Chapters 1-7       Chapters 8-15       Chapters 16-23        Chapters 24 - 30       Chapters 31-36 Title: Twist of Fate Chapter 31 Gunny couldn’t stop his mouth from dropping open.  Could it be this kid not only knew of his uncle’s activities, but had actually observed some of what had happened during the missing ten days in the lives of his superiors?  He didn’t have all the details, but he could tell by the types of investigations his men were doing that the colonel and commander had been unable to provide any information about the events that occurred during their captivity.  Maybe he’d just found the Holy Grail. “Rajhid, what do you mean, ‘you heard’?” “Uncle Bahriim was working with me on my English assignments. He insisted that my pronunciation be near flawless.  Mohaziir came into the room somewhat disturbed.  He insisted that my uncle needed to go see the prisoners for himself.  When he came back to the room a short time later he was seething. He told me the lesson was over for the day that he would have to interrogate the prisoners some more.  I snuck downstairs to see why he was so upset. That’s when I heard him ask your commander what his relationship was with the beautiful colonel, and he replied they had worked together for six years. When my uncle asked how many of the six years had they been lovers, the commander looked him in the eye and said they had only been working partners and best friends.” “Rajhid, did you watch your uncle with the commander and colonel any other time?” “Yes. Not often.” “I would like you to tell what you remember to the admiral.” “I don’t know.” Rajhid trusted Gunny, but he hadn’t made up his mind about anyone else. “Is it because you think the commander lied to your uncle? It’s his responsibility to tell his captors as little as possible.” “But if he is as honorable as you say why would he lie about that? It would not have put your country in peril.” How could Gunny explain the officers’ relationship to a thirteen year old when he wasn’t sure he understood it himself? “Well, I do know that the commander would never say anything that he thought might put the colonel in jeopardy. But do you remember I told you how I worked with them for years, and how the colonel and I worked together during a prison break not long before her capture?” Rajhid nodded. “There was no reason for me to believe Commander Rabb wasn’t telling the truth.” “I met them here. If they were merely best friends before, why would they get married so quickly? I can do math. If they had not been more than friends, why is she having a baby so soon?” Gunny paused to do a little math in his head as well. The colonel had mentioned she was due the end of next month.  If he counted backwards eight months...oh God.  As with everyone else, he had never questioned Commander Rabb’s paternity. Deep down everyone knew the commander and colonel belonged together. Even when she almost married another man, Gunny knew she and the commander had an enviable bond. Now, he hoped Rajhid was right and the commander had lied to Bahriim regarding his relationship with the colonel, because if he and the colonel hadn’t gotten together before they were rescued, the alternative was more than a little nauseating. “I don’t know what you believe, but I can promise you that the commander is a very honorable man.  If the admiral is willing to come listen, will you please talk to him?” Rajhid considered what Gunny asked of him.  He had done much to protect his mother from the wrath of his uncle after the prisoners were rescued. It was too late for Gunny to save his sister, but Rajhid did owe this man. He would do it for Gunny. “I will,” Rajhid smiled cautiously. JAG Headquarters Next morning Admiral Chegwidden’s office “What brings you by again so soon, Gunny?” AJ waved for Gunny to take a seat. “Well, sir, I think I may have discovered an additional source of information on Bahriim.” AJ listened intently. “I was visiting Bahriim’s sister and nephew.” “I read the report. You did a good job with them, Gunny.” “Thank you, sir.  When Fashaad first came to us with information, she neglected to mention that her brother would take her son with him on some of his meetings.” AJ’s eyes opened wide. “Did anyone ever question the boy?” “I don’t think so, sir. Sometimes it’s easy to forget the responsibilities of a thirteen year old Afghan boy aren’t anything like the video game, ball-playing pastimes of American teenagers.”  “I know what you mean. Very well, I’ll arrange to have the boy interviewed. Maybe he can give us some new insight as to what that man is up to, though with the boy and his mother having left for the United States, any locations or plans the boy was aware of have probably been changed.” “That could explain why Bahriim seems to have disappeared off the face of the earth,” Gunny agreed. “Sir?” “Yes.” “There’s more.”  Gunny’s eyes showed the discomfort his Marine bearing hid. “I believe the boy witnessed at least some of the interrogation of Commander Rabb.” AJ’s eyes opened as wide as his mouth had dropped open. Gunny wasn’t sure he’d ever seen the admiral look so stunned. “Are you sure?” AJ asked. “At least once that I know of. He’s agreed to tell you all he knows, sir.” “I see.”  