| peter |
Getting A New Partner |
January 5, 2004 |
Disclaimer: The characters of JAG are the property of Donald Bellisario and Bellisarius Production, Inc. Used without permission.
Author Notes: Feedback welcome.
Part One: The Plan
1100 hours
10 June 1996
JAG Headquarters
Harm was sitting in office thinking about the last few months. It had been awhile now since his partner Lieutenant JG Meg Austin had left. She had requested a transfer shortly after their last case together. The case he still had nightmares about. His beloved Diane had been murdered. He was going to meet her the morning she died and go away to cabin in the mountains to talk about their future. The case had been close, but he wasn’t sure that they had gotten the right man.
Somehow he believe his love for Diane was the reason for Meg leaving. Meg had always come across as someone who had more then a passing interest in him. They had done more then their share of flirting. He thought maybe Meg was in love with him, but he wasn’t with her. He had been in love with Diane, his Naval Academy sweetheart They were going to go away for a week to discuss their future. He was considering asking her to marry him.
Harm then began to think about his future. Did he really want too stay in the Navy or not. Right now he was tired of how he had been force to forgo a relationship with Diane for the last eleven years because of no fraternization regulations. Even if they had gotten married they wouldn’t have been able to work together under the same command. Was it really worth it? He didn’t know any more, especially now that he rarely ever flew tomcats anymore. And flying tomcats was the main reason why he was in the navy for a long time. Maybe it was time to hang it up. But first lunch seem to be in order. Harm got up and signed out to an early lunch.
1145 hours
Admiral’s office
The Admiral was sitting in his office reviewing some of the cases his officers had recently completed. He had to marveled at the excellent work they had been doing. He loved it. He knew when he had first arrive at JAG taking over for Commander Lindsey, many of the officers had gotten pretty soft, especially Commander Rabb who like to take advantaged of Commander Lindsey. He had put the fear of God into all of them and their work had improve immeasurably. There was a knock at his door. But lately Rabb had begun to slip again. He was still an excellent attorney, but the passion that Harm had brought to the courtroom seemed to be waning the last few months ever since his partner had left. Even though Rabb appear to be a lone wolf, maybe he wasn’t meant to be one here at JAG.
“Enter!” bellowed the Admiral. He looked up to see a man impeccably dressed in an expensive three-piece suit walk in. “What can I do for you?” asked the Admiral. “Good morning Sir. My name is Clayton Webb I work for the Under Secretary of State. And I need your assistance.” replied Webb. “What’s this all about Mr. Webb?” asked the Admiral. “I need two of your best officers. They need to be married” replied Webb with a smirk. “I guess then I can’t help you Mr. Webb. None of my officers are married.” responded the Admiral with a smile. “Actually I only need one of your officers Admiral. I have recruited another officer from the west coast office of JAG. I was hoping to recruit Commander Rabb from your office.” countered Webb.
The Admiral leaned back in his chair and shook his head in disbelief. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. This strange little man comes waltzing into his office and wants two JAG officers to get married to fulfill some crazy operation. He felt like throwing the man out of his office on his duff. “Why in the world would you want Commander Rabb? He’s a loose cannon. He lacks the discipline for long term operations.” the Admiral finally answering. “That’s just it. He has the knack of thinking on his feet and getting the job done. He has an exceptional mind and cocky attitude to pull off this operation.” replied Webb. “I still don’t know. I need to hear more about this operation first before I decide to let you have either one of them.” responded the Admiral. “Fair enough Admiral, but let me inform you first that the Secretary of the Navy has already approved of this operation.” replied Webb.
“Ok, so be it. What’s the operation?” asked the Admiral. “It covers three different phases. The first phase entails the officers to get married in a big fancy wedding at Annapolis. A lot of very important people will be attending.” started Webb. “That’s why you needed someone like Commander Rabb, an Annapolis graduate.” added the Admiral. “Yes. He also comes from a family with many generations of service in the Navy. He also is well bred from a well to do family.” continued Webb.
“So who have you chosen for his bride to be?” asked the Admiral with a smile. “Yes, I have. She’s a Marine officer.” smiled Webb looking to see what kind of reaction he would get from the Admiral. “What! Are you joking? Don’t you know jarheads and squids don’t mix.” bellowed the Admiral in amazement. “I’ve heard something to that effect. But like you said Rabb is a loose cannon. He needs someone who can control him. Who better then a no nonsense marine.” smiled Webb “I still think you’re playing with fire.” replied the Admiral. “I think in this case it will be once the Commander sees the Major. In fact I think he will be speechless the first time he sees her.” smiled Webb smugly. “What aren’t you telling me Webb?” bellowed the Admiral trying to intimidate the smaller man. “Nothing Admiral The Major happens to be a very beautiful woman. She’s tall and lean. She’s very intelligent. She also speaks five languages.” replied Webb. “What’s her name?” asked the Admiral. “Her name is Sarah MacKenzie.” replied Webb.
