under the table. She kept up a strong front.
“That’s fantastic, Sam.” she agreed.
Samantha was going to comment with Admiral Chegwidden joined them.
“Stay seated,” he told his officers quickly, then addressed Samantha. “Samantha, you look wonderful.”
“Thank you Admiral.”
“You know each other sir?” Harm asked.
“I do, I had the Lieutenant Commander under my command at Pearl Harbor,” he recalled. “She told me about her sister, the scriptwriter who married actor Michael Elliot.”
“I didn’t put to the two together sir.”
“That’s all right Commander, neither did I when we first meet,” he remarked and saw the inquisitive look. “Sera had a photo on her desk of herself and two Naval Officers, you happened to be one of them. Not to mention she had a tendency to sneak off on joy flights in F-14’s.”
Samantha laughed. “Which I expect she still does, Admiral.”
“Yes she does, at least though now she’s fully qualified,” he stated with a smile. “Excuse me.”
She nodded, smiling while her sister and Harm both said ‘Aye sir.’
Harm glanced at Sera. “You use to sneak off for joy flights, you’ve never told me that?”
Her gin was one of amusement. “I wanted to be an aviator from the start, I became a lawyer to please my father,” she admitted. “The curriculum I took at the Academy reflected both so I kept Dad happy.”
“And meeting you at law school gave her great inspiration,” Samantha teased.
“I made a great friend, too,” Sera said tenderly.
“Not to mention a source of ideas for her novels,” her sister mocked.
This time Sera groaned. “Enough badgering, Sammy.”
Harm chuckled. “Besides no one, not even the Admiral knows Sera is the mysteries Elisabeth Saint-John.”
“The beauty of a pen name,” she smirked and they all laughed.
Samantha saw the Marine officer coming over to them before the others. “Hi Mac.”
“Hi Sam,” she sat with them.
“You two have met?” Sera inquired.
“Last night at dinner, if you two had bother to turn up,” her sister retorted, seeing them looking sheepishly.
Mac knew the look on both their faces. “You two went flying,” she guessed. “I should have known, you both took off in a hurry yesterday.”
Both held their silence, the expressions on their faces said it all though.
“Typical,” Samantha accused. “You forget and go flying, leaving us to have to put up with a mother and step-mother in the same room.”
“I can’t help it if I’d rather go flying then have dinner with my extended family,” Sera defended, finding it all rather amusing. “Besides Mum and Tiff being in the same room, acting civil, isn’t exactly my idea of an interesting evening.”
“Well they’ve decided to try again for Saturday night.”
“Saturday night is the Australian Embassy Ball,” Harm revealed, then eyed Mac. “You should have remembered that, both you and Matt.”
“It must have slipped my mind.” she smirked. “Matt’s too.”
“Oh no, I’m not going alone.” Samantha informed them sternly.
“Come with us,” Harm invited. “My brother is coming, you can come along with him, and he would enjoy the company.”
Sera arched any eyebrow, and then asked Harm if Sergei would mind her sister going with him using Russian instead of English. To which he informed her it would be no problem.
Mac laughed at Samantha’s frown, she’d understood both of them. “I take it you don’t understand Russian?”
“No, I learnt German instead.”
“You should have heard the Admiral the first time they argued in front of him in Russian.”
“Made a good impression huh?”
“Oh yeah.”
Samantha laughed. “What about Saturday lunch? That way we can still go to the ball.”
Sera shook her head. “The Patrick Henry got into port yesterday, the Raptors - past and present are getting together on Saturday.”
“I give up,” her sister yielded and they all laughed.
“You usually do,” Sera mussed.
Mac shook her head, smiling. “We have to get back to work.”
All stood, throwing away their disposable cups.
Sera addressed her sister. “Ring me later?”
“Sure,” Samantha gave her a hug. Then Mac and Harm. “I’ll see you all later.”
“Bye Sam.”
She smiled and walked away, leaving them to return to JAG ops. Heading off to their respective officers.
A few minutes later Sera headed footfalls as she was reading through her case notes. “Yes Gunny?”
He still found it amusing that she didn’t need to look up to know who was entering her office. “The Admiral would like to see you, Ma’am.”
This time she looked up. “Thank you Gunny.”
He nodded, smiling as he left her office.
Sera quickly gathered her files together, and then went to the Admiral’s office.
Jason Tiner smiled as she walked in. “Go in Ma’am the Admiral is expecting you.”
“Thank you Tiner,” Sera said, she knocked, then went in.