AJ wondered silently how much this boy knew of the missing ten days that for so long had obviously haunted one of his best attorneys. What Gunny had mentioned about the responsibility level of these young boys was true. Many of them were equivalent to the man of the house. They were responsible for sisters and mothers. Most likely that would be why this boy had approached the Marines in the first place. It wasn’t unreasonable that Bahriim would include his nephew in many of his activities. Raising him up to be his right-hand man perhaps. A small part of AJ hoped that this young man had been privy to what had happened to the colonel, to finally put it all completely behind her, and yet another larger part of him hoped they had at least had the decency to shelter the child from that much. “Mrs. Sharrif is expecting to hear from you some time today.” “Under the circumstances, I think it’s best if I question the boy myself. Since he is obviously close to you, it would be better if you accompany me.”  AJ didn’t like the idea of letting others know the intimate details of what had happened to Mac or the truth of the baby’s conception, if any of that were to come out. From what AJ knew so far, Gunny was the only American this boy trusted, and if there was ever a man the colonel could rely on to guard her secrets, it was Gunny. “Aye aye, sir.”  Gunny handed the admiral a slip of paper with Fashaad’s work and home phone numbers. “She tells me the phone line was recently turned on at the apartment.” Gunny watched as AJ dialed the number. “Mrs. Sharrif, please. Admiral AJ Chegwidden calling.” AJ waited as the call was patched through to the woman’s office.  He hadn’t considered that as a professor she most likely should have been teaching, but to his good fortune she had twenty minutes before her next class. “Good morning, Admiral. The gunny informed me you would be calling.” “Yes, ma’am. He would like me to speak with your son.  If this isn’t a problem for you, I would like to do so some time this afternoon.” “Not at all, Admiral.  He will be home from school by three-thirty.  I should be home by four. Any time after that will be fine.” “The gunny and I will see you at four. Thank you, very much.” “I hope this helps, Admiral.” The woman was truly sorry for all the things her brother had done, and hoped that speaking to someone else about what was on his mind would ease whatever burden was bothering her son. Chapter 32 Fashaad Sharrif’s apartment Baltimore, Maryland AJ and Gunny sat quietly on the sofa, waiting for Rajhid to join them in the living room. “I hope you gentlemen don’t mind. I have some papers to grade. I’ll be in my room if anyone needs me.”  Fashaad turned back towards her room as Rajhid settled into the empty chair between the two Americans. “Rajhid, this is Admiral Chegwidden.  He is Commander Rabb and Colonel MacKenzie’s boss.” “He is not your boss?” “Not any more, but you can trust him,” Gunny encouraged. “Rajhid, Gunny here tells me that your uncle took you into his confidence.” “I was allowed to ‘tag along’, as you Americans say.” AJ chuckled.  The kid had a good grip on the American language and knew how to use it to his advantage. “Are you aware that we are still looking for your uncle?” Rajhid shook his head no. “We know nothing of news from home.”  AJ opened his briefcase and pulled out a notepad for himself and for Gunny.  “Let’s start from the beginning.” Gunny and AJ took copious notes on Bahmiir, his associates, Kandhar, and the places he had taken Rajhid. There were tidbits of conversations remembered, most of which made little sense out of context.  After listening to the boy’s story and drinking several batches of tea that Fashaad had generously brought them, AJ had no idea if any of the information he’d obtained would be of any use or not, but he was ready to pass it on. “I understand you were with your uncle when he questioned the commander?” “Not exactly.” “Not exactly?” AJ prompted. “Two days after my uncle returned from his trip to see Kandhar, Mohaziir came into my room somewhat agitated.  He said that the woman and man were both awake and that my uncle should go look immediately. When my uncle said he was busy, Mohaziir insisted that my uncle would want to see for himself how close they were.” “Close?” AJ repeated. “He didn’t explain further, but my uncle practically flew out of the room.  When he came back later and said he couldn’t help me any more I became curious and went downstairs.  I’m not supposed to go down to the cells, but I wanted to see what was so important to keep him away.” “What did you find?”  AJ’s throat had grown terribly dry. “The commander was strapped in a chair. My uncle had just given him an injection and was asking him questions.” Prison compound Somewhere in Afghanistan Eight months earlier “What is your name?” Bahmiir watched patiently as the drug took hold of his prisoner. “Commander Harmon Rabb, Jr.” “Where are you based?” “JAG Headquarters, Falls Church, Virginia.” “So you keep telling me.  Why are in you in Afghanistan?” “Investigating the collateral damage on a missed air strike.” “Commander, tell me about Colonel MacKenzie.” Bahmiir had grown tired of the same answers. He knew there was more to what these two were doing wandering around the desert.  