Author: Nancy
Disclaimer: I do not own JAG or its characters. This is purely for
entertainment.
Classification: Drama, action, angst PG-13
Category: Harm and Mac angst/romance
Summary: Harm and the crew of a Navy frigate fight to survive a night
of peril on the cold northern Atlantic. I wrote this in October of
2000. But it could work for season 7.
PART 4
Sunday morning
The Coral Sea
The COD lands just hours after the last helo from the Thomas S. Hall landed on the deck of the Coral Sea. On board is a variety of medical personnel and members of the Judge Advocate General's Office including Admiral A.J. Chegwidden, Lt. Colonel Sarah McKenzie and Lt. Bud Roberts.
"Welcome aboard Admiral," the Captain greets.
"Where is Commander Rabb?"
"He is in my quarters, Sir, but I don't think he's up to answering questions. The Doctor has him pretty sedated?"
"Sedated? What happened? I wasn't informed he was one of the injured."
"As he and the crew were preparing for the evacuation on the flight deck, apparently a damage mast fell. His right leg is broken."
"Take me to see him." The Admiral barks with concern.
"Sir, like I said I don't think he's up to answering questions." The Captain takes a protective stance.
"The Secnav wants answers right away, but my staff and I have no intention of questioning Commander Rabb. I just want to check on my officer, so if you would please show me to your quarters." The Admiral practically freezes hell with his tone of voice.
"Aye, aye, Sir."
...............
Captain's quarters
The JAG officers stand silently near the sleeping form of their fellow officer and friend. An I.V. drips slowly in his arm, while his leg is elevated with a limb immobilizer in place. Dark circles under his eyes testify to the hell he survived over the past 24 hours.
The Admiral looks with concern towards the corpsman attending their friend. "How is he?"
"Sir, his vital signs are stable. He will require surgery to repair the fractures to his leg. Plans are to transport him to Bethesda later today. He's pretty exhausted, Sir."
The Admiral nods.
Lt. Roberts pats Harm lightly on the shoulder more for his own reassurance than to comfort the sleeping officer.
"I guess we need to get busy investigating this incident." the Admiral turns towards the hatch.
"Sir, can I have a moment?" Mac requests softly.
"Meet us in the Ward room."
"Yes, Sir."
The corpsman sensing the Colonel's need for privacy excuses himself and leaves also.
Sarah reaches and gently touches Harm's forehead and brushes her fingers lightly through his hair. She then bends over and kisses him on his forehead and then tenderly on his lips. "Rest now Sailor." She watches the even rise and fall of his chest for a moment before exiting.
...........
Ward room
Coral Sea
The JAG staff and Captain Ramsey listen to the reports of the crew. Problems with power interruptions before the Thomas S. Hall collided verified why the Hall could not avoid the ice. The extra out of date ammunition on board caused the explosions. The explosion severely damaged the ward room, COM and bridge resulting in the loss of officers, communication and steering capabilities.
Reports of Commander Rabb's leadership throughout the crisis that resulted in a successful evacuation of all survivors were repeated by all interviewed.
Master Chief Murphy gave the most detailed account of the events including the death of Seaman Cummings, and how the Commander maintained the morale of the injured. "Sirs, Ma'am it would be an honor to serve again under the command of Commander Rabb." He added before being dismissed.
Captain Ramsey looked to the JAG officers, "Commander Rabb made some difficult decisions under extremely stressful circumstances. A corpsman attending Captain Crusher before he died said that the Captain passed his Captain's bars to the commander. I think Commander Rabb may need these soon. He's one hell of a sailor." He lays the shoulder boards on the table and leaves.
A crew member interrupts. "Sir the COD is ready for transfer of the injured crew to Bethesda."
"I guess Harm will be leaving." Mac responds. "Sir permission to accompany Commander Rabb to Bethesda."
The Admiral smiles, "I think Lt. Roberts and I can finish up here...permission granted."
"Let's go see him off."
.........
I feel a soft touch and begin to wake up as Mac gently strokes my face. "Hey sailor, it's time for you to head home."
"Sarah, when did you get here?" I feel disoriented and drowsy.
"Oh, I've been here awhile, but we can talk later, these sailors need to get you on the COD so we can head back to D.C." she smiles.
"You're going too?" I'm having difficulty focusing from the medication that brought much needed pain relief.
"Yea, I've got to keep you out of trouble. I let you go by yourself and see what happens."
I chuckle, I'm glad she's here.
"OK Commander ready to go" the transporters gently lift the stretcher and head towards the flight deck.
Before reaching the outer deck Captain Ramsey, stops the transporters, "Commander, if you ever get tired of JAG. I could use the help on this little ship?" I laugh and he places his Captain's Coral Sea cap on my head. "Commander, you did good...Think about it, ok"
The Admiral gives the Captain a hands off look "Commander have a safe trip back, we'll see you in D.C. in a couple of days" Bud just smiles at the Admiral's possessive tone and shakes my hand.
The group follows me out on the flight deck toward the awaiting COD. Sarah is at my side. As we exit, the crew of the USS Thomas S. Hall stands in formation.
"Attention, officer on the deck. Attention." Master Chief Murphy announces, and the crew crisply salutes me as I am carried to the COD.
These are some of the bravest men I have ever served with. I feel so humbled in their presence and return the salute. They remain at attention until the COD takes off.
"Hey Murf, did you see that Marine Colonel. That was his Sarah!"
"Yea Collette, she must be something."
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