Admiral Chegwidden sat back in his chair. “Close the hatch, Commander, then take a seat.”
She did so, waiting.
He lent forward on his desk. “Commander do you know a Megan Kilpatrick?”
“Yes sir,” she admitted, seeing there was no way out of this. “Megan Kilpatrick is my publisher.”
“Your publisher?” AJ frowned. “Why in the hell do you have a publisher?”
“I write under the penname Elisabeth Saint-John, sir. I have a number of books on the top seller lists and one is being negotiated to be made into a film,” Sera answered him, being honest.
“Why in the hell was I told this before?”
“I agreed to my first novel being published under the understanding no one knew who I was, or that I was a Naval officer,” she explained. “Up until two months ago, this was acceptable, now that my novel Ramp Strike is being made into a film, the movie studio wants me to meet with the director and producer, as well as the scriptwriter.”
“And you don’t want to meet with them,” the Admiral guessed.
“No sir, I don’t.”
AJ sat once more back in his chair, now it all made sense. “Would it surprise you to know I’ve read Ramp Strike, and it’s sequels?” he saw she was. “In fact you’d most likely find half of Jag ops has read those novels. Sera your main character is a dead ringer for Commander Rabb.”
“He’s suppose to be sir, he’s based on Commander Rabb,” she admitted sheepishly. “I wrote Ramp Strike while in law school, Commander Rabb helped on more then one occasion.”
“Why am I not surprised,” A.J remarked shaking his head. “Sera, you’re one hell of a lawyer, and I have no doubt you’re one hell of an aviator. You’re combining the two at the moment extremely well. You keep up your hours and keep your private life outside the office, as well as hid the fact you’re a best selling author.”
Sera swallowed hard. “My private live, sir?”
“Your association with Commander Rabb,” he stated. “And don’t play the innocent with me, I know you and Harm are in a relationship. You keep it too yourselves and for that I thank you, but its time to take command of your other secret. Being an author is nothing to be ashamed off.”
“I realize that sir.”
AJ chuckled. “I don’t think you do, Sera. I made Tiner stand in line for three hours to get a copy of the third novel, Aces High, just to find out what happened in it’s prequel Gold Winds. Only to walk into Harm’s office and find him reading one, signed of all things by the author.”
She grinned sheepishly. “I had a copy sent to Harm before it was released,” she confessed. “He’s been my muse since I stated, so I always make sure he gets a copy of each new novel.”
“And I’m sure you’ll be able to be involved in the making of the film if you stop hiding and come clean.”
“I haven’t been hiding sir, just staying out of the way,” she divulged. “I love being a lawyer and an aviator, being an author is a hobby I enjoy.”
“Then enjoy it,” he ordered, “And contact Miss. Kilpatrick to let her know where you are.”
“Yes sir.”
“Good. Dismissed Commander.”
She stood, came to attention. “Aye sir,” she said and then left. Going directly to Harm’s office she knocked and went in. “Am I hiding the fact I’m a author from everyone?”
He sat back in his chair. “Yes,” he answered her, and then saw the look on her face. “Sera you’ve been hiding it for so long it’s become second nature.”
She sat down, crossing one leg over the other. “The Admiral knows; Megan contacted him, trying to find me.”
“What does he think?
“That I should stop hiding,”
Harm sat forward. “This has to do with Ramp Strike being made into a film, correct?”
Sera nodded, rubbing her temples. “The studio wants me to meet with the director, producer and scriptwriter.”
“So meet with them, what can it hurt,” he suggested.
Sighing she smiled, she never could say no to those blue eyes of his. “All right, on one condition.”
He grinned that flyboy smile of his, knowing what the condition was. “I’ll come with you, you never know, you just might need a lawyer.”
“Thanks Harm.”
“You’re welcome,” he smirked.
She groaned, rolling her eyes she stood. “I’ll see you later.”
“You certainly will, you’re driving me home,” he reminded her.
“So I am,” she jeered and sauntered out of his office.
By the time they were ready to leave, ops was deserted, and most of the lights were turned off.
Sera leant against the doorframe. “Ready to go home sailor?”
“More then ready,” he informed, shutting of his computer and the desk light. He slipped on his coat and cover, and then grabbed his briefcase. “All set.”
She handed him the keys to her car. “You can drive, my feet are killing me.”
Harm grinned. “Mac once told me that all a woman ever wants is a great career, a good man, and comfortable shoes, lots and lots of them.”