“So tell me what’s going to happen and in what kind of time frame are we talking about?” bellowed the Admiral. “The Major is on her way as we speak. She should be here before the end of the day. We can brief the Commander after lunch. He can then meet her later today. Their announcement of their marriage will be placed in the Washington Post Society pages. Six weeks later they will be married. After a two week honeymoon they will report to the Naval Academy at Annapolis to receive four months of instructions of the finer points in naval Maritime Law. They will then instruct all JAG officers in Maritime Law over the course of one year. After which phase two of the operation will begin.” Webb smiled as he saw how the Admiral was very interested.
“That sounds quite ambitious. Why the sudden interest in Maritime Law?” asked the Admiral. “The SecNav thought it was very important now with all the conflicts going on around the world. All naval JAG lawyers should be familiar with the nuances in Maritime Laws. Commander Rabb has a reputation of being very knowledgeable. He has a command presence and is easily approachable.” replied Webb.
“So what happens in the next phase?” asked the Admiral. “The Commander and the Major will the be station in Europe for a couple of years teaching and handling Maritime Law matters of US interest with NATO.” smiled Webb as he finished. “Sounds interesting Webb. “I hope they go for it. Though I wonder about the Commander. He hasn’t been the same the last few months since his partner requested a transfer without telling him. He has been very quiet and has kept mostly to himself. I don’t know what it will take to snap him out of it.” sighed the Admiral. “Then this might be perfect then. It sounds like he needs a change. And this will be right up his alley.” smiled Webb.
Part Two: Time To Meet Sarah
1500 hours
Admiral’s Office
Later that afternoon the Admiral called Harm into his office after lunch. He and Webb met with Harm to discuss the mission with him in every detail possible before allowing him to speak. They wanted to get through the briefing before they heard any arguments from Harm. “So what do you think Commander?” asked the Admiral with a stern look. “Sounds interesting Sir. I don’t understand the need for a wife though Sir.” replied Harm. “As I’m sure you’re quite aware of, only married men teach at the Academy. Since the first phase of this operation entails you being an instructor at the Academy for twelve months, you will need to be married. Secondly this operation will require a lot of work. It’s been deem too much for one person to handle all by himself. Therefore you might as well have a wife that is in the service and is a lawyer.” smile the Admiral, surprised that Harm was being so calm about all of this.
“What can you tell me about the officer who has agreed to become my wife?” asked Harm with curiosity. Even though he wasn’t too please about getting married this way, he was ready to settle down. It was at times like this he missed Diane. “I think you’ll like her Commander. She’s a Marine.” smiled Webb as he tried to hold back a laugh. “A Marine! God almighty, why a Marine? Why don’t you just shoot me now and put me out of my misery. She’s probably some short dumpy, tobacco chewing, tattooed jarhead with half her teeth missing.” whined Harm. The Admiral and Webb both laughed at Harm’s discomfort. Webb had taken the liberty to show the Admiral a picture of Mac. He had to admit that Webb had good taste in women. “At ease Commander. I expect better then that from you. I’ve seen a picture of her. You’ll be pleasantly surprise. I doubt you’ll be disappointed.” smile the Admiral. “Yes Sir.” replied a gloomy Harm.
At that point there was a knock on the door. “Come in.” gestured the Admiral looking at the young marine officer. He was the only one who had seen her since Harm and Webb were sitting in the chairs facing the him. He had seen her standing there at the door waiting to come in when Harm began his blistering diatribe about marine women. He noticed a look of hurt and anger on her beautiful face. She must have heard Harm’s last comment thought the Admiral. Then he grinned as he got ready for the fireworks that he was sure would soon followed.
Mac walked into the office and stood at attention in front of the Admiral. “Major Sarah MacKenzie reporting Sir.” stated Sarah with a touch of anger. Harm stood up to greet her as the Admiral told Sarah “At Ease Major. I would like you to meet Lieutenant Commander Harmon Rabb, your finance.” smiled the Admiral as he anticipated Harm having his six chewed out. “It’s nice to meet you Commander.” greeted Sarah as she held out her hand to a shocked Harm. He couldn’t believe what he was seeing. It was Diane, his lost love. But it couldn’t be, she’s dead. He just stood there looking at her, not moving.