He had hoped by keeping them together they would be less anxious and more likely to let their guard down while being questioned. He hadn’t expected to discover a more personal relationship. “She’s a Marine, but don’t call her a jarhead. She’ll hand your head to you on a silver platter.” “Yes, yes. The two of you are friends?” Bahriim wanted answers. Were they growing closer because of their captivity, or had there been something there all along he had not seen? “Best friends, the best of best friends. Protect each other’s six.” Harm was feeling incredibly giddy.  He’d been counting backwards from one hundred trying to keep control of his thoughts. He wasn’t about to give this man any more information than necessary. Even if it was unlikely he knew something Bahriim wanted. The only problem was that it was hard for him to focus when the conversation shifted to Mac.  He was overwhelmed by the urge to shout from the nearest mountaintop how much he loved her. “You told me before you have worked together a long time?” “Six years.” “She is a beautiful woman?” “She is.” Ninety, eighty-nine, eighty-eight... Bahmiir rolled his eyes.  The drugs worked so well on some people. Why did he have to capture the only two tightlipped people in the military? He was tired of playing verbal cat and mouse. “For how many of these six years have you been lovers?” “None.  She was going to marry Bugme.” Harm continued counting silently: sixty-one, sixty, fifty-nine. “She is engaged to someone else?” Maybe this ‘was’ the result of the confinement and the drugs. “She was.” “Was? What happened?” On the other hand, maybe there was a history. “I had to punch out in a storm.  She postponed the wedding until I was out of the hospital.” Damn! This wasn’t what he had counted on when he’d decided to keep them in the same cell. He would be damned if they were going to enjoy each other’s company under his roof. “Increase the dosages. I don’t want either of them awake unless I’m questioning them. Got it?” “Got it,” Junior responded, watching his boss slam the door open and storm out of the room. Neither one of them had noticed the nephew huddled in the corner. Harm stumbled ahead of Junior back to his cell. Mac had been battling her own demons.  She’d been fighting the desperate desire to sleep, waiting for Harm to return, lost in a hazy lethargy.  Immediately, Harm settled down beside her, spooning her into his arms. He was still groggy but proud of himself for not revealing anything more than he had, and thankful the interrogation hadn’t lasted any longer.  Snuggled comfortably behind Mac, neither Harm nor Mac were aware of Junior returning and giving them another injection. This one would send them into a near permanent state of unconsciousness. Fashaad Sharrif’s apartment Baltimore Maryland 1810 hours AJ sat stunned as the implications of the boy’s story sank in.  Could it be that fate was finally going to cut these two a break? “What happened after that?” “I waited until Mohaziir had gone into the cell with the commander to return upstairs. My uncle had left the house. I don’t know where he went, but I didn’t see him again until the next afternoon.” “And you didn’t hear anything more about what had upset your uncle in the first place?” AJ pressed. “No.” “The gunny tells me that you believe the commander lied?” “I do.” “The colonel was engaged to another man. The wedding was cancelled less than a year ago.  Then the colonel was stationed overseas for several months. She and the gunny led the evacuation of the American consulate in Indonesia that was under attack by angry locals. She and Commander Rabb had only had a few short months to renew their friendship before they were captured.  I didn’t hear anything the commander said that wasn’t the truth.” Rajhid studied the older man intently. “What would you have had him answer?” “As little as possible. I have no idea what information your uncle was after, neither did the commander. It was his duty to his country to give out as little information as possible. Many men are prepared to die rather than divulge anything to the enemy. He wouldn’t have wanted your uncle to use his friendship with the colonel against them. I would not have answered any differently. ” It was what Harm hadn’t said that had AJ wondering. Chapter 33 The entire drive back to headquarters, AJ considered what to do next.  It was obvious from Gunny’s calm demeanor that what little the boy had implied with his revelations wasn’t anything new to the Marine. Gunny, like everyone else, had assumed there must have been some degree of ‘camaraderie’ between the two prisoners.  For the first time since this entire fiasco had begun, AJ was beginning to consider the same thing. Dropping Gunny off by his car in the parking lot, AJ flipped his cell phone on and dialed Harm’s number. “Commander Rabb,” Harm answered, juggling a cup of coffee with his free hand. “Commander, I would like you to meet me at my house in...”AJ looked over at the clock in the dashboard. “Forty-five minutes.” “Yes, sir. Just me, sir?” “You’d better bring the colonel,” AJ sighed. “And Rabb...” “Yes, sir?” “Don’t wear your uniforms.” “Aye aye, sir.” Harm hung up the phone, his face immediately contorting with the pressures of the myriad of hypotheses battling for position in his thoughts. “What’s wrong?” Mac touched his arm. Any idiot could see this wasn’t good news. “I don’t know.” Harm was still staring at his cell phone. “Then why do you look so...pensive?” That was the most benign description she could come up with. “The admiral wants to see us in forty-five minutes.” Harm looked away from the phone and over to Mac. “At his house, no uniforms.” “I see.” Mac’s face crumbled into a similar expression of concern. What would be so important for the admiral to want to see them ASAP at his home? Exactly forty-three minutes later, Harm and Mac were pulling the Lexus into the admiral’s drive.  