Sera chuckled. “Well I have a great career and a good man. What I do need is comfortable shoes.”
He slipped his arm around her shoulders as they left. “You’re just more use to a flight suit and boots.”
“Very true,” she agreed lightly.
Outside the building, they put their briefcases in the blue sports car along with their covers.
Harm tugged her into his arms, keeping their bodies close. “I want to tell you something, before we go.”
She settled comfortably against him. “Something you can’t tell me in the warmth of the car?”
“Well this way I get to hold you close, it’s a little harder to do in the Cobra,” he remarked matter-of-factly.
She found that amusing. “It’s never stopped you before.”
“True, but I wanted to say it here.”
Now her heart began to pound, was this what she wanted to hear? “Then say it, Harm.”
He lent closer. “I wanted to tell you how much you mean to me, how much I need you,” his lips grazed over hers. “And how much I love you.”
Her eyes widened and she grinned. “You love me?”
“I love you,” he repeated.
Standing on her toes she kissed him, lingering in the passion. When she pulled away she saw the look in his eyes. He needed to know. “I love you too Harm, I have for a long time.”
His hand slipped to the back of her neck as he kissed her again, a long lingering kiss, which neither seeming to mind doing even though they were standing in the parking area of JAG Headquarters.
Until they heard a throat being cleared and they looked, seeing the Admiral had pull up near them.
“Go home,” he ordered before driving away.
Harm and Sera laughed, feeling like a couple of teenagers. At least it made their lives interesting, theirs, the Admirals and everyone else’s at JAG.
“Lets go home,” Harm suggested opening the door for her.
“Yours or mine?” She asked as she got in.
Getting into the sports car, Harm smiled. “We could flip for it?”
Laughing Sera took out a quarter and flipped it in the air, catching it. “Heads or tails?”
“Heads,” he called.
Without looking at the coin, she lent closer and kissed him. “Then I guess it’s your place.”
“I guess it is,” he agreed.
********************
Chapter Five: Past, Present and Future.
Saturday Evening
Australian Embassy
Washington DC.
********************
Matt drew Mac into his arms as they joined the crowd on the dance floor. Her backless black gown gave him no choice but to rest his hand on her bare skin. She looked beautiful and he felt extremely fortunate to be there with her. “So how was your week?” he asked making conversation. It also took his mind off the fact her skin was soft beneath his fingers.
“Quiet,” she answered him.
“Oh?”
“Harm and Sera flew to Fallon to handle a sexual harassment case on Wednesday and managed not to return until Friday afternoon,” She revealed, very aware of where his hand was and the unconscious stoking of his fingers.
“I suppose they solved the case and managed to do some flying as well?” he alleged.
“It’s called keeping their hours up,” she smirked as she moved closer to him.
He tightened his hold her, finding her body molded against his. “What Captain in his right mind would let our two winged lawyers lose in a couple of Tomcats?”
“Captain Pete Mitchell, no relation of yours mind you.”
“Top Gun’s golden boy?”
“The one and only,” she answered. “The Captain was a trainer when Sera was at Fallon in May, and is to take command of his first aircraft carrier tomorrow.”
“So how did they do?”
“They enjoyed themselves a little to much, none of his trainers could catch them. They want another shot at the two of them in the near future.”
Matt laughed. “Sounds like Hammer and Angel out did themselves.”
“They certainly did,” she said lightly. “Captain Mitchell wasn’t surprised to find Harm had been to Top Gun before his ramp strike. As for Sera, she was his prized student,” she mused then glanced around. “Speaking of the Dynamic Duo, I wander where they are?”
Bud and Harriet, who were dancing close by, over heard the question. “I saw the Commander and Lieutenant Commander, heading out of the ball room about five minutes ago,” he revealed.
“Commander Rabb told me earlier he had something important to ask Lieutenant Commander Riggs,” Harriet asked. “He said he wasn’t wasting any more time.”
Sergei, who was dancing with Samantha near by, added to the conversation. “Harm told me it was very important.”
Mac was curious. “How important is very important?” she asked and saw Samantha smiling, realizing what it was. “He isn’t, is he?”
“Well unless I spent time organizing the resizing of the ring he chose for her for nothing, he is,” she answered causally. “It’s not bad either, even if I do say so myself.”
“It is beautiful,” Sergei agreed. “Samantha and I picked it up for him.”
“So what does it look like?” Mac pushed a little anxious.
“You’ll see,” Samantha promised.
The Admiral moved closer with his date. “Does this little gathering have to do with two of my officers disappearing?”