“What’s the matter Commander, never seen a Marine before? Or were you expecting a short dumpy woman with half her teeth and a crew cut.” continued Sarah as she pleasantly ripped into him. Then she reach up behind her head to let down her hair. It was quite long running down to the middle of her back. It was very dark, thick, and silky. “What about now, do I pass inspection?” challenge Sarah. Finally Harm came out of his stupor. “Actually no I didn’t. I figured Webb would find the most beautiful woman in the military He always wants the best to be part of his operations.” smile Harm hesitantly trying to defuse the situation. Now it was Sarah’s turn to be taken aback as her cheeks blushed. Harm had basically said she was the most beautiful woman in the military. She wasn’t used to this kind of compliment.
“It’s just you look like the woman I was dating when I was at the academy She and I were going to get together this spring to discuss our future together” continued Harm. “What happened” asked a curious Sarah “She’s dead.” replied a solemn Harm as he turned away He didn’t want anyone to see the tears forming in his eyes. “I’m sorry.” replied Sarah as she place a hand on his back to try and help console him.
Part Three: Trish And Frank Meet Sarah
1600 hours
14 June 1996
Dulles International airport
A few days later Trish Burnett, Harm’s mother, was spending the afternoon reading the Sunday newspaper. She couldn’t believe what she was saw. She called Frank over to show him. They were looking at the society pages in the local paper It stated that Lieutenant Harm Rabb was engaged to marry Major Sarah MacKenzie They were going to wed 26 July 1996 at the Naval Chapel at Annapolis. Trish was shock to see the news of Harm getting married, but quickly became excited. The next thing she did was to call Harm.
The telephone rang in Harm’s apartment. He picked up the phone. “Hello Harmon Rabb speaking.” He heard a woman speaking and knew it was his mother She asked him “Why didn’t you called me Harm. Why did I have to find out you were getting married in the newspapers.” “All I can tell you Mom is, my proposal to Sarah was very sudden. A close friend of mine who I had discussed marrying Sarah with, decided to let the newspapers know of my marriage proposal before I had even asked her. He jumped the gun. I then was put in an awkward position of asking her before she read about it in the newspapers herself. I haven’t had the chance to call you since I asked her.” replied Harm hoping she wouldn’t ask to many questions. He didn’t have all the answers yet himself. He and Sarah needed some time to sit down and create a believable story.
A week later Trish and Frank came to DC to visit Harm. He went to the airport to pick them. When he saw them coming off the plane he went over to greet them. His mother was so excited. She couldn’t believe her baby boy was getting married. She hadn’t even realized he was seeing anyone since Diane’s death Frank was calm and collected. He too was taken by surprise of the news that Harm was getting married. He just couldn’t picture Harm settling down so soon He figured that Harm would put in his twenty years first before retiring and then settling down. But still he was happy for Harm and particularly for his wife Trish
“How are you Mom?” asked Harm. “I’m good Harm. The flight was quite enjoyable.” replied Trish. “That’s because your mother is still on an emotional high son. You’ve made her very happy. It’s all she’s been able to talk about all week.” smile Frank. “Thanks Frank. We’re going to have dinner with her tonight. You both are going to love her. By the way you may notice the resemblance She looks like Diane.” smiled Harm. “Is that why you’re marrying her Harm?” asked Frank. “No, it’s not. She’s just someone I met recently at work. She’s entirely different from Diane. Actually she’s quite stubborn and has a very quick temper.” laughed Harm. “I take it then she’s not your typical beautiful airhead, who’s only capable of cooing on your arm.” laughed Frank. “No she’s not. She is very intelligent and isn’t afraid to speak her mind.” smiled Harm wishfully.
1900 hours
Ameche’s Italian Restaurant
A few hours later after Harm had gotten his parents settled in at their hotel, Harm went over to Sarah’s apartment to pick her up. They met his parents at one of his favorite Italian Restaurants for dinner. The waitress took their orders and served them their drinks. Harm was sitting at the table staring at Staring. She looked absolutely breathtaking. Harm didn’t think a woman could look so beautiful. Even though Diane looked like Sarah, somehow she never looked quite this beautiful. It wasn’t until Sarah had bounce a couple pieces of breadsticks off his forehead, that Harm came back to his senses. Trish and Frank laughed at the display. No wonder Harm loved this woman. They had this uncanny sense of bantering and the ability to finish each other’s thoughts. Their relationship was truly special.
