Author: Nancy
Disclaimer: JAG and characters do not belong to me. This is for
entertainment only.
Classification: PG-13
Category: Harm and Mac angst/romance
Summary: How much do Harm and Mac need each other?
You may want to read "Speechless" but it is not necessary. This could
stand on its own. This occurs during season 6 and Mic and Renee have
departed.
Thanks to Marianne, who beta read and made numerous tedious corrections.
PART 2
The stretcher was pushed through the emergency room doors as medical personal practically ran into the trauma room and began removing his blood soaked uniform and assessing his chest. The trauma team trying to stabilize his rapidly deteriorating condition quickly surrounded Harm.
"Get a chest tube in here now. Ivey, start a central line, and I'll incubate. Hurry we don't have much time here." The head trauma specialist yelled.
"Got it, get two units of O positive and a rapid infuser and type and match for 6 more units of packed cells."
"Central line is in."
"Ok, I have the chest tube...in now. He is bleeding out.. Hurry with those two units...his heart sounds are muffled...get me a cardiocentesis needle I think we have cardiac tamponade...ok.. Needle in.. Watch the monitor for me...bingo."
"He's going into v-fib..get the defibrillator..Stand back..ok..now."
Harm's body jerked at the electrical shock sent through his chest.
The monitor continued to scream as one of the doctors began chest compressions.
"Need an amp of bicarb and epi stat."
"Again...stand back.. now"
Again his body jerked. Mac stood gazing into the trauma room, numbed by the sudden terrible turn of events. She knew by the activity that Harm was loosing this battle. She held her breath and prayed "Please God...Please God."
"Ok we have sinus tach ...get him up to surgery before he crashes again."
The doors burst open as the medical team propelled the stretcher towards the elevators. A doctor was ventilating with a black ambu bag attached to an endotracheal tube in Harm's throat while others pushed the stretcher into the elevator. The doors closed and suddenly everything was quiet.
A nurse walked up to Mac. Seeing the shocked sorrowful expression and the bloody Marine uniform, she simply guided Mac towards the nurse's locker. Speaking soothingly, "I have an extra pair of scrubs for you to change into. There's a sink for you to wash up." She handed Mac the clothing. Mac obediently washed Harm's blood from her face and hands and then changed clothes. The nurse then escorted her to the waiting area for surgery and sat with Mac. "Can call someone?"
Mac sat emotionless staring at the plastic bag that had been handed to her. Its contents where Harm's wings and other medals as well as his dog tags, Academy ring and wallet. Not responding to the nurse she opened the bag and caressed each item.
Admiral Chegwidden, Bud and Harriet appeared in the waiting area looking worried. "Mac...Mac?" The Admiral drew her attention. "What is happening?"
"He's in surgery...he almost... died." Tears began to flow. Harriet moved next to her and held her tightly in her arms. Bud and the Admiral faces became pale.
"It's ok to cry." Harriet whispered as tears begin to roll down her own face.
The Admiral looked at the distraught group "Ok people, Harm's been in tight spots before. Hell, he thrives on living on the edge. I think we need to stay positive, because if he comes out of this..."
"Don't you mean WHEN he comes out of this, Sir?" Bud interrupted.
"When he comes out of this. He's going to be one stubborn hard to live with patient."
A small smile formed on each face as the Admiral gave them an image of the Harm they all knew rather than the one laying on the courtroom floor.
"I need to notify his mother." With that the Admiral left to make some calls.
********
Hours passed before a doctor wearing scrubs appeared in the waiting area. "I'm Captain Blake, Commander Rabb's surgeon. We've controlled the bleeding, but he's still critical. I'm leaving him on a ventilator and moving him to ICU. Once he's settled you can see him. I understand he is quite a fighter, that will be in his favor."
"Thank you Captain, when do you expect him to wake up?" The Admiral responded with concern.
"Between the blood loss and extended surgery, it will be awhile. You all need to go home and get some rest."
The doctor excused himself, and the group sat speechless.
"Harm's mother and step father were in Hong Kong. They will not be here until late tomorrow afternoon." The Admiral wearily explained.
Webb called. He's trying to get in touch with Harm's brother."
A nurse approached the group and directed them to the ICU. Two at a time were allowed to visit briefly. The Admiral and Mac made their way to the cubicle where Harm lay. The Admiral clenched his teeth to keep from gasping as he saw his officer surrounded by monitors, IV pumps and a ventilator that maintained his steady rhythm of breathing. Mac hesitantly walked to the side of his bed then picked up and gently messaged his limp hand enclosing it between her two hands. She brought his cool hand to her lips and kissed it lightly then mumbled softly, "I'm sorry."
"Commander, I will not tolerate this behavior. You have cases you must finish. Do you understand? That's an order." The Admiral said with a mock tone of authority attempting to cover his fear that this may be the last time he would command the officer. When their turn came, Bud and Harriet stood next to their friend's bed. Harriet turned to see tears falling unashamedly down her husband's face. Harriet spoke for them both, "Commander, little AJ has a birthday coming up soon. You know he expects to see his favorite godfather there...Don't disappoint him.."
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