“Yes sir,” everyone chuckled.
“Well break it up, they let us know when they’re ready,” he ordered, and then expertly guided his date away.
Laughing quietly, they moved away from each other.
“How did I miss it?” Matt asked Mac.
“I missed it too,” she declared, and then sighed. “Still it is romantic.”
“True and Harm is in love with her.”
“Hopelessly,” she mused. “You can see it on his face.”
“Oh and you know that look well?” he asked her teasing to hid his nervousness.
“I do,” she purred in his ear. “I see it on your face.”
His heart did a double beat. “Funny I see the same look on yours.”
“Must be contagious,” she said breathlessly.
“Must be,” he agreed, silently wandering if they were both ready for this. They’d been hurt before in the past.
“So what does this mean?” Mac asked him, her mouth dry, her heart pounding.
“I think it means I love you Sarah Mackenzie,” Matt told her.
She felt like crying she was so happy. “As much as I love you Mathew Mitchell.”
They’d stopped dancing but no one took any notice, not even when he kissed her.
Well maybe one person did, an Australian Naval Officer standing near the bar. He noticed, just as he observed Rabb and his date disappearing. For his part though he smiled.
Coming back into the ballroom, Harm saw the Australian. It wiped the cheeky grin off his face. “Oh no?”
Sera was instantly concerned. “What is it?”
“Mic Brumby,”
“The guy Mac was going to marry?”
“The one and only, come on lets find Mac.”
Gripping his hand, Sera followed Harm over to her brother and his date; both were standing to one side of the dance floor.
Mac grinned at them both. “So?”
Sera couldn’t help but grin, showing her the diamond engagement ring Harm had slid onto her finger. It was a single diamond set in the middle of angel wings, the wings engraved into almost half the gold band.
“It’s beautiful,” Mac exclaimed.
“Mac,” Harm got her attention. “Look over my shoulder, eleven o’clock, who do you happen to see?”
She looked, her smile going. “Mic.”
Matt was suddenly felt very protective. “Who?”
“Mic Brumby, my ex-fiancé,” she answered.
“Is this a problem?”
“Not by the way he’s acting,” she informed.
Without making it obvious both Sera and Harm turned, seeing Mic Brumby with his arm around a pregnant red head.
The Australian Naval officer noticed them and waved, he spoke to his wife and they made their way towards them. “Mac, Harm, it’s nice to see you again,” he greeted. “This is my wife, Lisa.”
Both Harm and Mac couldn’t help but smile. “It’s good to see you again Mic,” he told the Australian. “And it’s nice to meet you Ma’am.”
She blushed. “Lisa will do fine.”
Mac was still a little stunned; she took Matt’s hand. “Mic, this is Colonel Mathew Mitchell,” she introduced, explaining to Matt. “Mic use to work with Harm and I at JAG.”
“Nice to me you Colonel,” Mic shook his hand, and then turned to Harm. “And who is your lovely friend?”
Harm ignored the comment. “This is my fiancée, Sera Riggs.”
“Well then it’s nice to met you,” Mic said a little more cheerful then he should have.
Sera smiled. “I’ve heard a lot about you, Commander.”
“All good I hope? And it’s Mic.”
“I believe so,” she said, seeing Harm had purposely hid her rank, going along with it.
“Are you here on holidays, Mic?” Mac asked.
“No, I’ve been reassigned back to JAG on the exchange program again,” he answered. “Lisa is from Washington, so I agreed to come back.”
“It’s nice to be home,” his wife added. “I’ve missed Washington, even though I love Australia.”
“It is a beautiful Country, not that I’ve seen much of it,” Sera agreed casually.
“You’ve been to Australia?” Mic asked her.
She smiled. “Once, it was just for a few days though.”
The Admiral joined them. “Commander Brumby, I see you’re reacquainting yourself.”
“Yes sir.”
“Good. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’d like a word with the Commander and his fiancée.”
“Certainly sir.”
The three of them moved away, going over to Harm’s brother and his date, the woman made Mic do a double take.
Matt didn’t hold back from laughing. “Twins Commander, my sister’s get that reaction a lot when they’re together.”
“I wouldn’t doubt that,” he remarked, making a note that Matt and his sister didn’t share the same surname.
You have no idea, Mac thought to herself. She noted Sera had failed to add a rank to her name, just as Harm hadn’t given it either. And they weren’t due at work until ten on Monday; it was going to make an interesting morning.