“I’m sorry Mrs. Burnett that Harm wasn’t able to call you about our engagement before it ran in the newspaper. A friend of ours actually called it in before Harm proposed to me. If I had read the paper that day before dinner I would have read that I was engaged.” Sarah began. “He had actually put it in the Sunday paper. Fortunately we were too busy Sunday to read the paper to see it.” continued Harm. “That’s ok Sarah. I’m just so happy for the two of you. You two make the perfect couple.” beamed Trish happily. “You mean the obstinate marine and her pigheaded sailor.” laughed Sarah and Harm.
“No, no don’t say things like that. You two are both highly intelligent people who seem to know each other’s thoughts and moods. And of course you both looked perfect together.” smiled Trish happily. “Well I have never been happier Mom. Sarah is perfect. I love her so much already. It’s like we’re soul mates.” replied Harm. “I love him too. I never thought I could fall in love with someone so quickly and handsome as Harm. I usually attract less desirable men, but Harm is so special. I can’t believe he could love me.” responded Sarah sighing happily. “No I’m the lucky one Sarah.” rebutted Harm as he kiss her on the cheek.
They enjoyed the rest of their meals together before Harm asked Sarah to dance. Trish marveled at how well they moved together on the dance floor. They were really special and so in love. After Harm took his parents back to their hotel he spent some time at Sarah’s apartment to talk about the events of the evening.
“Thank you Harm for a lovely evening. Your parents were great. I so happy that they have accepted me into your life.” started Sarah dreamily. “All they want is for me to be happy. They can see that you make me happy. And even though we have only know each other for only a short period of time I can tell that you are a very special lady. I think you are quite wonderful in fact. And I’m beginning to fall in love with you Sarah.” replied Harm hoping that Sarah felt the same way. “Well I think you’re pretty special yourself sailor. I think I’m falling in love with you too. Of course we haven’t had that first really big fight yet.” smiled Sarah adoringly “And I hope we never do, but if we do I will still love you.” replied Harm seriously.
Part Four: A Surprise Visitor
1900 hours
1 July 1996
Sarah’s Apartment
Two and a half weeks later Sarah’s mother came to town for a week. Webb had managed to tracked her down and bring her to DC. He wanted both Sarah and Harm’s parents at the wedding. He thought bringing Sarah’s mother in early would give them time to resolve any problems that they might have. After all Sarah’s mother left her with her father on her fifteenth birthday, that was fourteen years ago. When Webb showed up to Sarah’s door with her mother, Sarah was shock and surprised to see her. She didn’t know what to do or say.
“Mom! What a surprise, come in.” stuttered a shocked Sarah. “Hi sweetie, your friend Mr. Webb came to visit me last week. He told me you were getting married to a sailor.” replied her mother. “That’s true Mom. His name is Harmon Rabb. He’s six foot four and gorgeous I’m so happy to see you here Mom.” exclaimed Mac as she hugged her mother. “I so happy for you sweetie. I’m so sorry I left you so long ago. You understand why I did, don’t you?” asked her mother. “Yes Mom, I do. But I wish you didn’t stay away for so long. I had hope you would some day try to get a hold of me. I love you Mom.” cried Mac.
“I love you too sweetie. You’ve been in my prayers everyday since I left. I can’t believe how beautiful you look. Mr. Webb told me you are a Major in the marines and a lawyer too.” beamed her mother. “Yeah, Uncle Matt got me straighten out after high school. It surely wasn’t because of dad.” replied Sarah angrily. “There’s one man I hope never to see again.” spat her mother. “Unfortunately Mr. Webb over there thinks he should be at the wedding to give me away. I almost killed him when he told me that.” replied a reluctant Sarah.
Webb just looked away trying not to take offense at the statement. After all it was his plan and he would conduct it anyway he liked. “I’m going to arrange lodgings for you Mrs. MacKenzie. I’ll be back in a few hours to pick you up. Have a nice visit with your daughter. I’m sure you have a lot of catching up to do.” Sarah and her mother spent the next few hours talking about what they had done over the last fourteen years. They had a quiet dinner before Webb returned to take Sarah’s mother to a hotel.
0900 hours
2 July 1996
Jag Headquarters
The next day Sarah told Harm about Webb finding her mother. They had spent a few hours last night together getting to know each other again. She had been so happy to see her mother. Harm noticed that she was actually glowing. They talked about getting together on the fourth and spending the day together with her mother. Harm wanted Sarah to spend the next couple of days with her mother before meeting her. He didn’t want to get in the way of them getting back their mother daughter relationship
1000 hours
4 July 1996
Sarah’s Apartment
A couple of days later on the fourth Harm picked Sarah and her mother up early to spend the day together. They toured the city visiting all the historical sites. Around noon time they stopped and picked up some nice Chinese take out food before heading to the park for a picnic lunch. Harm and Sarah spread out a blanket on the ground before putting out the food. They all had a good time talking, eating and just getting to know each other.