Neither had said very much on the ride over.  They simply had no idea what this was all about.  Holding hands, they slowly made their way up the porch steps. No matter the reason for the visit, just standing on the familiar wooden planks filled them with an odd sense of coming home.  The dull glow of AJ’s computer screen was beginning to give him a headache when he heard the doorbell.  He’d seen enough. Pushing his chair away from the desk, he hurried to receive his guests. “Thank you for coming on such short notice,” AJ announced, directing the couple to take a seat in the living room.  “Would you like something to drink?” “No thank you,” the two responded simultaneously. “Very well, I’ll get straight to the point.  I don’t know if either of you are aware of the fact that our gunny was critical in helping Bahriim’s sister and nephew obtain asylum here in the US?” Harm and Mac shook their heads. “It seems that the boy took a liking to Gunny, looks up to him. Gunny specifically stayed in DC a few days to make time to visit with the Sharrifs and check up on how Rajhid is adjusting.” “That doesn’t surprise me,” Harm shrugged. “No, no it doesn’t,” AJ agreed. “But it also opened doors for conversation regarding information that no one else had been aware of.  Specifically, about your confinement.” Mac’s eyes grew into perfect circles. Her hand snaked towards her husband’s, inconspicuously seeking additional comfort. “Commander, according to the boy, Bahriim was infuriated at the reports of unexpected closeness between you and Colonel MacKenzie.” AJ remained focused on Harm. He couldn’t bring himself to look Mac in the eye. He still wasn’t sure she should even have been here in her condition, and if given the choice, he would have preferred to walk barefoot across hot coals than have her in the room, but what he had to say did involve both of them. “Closeness?” Harm repeated. “That’s what I asked.  Rajhid witnessed your interrogation that followed the discovery. One of the questions asked was how many of the six years you had been partners had you been lovers.”  AJ tried not to stumble over his own words. “Sir, you know as well as I do that rumors have abounded for years that there was more to Mac’s and my relationship, long before any of this,” Harm defended. “Yes, Commander, and Bahriim wasn’t here for any of it.  I believe we have serious reason to consider the possibility that ‘you’ were the one to have ‘relations’ with the colonel.” “I would never!” Harm sprang up from his seat and began pacing. “How could you even think that I would do such a thing? I don’t care how many drugs they gave me, I could never do that to her!” “Commander, sit down! I’m not saying it wasn’t consensual.” This time Mac’s head sprang around from focusing on Harm to studying the admiral. “I’ve been doing a little research on some of the drugs you were given. Apparently the freeing of inhibitions isn’t limited to just saying things you normally wouldn’t say.  Very much like alcohol, not just one, but two of the drugs found in your system would be conducive to freeing any suppressed feelings and even encouraging you to act on them.” Harm swallowed hard, his grip tightening on Mac’s hand, which had once again found its way into his. “Then you’re saying we may have...” Mac was the first one to find her voice. “I believe it’s a possibility. It would explain some of the lack of ...physical evidence of a more violent nature.”  AJ really didn’t like having this discussion. He hoped these two weren’t in such a state of shock that he was going to have to explain himself further. Harm couldn’t seem to form a coherent sentence. His mind was rushing backwards in time to those first few nights in the cave. To how it had felt having Mac curled into his arms. To all the things he had told himself would have to wait for another time and place. Dear God, if what the admiral was saying about the drugs was true...? Harm closed his eyes tightly. “How could I not remember?” he mumbled softly. “You were given enough drugs, Commander, to make an elephant forget.” AJ had known that much all along. “Apparently, once your personal relationship was discovered, Bahriim saw fit to keep you completely knocked out for the remainder of your stay with him.” “I’d better get a DNA sample to Terri,” Harm said more to himself than to anyone else. Mac nodded, letting out a heavy sigh.  She had no idea what to feel.  A small flutter in the pit of her stomach was getting ready to do somersaults, and yet, another feeling warned her not to get her hopes up. This was all merely supposition on the admiral’s part, based on some very sketchy information.  “Why don’t I see if I can scrounge up a pot of tea? I think we could all use one about now.” What AJ really wanted was a tall belt of anything, but in Mac’s condition, tea seemed the more appropriate beverage. “Do you think it’s possible?” Mac asked breathlessly as soon as AJ had left the room. “I hadn’t thought so, but now... now I just don’t know.”  Harm placed the flat of his hand on Mac’s very large tummy. “I can’t believe I wouldn’t remember.” “I know what you mean.” Mac let her hand fall over Harm’s. No matter how hard she tried to suppress it, her heart was leaping for joy at the possibilities.  She wasn’t sure she would survive this newest twist of fate if AJ’s suspicions weren’t proven correct. It had taken her months to accept Harm as a substitute father and only minutes to embrace him as the biological father.  It had to be true. It just had to. Chapter 34 Rabb house Four days later Mac rubbed her back as she directed Gunny and Harm towards the family room. The last few days had been some of the most nerve-wracking she’d ever remembered having.  She’d drunk enough chamomile tea to float a carrier, and yet the indigestion was still killing her. No matter how hard she tried, she just couldn’t stop herself from thinking about the DNA results. It had been three days since Harm had gone for DNA testing. Terri assured them she would see to it that they got an answer as soon as possible, but despite the speed of television criminology, it would still take at least three to five days. Rummaging through a box in the kitchen, Mac sighed with relief when she found the box of tea bags and a mug. All she needed to do was plug in the microwave and she’d be all set.  Pushing the small appliance closer to the outlet, she placed the mug of water inside, set the timer for two minutes, and mindlessly rubbed her tummy while waiting for the soothing brew. “You okay?” Harm walked up behind her, peeking into the half-open box. “Indigestion is still bothering me. Thought I’d have another cup of tea. Would you like some?” “No thanks. Are you sure it isn’t the tea that’s giving you the indigestion?” “I’m sure.”  Mac rubbed her sore side a little harder. “Does it matter where I put this, ma’am?” Gunny turned the box he was holding so Mac could read the markings on the side. “Kitchen pots,” she read aloud. “On that counter over there,” she pointed. “Wide load, coming through,” Sturgis called from the hallway as he and Tiner carried Harm’s dinette table into the kitchen. Setting the table in the corner, Sturgis turned towards the middle of the room brushing his hands clean, satisfied with a good day’s work. “All that’s left on the truck are the dinette chairs and a couple of boxes and we’re done.” “Are you okay, ma’am?” Tiner asked, noticing Mac standing awkwardly by the counter. “Indigestion,” she breathed through clenched teeth. “That doesn’t look like indigestion, Mac.” Sturgis instinctively stepped towards her. “Mac?” Harm’s expression changed to one of serious concern. “I don’t want to be the bearer of bad news, but as someone who’s had more than one sister go into labor, that’s definitely not the face of indigestion,” Gunny volunteered. “Mac?” Harm repeated. His voice was a little more tense than it had been just a moment before. “I don’t know. Something’s not right.” A complete look of panic washed across her face as she looked up at her husband. “Isn’t it too early? I mean, I thought the baby was due next month?” Tiner asked innocently. “We’d better get you to the hospital.” Harm dropped his arm around her waist and steered her towards the garage door. “Better let me drive,” Sturgis interrupted. In less than ten minutes, Mac was curled into Harm’s arms in the backseat of the Lexus with Gunny, Tiner, Harriet, and several other miscellaneous friends following in a parade of cars close behind. When Sturgis had discovered by accident during a conversation with Harm several weeks earlier that he had programmed Mac’s OB into speed dial on his cell, he had thought Harm was a little paranoid.  Now, he made a note to himself to do the same thing if he ever got married and his wife was expecting.  Pulling up to the emergency room, Sturgis hopped out of the car to open the door for Harm.  “I’ll go park the car. Meet you inside.” “Thanks,” Mac smiled, walking slightly slouched over. A flock of angry geese were doing battle in Harm’s stomach. This was way too early. Mac was only 36 weeks. He’d done battle at angels thirty and had never been as scared as he was right now at the thought that something might go wrong with the baby. Helping Mac drop into the nearest chair, Harm hurried towards the lady behind the receiving counter. “My wife is in labor and she’s not due for another four weeks. I called Dr. Hawkins and she said she’d meet us here.” Harm took a deep breath, suddenly remembering to breathe. The nurse looked up at Mac, studying her face.  “Why don’t you go ahead and bring her back here? You can fill out the papers while you wait for the doctor.” “How long will that take?” A decidedly sharp note of fear was clearly evident in his question. “Dr. Hawkins already phoned in. She should be here any minute. In the meantime, a nurse will check her vitals. There’s no need to worry,” the nurse tried vainly to reassure him. One of the orderlies met Harm with a wheelchair and escorted him and Mac to an examining area. By the time the ER nurse had checked her vitals, Dr Hawkins had arrived. “How are we doing, Mac?” “I’ve had better days,” she grinned. “Let’s see what we’ve got here.”  