********************
JAG Headquarters (Monday morning)
Falls Church Virginia
Washington, DC
********************
AJ gestured the Australian Commander into his office. “Take a seat Commander, I’ll fill you in when the Lieutenant Commander arrives, she’ll be helping you on this case.”
“Does this have to do with the crash landing on the Liberty Bell, sir?” Mic Brumby asked.
“It does,” There was a knock; AJ glanced over the Australian’s head. “Come in Lieutenant Commander, take a seat.”
“Yes sir.”
Mic turned his head, surprised by who he saw and by the wings on her uniform, even though she wore JAG insignia.
“Commander Brumby, I believe you remember Lieutenant Commander Sera Riggs,” AJ stated without smirking.
“Yes sir,” he said with a grin.
Sera sat next to the Commander, nodding to him. “Sir.”
AJ came straight to the point. “Yesterday afternoon a Cod deployed out of Fallon Naval Base was fired on, on its way to the USS Liberty Bell by Saudi MiG’s,” he revealed. “The Cod was damaged as it struck the ramp on landing, SecNav wants a full report. So I’m sending you both.”
“Could we be fired on?” Mic inquired, realizing the seriousness of the situation.
“Possibly, which is why you’re going out to the Liberty Bell by Tomcat,” the Admiral informed and saw Sera’s eyes light up.
Mic gulped. “A Tomcat sir?”
“Don’t worry Commander, Sera is a Top Gun pilot with two DFC’s. You’re in good hands.”
“I’m sure I am sir.”
“I promise you Commander, I’ll get you there in one piece. I want even turn the heat up in your cockpit,” Sera smirked.
AJ got the joke but Mic didn’t. He handed Sera the file. “Make sure the pilots on the Liberty Bell understand the Rules of Engagement and find out if the pilot of the Cod provoked the attack?”
“Will do sir,” she said, and then she and Brumby stood.
“Good, now high tale your six’s to Norfolk, I want you both on the Liberty Bell ASAP.”
“Aye sir.”
“Oh and by the way, Lieutenant Commander, the Cod was bring the Liberty Bell’s new CO, I believe you know him. Captain Pete Mitchell.”
She smiled. “That I do, sir.”
“Dismissed.”
Both nodded and left the office, Mic followed Sera into her office, seeing the Top Gun plaque on the wall.
“You ready did go to Top Gun,” he declared.
“I did, I also served with Commander Rabb aboard the Patrick Henry.”
“Really, I don’t remember seeing you aboard.”
“I remember you now, I was talking to Harm when you first arrived to speak to Lieutenant Buxton. I excused myself and wished Harm luck,” she recalled. “You smiled at me.”
“So you’ve known the Commander for quite a while?” he asked, vaguely remembering her.
“We went to law school together, then a few years later I changed designators,” she answered, reading over the file. “Harm and I have always kept in contact and try to spend liberty together as much as possible.”
“So what made you return to JAG?”
“It’s temporary,” she dismissed, closing the file she dropped in front of him on her desk. “Do you want to drive to Norfolk together or separately?”
“Together if you don’t mind, we can take my car or yours.”
“Do you mind driving in a blue Shelby Cobra?” she queried flippantly.
“Not in the least,” he told her in the same tone.
“Than we’ll take mine, Harm and Sergei can drive to Norfolk later and drive it home for me if we’re more then a few days,” she told him. “You’d better call your wife, do you have a bag in the trunk of your car?”
“Sure do, I’ll give Lisa a ring.”
“I’ll talk to Harm, we’ll met in the car park in thirty minutes.”
“It’s a plan,” he agreed and left her office, taking the file with him.
Sera picked up her briefcase, than her helmet, coat and cover, before going to Harm’s office, knocking she went in, closing the door behind her.
Harm looked up and saw the helmet in her hand. “Going somewhere?”
“The Liberty Bell, by Tomcat,” she answered. “With Brumby, we’re driving to Norfolk together.”
He frowned as he stood, going around to her. “Will you be alright?”
“Of course,” she dropped her things on his desk and went into his arms. “My pulse is racing and my heart is pounding, other than that I’m fine.”
Harm cupped her face in his hands. “You are,” he kissed her. “I have faith in you, you’re my Angel.”
Sighing she lent forward for another kiss, his tongue probing hers, deepening the kiss. They shouldn’t have been doing this, but neither could stop, nor did they want to. It felt too good. She moaned. “I have to go.”
