Author: Nancy
Disclaimer: JAG and its characters do not belong to me so this effort
is not for monetary gain, just
for my own pleasure and perhaps a few who like to read about my
favorite show.
Classification: Harm and Mac Romance/Drama
Rating: PG
Summary: How many times can Mac deal with saying goodbye to Harm?
Will this be their last goodbye? This contains some of the current
events of the times. This was written October 2001.
PART 2
Monday morning staff meeting seemed unusually disorganized. Three new reserve JAGs were introduced due to the increased military interventions in Afghanistan. The Admiral frowned with disapproval as Harm rushed in closing the door, "My apologies Sir." Signs of fatigue lined his handsome face as he eased into his chair.
"Moonlighting again Commander?" The Admiral's voice held no contempt.
"I guess you could call it that." He smiled and looked a little nervously towards Mac who shook her head reflectively in disappointment.
Singer leaned over to Bud and whispered, "Does the Commander have another job?"
"He is flying surveillance with the Naval Air Reserves on the weekends." He whispered.
"Double duty Harm?" Sturgis turned to his friend.
"Got to justify maintaining my flight status." Harm replied avoiding Mac's glare.
"Back to business people." The Admiral redirected .
After the conclusion of the meeting everyone filed out except Mac who hung back to talk with Harm, "Was this you idea?"
"Mac, every aviator in every military branch is putting in overtime since last September." He tried to keep his voice calm.
"Harm you already have full time duty here. The Admiral has three extra JAG's because of the intensifying actions overseas and here! You are one of the senior JAG's. The Admiral needs you here.!"
"I'm not going anywhere! I am just trying to help. If you were in my position you would do the same!"
She paced a few steps and sighed, "I know what flying means to you. I just don't want anything to happen to you again."
"You just don't want to break in a new partner." He chuckled softly.
"Oh I can handle a new partner. I can't handle the idea of loosing you." She whispered her gaze locked on his.
The door suddenly opened, "Colonel we have that 0900 conference with Admiral Downey." Sturgis interrupted.
"See you at lunch?" Harm called out as she started to walk away.
"Looks like this meeting is suppose to last most of the day."
"Dinner then?" He persisted. "At Parker House." He added after a short delay.
"Is that a date Commander?" Her mouth made that funny little twitch.
"Only if you say yes." He raised an eyebrow.
"It's a date."
Harm returned to his office to dive into a research project that the Admiral had assigned him that morning. He looked up two hours later when Tiner stood at his door. "The Admiral needs to see you ASAP sir."
After stretching his long limbs he strolled to the Admiral's office stopping briefly in the bullpen to look at the TV monitors that held everyone's attention. "What's going on?" He asked Bud.
"The president just announced that we are going to step up our bombing attacks over Afghanistan."
Harm frowned with concern and headed to the Admiral's office.
The Admiral stood looking out his window in deep thought as Harm entered.
"Sir? You wanted to see me." Harm stood tentatively at attention.
"Commander as you are probably well aware of by now the activity in Afghanistan is escalating. The Roosevelt and the Patrick Henry are leading the attacks. There has been an outbreak of some sort of infection aboard the Patrick Henry which has incapacitated nearly half of the flight squadrons."
"Is this the result of a biological attack Sir?" Harm frowned.
"Actually they believe that is a new strain of the flu." He chuckled sarcastically. "They were in port at Naples less than a week ago where the outbreak is now epidemic."
"I guess this could stall any further air strikes." Harm replied thoughtfully.
"No, I just received orders for you to report to Andrews at 1400. Naval Operations wants those pilots replaced yesterday. Your name was on the top to the short list. I will have Lieutenants Roberts and Sims help you tie up loose ends." The Admiral sounded a little disappointed.
"Sir, I had no idea.'' Harm sounded surprised.
"Commander, you have maintained your active flight status and the Navy apparently believes you are needed most as an aviator not a JAG dismissed." The Admiral sounded almost angry.
Harm stood at attention before preparing to exit the room, "Commander, I just wish I could be addressing the threat to our nation directly. Good luck." The Admiral's voice tone warm.
Harm with a half smile, "Thank you sir."
"Tiner, call Lt. Roberts and Sims to my office."
Bud tapped at Harm's office door, "Sir the Admiral sent us to help you finish up so you can leave." He, Harriet and Tiner stood at the door.
"I've started sorting the files. You already know about the Kovac and Denney cases. I haven't gotten very far on that research project for the Admiral." Harm hurriedly passed folders to each of the JAG staff.
"Sir, I'm sure we can handle the rest." Bud voice brought Harm's gaze up from his desk. The people stood looking at him appeared sad.
"I will probably be back in a few weeks. I'm just filling in for a couple of missions." Harm responded.
"You don't have much time. Is there anything we can do while you are gone? Water your plants?" Harriet said her eyes shining. Harm winced as he remembered the last time he said goodbye.
"Just make sure my mail gets forwarded." Harm smiled and reached over to give Harriet a quick hug followed by Bud. He and Tiner exchanged a warm handshake. "I just need to finish up a few personal matters and I will be out of here."
Harm sat down and began to write...
Sarah,
I guess you have figured out by now where I have gone. I wanted to
tell you goodbye in person, but you said you didn't want to say
goodbye anymore so how about just a rain check on our date? Please
understand that this is Navy orders. I will probably be back in a few
weeks. Stay away from the new guys while I'm gone.
Love, Harm
He folded the letter and placed it into an envelope. Grabbing his cover and briefcase he made a quick scan of his office and turned out the light. The Admiral stood in the bullpen as he pulled his door shut. Everyone stood at attention as Tiner called, "Attention!" Harm quickly stood at attention. The Admiral walked over to face his officer and saluted crisply, "Give 'em hell Commander!"
Harm returned the salute, "And then some Sir!"
The Admiral nodded, and Harm left the building.
* NancyT's Stories * Please send Feedback! *