The nervous couple tightened their already entwined grip, anxiously watching as the doctor listened to the fetal heartbeat and checked Mac for dilation. “Well, you’re right. You’re in labor. Let’s get you upstairs and get ready to deliver this baby,” she smiled. “But it’s too soon...” Mac bit her bottom lip, resisting the urge to cry. Patting her leg reassuringly, the doctor smiled.  “It’ll be okay. Thirty-six weeks is not dangerously premature, but YOU need to relax. Getting tense and scared is only going to make this more difficult.” Looking up at Harm, she enunciated clearly, “You got that, Dad? It’s going to be a while. Your job is to keep Mom here ‘relaxed’.” “Got it.”  Harm squeezed Mac’s hand again, this time rubbing her arm gently with his free hand. Bethesda hospital Twelve hours later 0400 hours It had been hours since most everyone had gone home, including Harriet, who had left little AJ with a sitter. The only people left in the maternity waiting room were Sturgis, Gunny, and Tiner. Each was sprawled uncomfortably across several chairs. Harm had been going out into the waiting room every hour or so to update his friends and try to convince them to go home. He’d never met a more stubborn group of people in his life, but every time he stepped into the large room down the hall where they were patiently waiting, he felt just a little more at ease. “Anything new?” Sturgis looked up, rubbing one eye after hearing Harm’s approaching footsteps. “So far so good. They’re moving her into the delivery room now.  She’s almost fully dilated. I have to get back to suit up, but I wanted you to know.”  The doctor had explained more thoroughly that a delivery at 36 weeks was unlikely to have any serious health problems. Her only concern was if they had miscalculated the term of the pregnancy and the baby was closer to only 35 weeks of development, then breathing difficulties could be an issue.  As every hour passed, Harm became more excited at the impending arrival and more anxious about the possible complications. “We’re still praying,” Sturgis reminded him. He’d called his dad early on and was fairly sure that by now every chaplain on the planet had baby Rabb on his prayer list. Chapter 35 Delivery room Bethesda Naval Hospital Mac was scratching around the transducers that had been strapped to her tummy for monitoring the baby’s heartbeat when another contraction gripped her.  Although the doctor had assured her that an epidural would in no way affect the baby’s breathing, she still chose to pass on any anesthesia.  “Okay, this is it.  I see the head. Deep breath and... push.” Mac curled her shoulders, squeezed Harm’s hand, and pressed down on the bed with the other as she pushed with all her might. The next words she heard scared the living daylights out of her. “Baby’s aspirated...” Anything else the doctor may have said was completely lost as the serious tone in her voice sent chills down Mac’s spine.  Mac felt the shoulders slip out as she watched in horror while the nurse took the almost-blue baby, suctioning him for what seemed like forever. Craning her neck to see what they were doing while someone attended to her sutures, Mac barely registered that somewhere in the rushed chatter she’d heard the words, “It’s a boy.”  Harm stood frozen, his heart in his throat, his eyes glued on the tiny little bundle only a few feet away.  He had no idea how long it had been since he’d taken his last breath when a heavy sigh escaped his lungs at the first tiny bleat-like cry from his son.  The next thing they knew, the squirming infant was placed on Mac’s tummy for all of what seemed like ten seconds.  There was no way Mac could have given a precise time. It was all too soon when the nurse scooped the boy up. “We need to get him warmed up and on oxygen.” The nurse placed the baby in what Harm and Mac assumed was a plastic covered incubator, and disappeared out the door. “What’s wrong?” “Is he okay?” tumbled out of the worried parents’ mouths. “He’s breathing on his own, that’s good. He looks a little yellow, but being a little jaundiced isn’t unusual for babies born a few weeks early.  I want to observe him for a few hours, keep him under a warmer, and give him a little extra oxygen.  He’ll be sharing a room with you in no time, Mom.” Though Dr. Hawkins’ words were intended to reassure, it was her smile that gave Harm and Mac a sense that things weren’t as bad as they had looked to them.  While Mac was moved to her own room, Harm went to share the news with their friends.  He almost broke out laughing at the sight of the three men pacing past each other, barely avoiding collision at every other step. All three froze in place at first sight of him. “They were right, it’s a boy. Six pounds, one ounce, eighteen and a half inches long,” Harm beamed. “Congratulations!” Sturgis slapped his friend across the arm and pulled him into a backslapping hug. “Yes, sir. Congratulations!” Gunny and Tiner echoed. After several minutes of continued handshaking, backslapping, and congratulatory remarks, Sturgis was the first to ask, “When will we be able to see him?” “I don’t know.” Harm’s expression fell.  “They have him in an incubator. Something about extra oxygen and keeping him warm.  I ... don’t know how long he’ll be there.” “That’s just a precaution.” Sturgis’ voice didn’t quite succeed at hiding the question in his tone. “I think so.  Listen, you guys have been through enough.  Go home and get some real sleep. By the time you wake up I’m sure he’ll be ready for visitors,” Harm smiled again. “I’m going to go check on my wife.” “Okay, but if you need anything...” Sturgis started. “I know. Thank you. All of you.”  Harm patted his friend on the back one more time and turned to go wait the night out with his wife. Somehow, Harm managed to steal a few hours of sleep on the uncomfortable bedside chair.  A few times Mac had dozed off and when she found herself restless with worry, she watched her husband’s twisted body crammed into the vinyl chair beside her. “Morning,” she smiled at Harm’s half-open left eye. “Mm,” he smiled back at her, straightening up and stretching his back. “You’re going to pay for that.” “I’m probably in better shape than you.” Harm leaned over and kissed her forehead. “How are you feeling?” “Like maybe I should have taken the drugs,” she chuckled. “I bet.” Harm kissed her again. “Any word?” Mac glanced towards the door then back up at Harm. “Well.” He looked at his watch. “About an hour and a half ago a pretty nurse came in and said he was holding his own.  They had him on some kind of, I think she said ‘photo’ therapy,” Harm shrugged. “Phototherapy?” “I was a little groggy, but I think it’s for the jaundice.” “Oh.” Mac raised her chin in understanding.  Then began twiddling her thumbs.  “Did you notice them pricking his foot for blood?” “I think so. It’s all a bit of a blur.” “Do you want to ask them to do a...you know... blood test?” “Mac,” It had taken Harm a few seconds to understand what kind of blood test she was referring to. “That’ll take at least sixteen hours. We should hear from Terri before that.” “I know. I just thought maybe you might want to know sooner.” Mac’s eyes locked on his. “Mac, I’ll know when I know. For now, his being healthy is all I care about.” A broad smile spread across her face as it inched slowly towards his, the sound of a soft voice clearing her throat forced Mac to turn around. “We have company,” a cheery nurse announced. “And he’s hungry. He seems to be sucking just fine. Ready to try, Mama?” Mac’s heart leapt at the sight of her baby boy, and it skipped several beats when he snuggled into her waiting arms.  With a little help and instruction from the amiable nurse, the pretty, though pale, baby was suckling hungrily. “Wow,” Harm let slip quietly, dragging his chair closer to the bed. “You’re doing just fine. Burp him when you’re done on that side and see if he’ll take some more from the other. I’ll be back in a little while to take him back to the nursery.” “Does this mean he’s okay now?” Harm asked, tearing his eyes away from his new baby. “You’ll have to talk to the doctor, but if he keeps this up, he’ll be staying in here with you sooner than later.” Without another word, the nurse returned to her other duties. “I think he’s had enough,” Mac suggested as the baby began squirming in her arms. She pulled him away, turning his little body to place him on her shoulder. “May I?” Harm asked softly, not altogether sure he really wanted to try this. Mac nodded her head and handed the baby over to Harm. “Almost all of him fits in your hand,” she marveled. “Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea.” The baby was so tiny, Harm immediately tried to return him to Mac. “You might as well learn now. You’ve held babies before.” Mac watched as Harm slowly turned the baby against his shoulder, gently patting his back in circular motions until an unexpectedly loud belch erupted. “I guess this means he’s going to be a Marine,” Harm laughed. “Should I come back at another time?” AJ interrupted before Mac could respond. “Admiral.” Harm started to stand up. “As you were.” AJ waved him down. “I heard you had quite a bit of excitement yesterday. Obviously he didn’t inherit your tendencies for tardiness, Commander.”  AJ brushed his finger lightly across the baby’s cheek. “Show up for work at eleven hundred hours once or twice six years ago and no one ever lets you forget,” Harm retorted. AJ couldn’t help but notice how Mac squirmed uncomfortably at his comment about heredity. “Terri tried to reach you on your cells most of yesterday. She finally called me. This arrived at my house at the break of dawn. Thought you might like to see it.” He handed Mac an envelope. Extending her hand unsteadily, Mac took the proffered plain white envelope and carefully broke the seal. Pulling the sheet of paper out fully, she took a deep breath as she read the faxed printout. Chapter 36 – Epilogue JAG Headquarters May 2005 Bullpen “Attention to orders,” General Gordon Cresswell announced from the middle of the bullpen.  “Commander Rabb.” Harm stepped up more closely to his CO.  It had been almost six months since the news had come down the pipeline that he’d made the promotions list.  It had been one of the bigger surprises of his life.  