Deanne sat there looking at her daughter bantering back and forth with Harm. Sarah’s mother was amazed at how well Harm and Sarah got along. They seemed to be perfect together. She hadn’t seen her this happy since Sarah was a little girl, before her husband became an abusive alcoholic a few years later. She couldn’t believe how perfect they were together. She was happy that her baby had overcome her husband’s abuse to become such a square away well adjusted young lady.
“Are you two always this way?” asked her mother. “Not always Mom, most of time it’s when we’re entertaining others.” smiled Sarah. “What she means is, when we put on a show in front of other people. It lets them know that even if we’re fighting we do it with humor And we do like to tease each other a lot.” smiled Harm. “Well I want to thank you Harm. I can see that you’ve make my little girl very happy.” smile her mother. “Well she makes me very happy too.” replied Harm as he pulled Sarah to him for a quick kiss. Sarah slapped him playfully. “Harmon, I told you not to do that in front of my mother.” teased Sarah with a big grin. Sarah’s mother beamed in delight watching them being so playful together. She was so happy for her Sarah. It was times like this that made life worth living.
Later that night after having a nice dinner together, they went to the Mall to watch the fireworks. This year, it had been advertised as one of the largest and most spectacular displays ever. They spread out a blanket on the side of a small hill Sarah sat between Harm’s legs and leaned back resting her back on his chest. Harm held her in his arms as they enjoyed the fireworks. When it was over they went out for coffee before calling it a night.
Part Five: An Unwanted Guess
1700 hours
10 July 1996
Sarah’s apartment
A week later Webb showed up at Sarah’s apartment with her father. This had been the moment she had been dreading since she had agreed to become Harm’s wife. When Sarah saw her father standing there in the doorway with Webb, she turn and walked back into her living room without saying a word. Webb escorted Joe MacKenzie into her apartment. He began to realize that this was going to be a lot more difficult then he thought when he first considered this scheme. They walked over to the couch and set down opposite of Sarah.
“Sarah!” began Webb. “I know this is difficult for you. But it is something we need to talk about and work out. After you left your father finally began to realized he needed help dealing with his drinking problem. He went to a clinic to dry out and has undergone therapy to deal with the anger issues that led to his drinking and abusing your mother so many years ago. He has been sober the last eight years. He’s here to apologized and to ask for your forgiveness.” finished Webb.
“It’s not me he needs to ask for forgiveness. I can never forgive him for destroying my life. I never had a normal childhood because of him. And my mother left me at a time when I needed her the most. I’ve had to deal with that and your lack of sensitivity for too many years. I’m glad you got your act together and dealt with your problems. I have agreed to let you give me away later this month, but after the wedding it’s over, I don’t ever want to see you again.” responded Sarah angrily.
“I’m sorry Princess for what I did to you and your mother. I was mentally ill for many years and let foolish pride prevent me from seeking help. Your mother pushed me for many years to do something about it. But I had to lose everything that was important to me before I could see I needed help. I really did love you and your mother, but once I started down the ugly path of drinking I couldn’t stop. I’m truly very sorry. And some day I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me.” pleaded her father.
“Like I said before it’s not up to me. You have to make it up to Mom She’s the one you hurt the most. She was the one who loved you so much that she suffered through years of abuse trying to make you happy. You treated her like a dog. When you make it right by her, then you can come talk to me.” replied Sarah sullenly.
Part Six: Time To Bond
Harm and Mac spent most of their free time together over the six weeks between their meeting and wedding date learning about each other. Harm told her about his childhood, his days at the academy, his time flying tomcats, and his time at JAG before meeting her. Sarah was force to deal with telling Harm about her childhood after Harm saw the strain she had dealing with her mother and father. She also told him how she became a lawyer, her time oversea, and how she like to spend her time away from the office.
Every Sunday for the six weeks Harm took Sarah flying in his Stearman bi-plane. It was the plane his father and he were going to restore together when he got older, but it never happen because his father was MIA in Viet Nam in 1969. He later restored himself as therapy when he had a ramp strike six years ago. It had given him time to think and decide what he was going to do with the rest of his life.
He had named the plane Sarah after his grandmother. Men have been naming their planes after special women in their lives since the Wright brothers flew for the first time. Little did he know that Sarah was the name of the woman he was going to fall in love with and spend the rest of his life with.
They flew all over Virginia, Maryland, and along the coastline of North Carolina. Each time they would find a place to set down and have a picnic. After six weeks Sarah was becoming quite the pilot.