“I’ll walk you to the car,” he said, releasing her he picked up her helmet, giving her coat, cover and briefcase to her. Leaving the office they took the elevator down, walking out to the car park after she slipped her coat and cover on.
Mic was getting his bag out of the trunk of his car when they arrived at her Cobra.
Sera got the keys from her coat pocket and unlocked the sports car, putting her helmet and briefcase inside. “If we’re more then a couple of days, can you and Sergei bring my car home?”
“I’ll drive it myself,” he assured.
“And then to work if I know you, you love this car as much as you do your vett,” she mused.
“Quiet possible,” he drew her back into his arms. “Be careful.”
“I will,” she kissed him. “I love you.”
“I love you too, sweetheart,” he whispered, and then released her, opening the door.
She smiled and got in, letting him shut the door, she than popped the trunk from inside.
Harm opened it, waiting for Mic.
The Australian dropped his bag in. “I’ll keep an eye on Sera, you have my word.”
“I know you will, Mic. Does Lisa have someone to contact if she needs help?” Harm asked him, feeling it was time to bury the hatchet between them.
“She has the number at JAG and Mac gave Lisa her home number and yours, she said you wouldn’t mind.”
“Not in the least,” he held out his hand. “Good luck Mic.”
“Thanks Harm,” he shook his hand, and then went around to get into the sports car.
Harm shut the trunk and went back to Sera, hankering down. “Take it easy.”
“I will.”
Standing he moved back as she started the car and backed out, driving away.
Feeling a hand on his arm, he found Mac next to him, she handed him his coat. “You’re going to catch cold, sailor.”
He slipped it on. “How am I going to handle it when she returns to carrier duty, Mac?”
His blue eyes were windows to his soul at that moment. “With the help of your friends, Harm,” she reassured. “Come on sailor, let’s go inside.”
Sighing he went with her, returning to JAG ops.
Gunny saw them return and went over to them. “Sir, Ma’am.”
“What is it Gunny?” Harm asked.
“Sir a Mrs. Garrett from family services called looking for Lieutenant Commander Riggs, I told her the Commander was out of the office and gave her your name, she’d like you to call her,” he explained, giving Harm the message slip.
“Thank you Gunny.”
He nodded and moved away.
“Come see me if you want to talk,” Mac told her friend.
“Thanks Mac,” he bided and went into his office. Sitting he picked up the phone and dialed the number given to him.
Mrs. Garrett herself, who quickly explained the situation, answered his call. “The Gunnery Sergeant informed me you are Lieutenant Commander Riggs’ fiancé, would you be able to meet Corey at the airport?” she concluded.
“Yes of course, I’m sorry Sera can’t be there for the funeral. This case could take a couple of days.”
“That’s quiet all right Commander, Corey understands, he realizes what his stepmother does for a living,” the social worker revealed. “He explained to me and how she is on temporary assignment to JAG, he also told me the two of you had visited last weekend.”
“Sera has been in contact with Corey since she arrived, last weekend we managed to get off work early to fly down and see him,” Harm stated.
“He’s a lucky young man, not many stepmothers would bother after losing their husbands. His flight is due at 2 o’clock tomorrow afternoon, at Dulles airport. Mrs. Riggs’ will reading will be held in Washington when the Lieutenant Commander returns, since she is mentioned and is Corey’s adopted parent.”
“I’ll let her know, Mrs. Garrett.”
“Thank you Commander, please pass on my condolences to your fiancé, I believe she was quiet found of Grams as Corey calls her.”
“She was Mrs. Garrett and I’ll tell her.”
“Goodbye Commander.”
“Goodbye Mrs. Garrett,” he said, and then hung up. He sat there for a minute before getting up, leaving his office for Mac’s. He knocked and went in. “Do you have a moment?”
“Sure, come in,” she insisted. “What’s up?”
“Sera’s mother-in-law was killed in a car accident this morning, Grams looked after Corey, Sera’s step-son,” Harm explained, after he sat down. “Corey is arriving here tomorrow afternoon.”
Mac sat forward in her chair. Matt had told her about Corey, and Sera had also, showing her photos of the teenager. “Can you contact Sera?”
“I can leave a message for her,” he answered, rubbing his forehead. “She’ll want to come back.”
“Perhaps you should talk to the Admiral first? Or ring her cellular phone?”
“I think I’ll do both, thanks Mac,” he stood.
“So you’re not only getting a wife, but a son also?” Mac remarked, sitting back.
That stopped him cold and made him think. “That’s up to Corey,” he decided, and then left her office.
To be continued.
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