Having just barely reached his twenty-year mark, it never occurred to him in a million years that he would make captain so quickly, if at all.  As if making captain hadn’t been enough of a surprise, the news he was being seriously considered for Force Judge Advocate in London almost made him giddy.  This billet was most definitely considered the next stepping stone to ‘the’ Judge Advocate General.  The problem had been how it could affect Mac.  Shortly after young Harm was born, when Mac returned from medical leave, she took a permanent position with the Associate General Council at the Pentagon.  More recently, rumors were flying that the AGC was on a short list for a new appointment and Mac was under serious consideration to replace him.  It had created a bit of unexpected stress at the Rabb household. Rabb home January 2005 “I don’t have to do this, Mac.  It would mean at least two years in London. I’ve put in my twenty. I can refuse the promotion, take my retirement at commander and move on to something else.” “Move on to what? That’s not fair to you. You know as well as I do how few people actually make it to thirty years.  If you are given Force Judge Advocate.... Harm...” Mac was at a loss for words.  This was every career Navy lawyer’s dream.  They’d been bantering back and forth about this ever since they’d heard that he was being considered for the London post. They were practically falling over each other trying to do what would be best for the other one’s career. The time had come to face some cold facts about married life in the military when you’d reached their ranks. “Mac, if you stay where you are, next time it could be you who is up for special assistant on the Joint Staff.” “I’m a lawyer, Harm. I’ve also got a precious little two-year-old boy and hope to have a few more, sooner than later.  I don’t want the stress that will come with getting much higher if I stay at the Pentagon.” Mac had been doing a lot of thinking lately. Little Harm was getting older and she really did want more children.  As surprised as she’d been to discover she hadn’t minded giving up the courtroom for her current post, she was also surprised to discover that she had little interest in becoming one of the movers and shakers of Washington.  “I think the exchange post with the Unified Defense Staff is the best of both worlds.  We’ll both be in London. I’ll be able to use my languages as well as my knowledge of international law, and I’ll get to make fun of everyone’s accent at British Naval Intelligence. What more could a girl ask for?” she teased, not getting the reaction she’d hoped for from Harm. “Mac,” Harm pulled her a little more closely into his space. “I don’t ever want you to do anything that might someday make you resent me.” “Is that what this is all about?” Mac dropped her hands flatly on his chest.  “I could say the same thing about you.  I love you and anything we have to do to keep this family together is fine by me. You and Harm are, and always will be, my priority. The Marine Corps is secondary.  Is that clear?” “Very.” Harm had intended to make the same point, but Mac’s arms reached around his neck and drew him into her with such loving forcefulness that the only coherent thought remaining in his mind was how much he wanted to kiss those sensuous lips.  Just as his hands were working their way around her back and down to her six, pulling her more closely against him, a two-foot tall munchkin with the strength of a sumo wrestler wrapped himself proudly around Harm’s leg.  “DA!” “What were you saying about sooner than later?” Harm whispered, teasingly against her lips. JAG Bullpen May 2005 “Colonel,” General Cresswell nodded in Mac’s direction. Mac handed her son over to Petty Officer Coates and took her place in front of Harm.  Lifting the first shoulder board from the slim velvet case, Mac quickly removed his commander board and replaced it with his new rank of captain, then repeated the task with the other side. “Captain,” she nodded, kissing him on the cheek. “DADEEE!” echoed through the room just as a two-foot whirlwind, having struggled free from Jen’s grip, slammed into Harm’s leg, hugging him for dear life and screeching loudly again, “DADEEE!” “You know, Captain, even if this child weren’t your spitting image, anyone would be able to recognize this is your son. Thank God I’ll be retired when he graduates the academy. Heaven help his first CO.”  General Cresswell dismissed the group and returned to his office, shaking his head. That kid had all the earmarks of being a carbon-copy of harmful Rabb. “Sorry about that, sir. When do you leave?” Jennifer Coates asked her onetime savior. “No problem. We’re used to it.” Harm smiled reassuringly, tussling his son’s hair. “We’ll be leaving in two weeks.” “You’ll be missed, sir,” Jen added. “I’m not so sure about that.” “Come on, Harm. Even if it’s been a while since you shot up the courtroom, at least you gave us something to talk about. With you across an ocean, things are going to get very boring around here.” Sturgis smacked his old friend across the back.  “Are you ready for the move?” he directed at Mac. “Very. I start my job at UDS two weeks after this guy.” Mac pointed her thumb over her shoulder at Harm, who was struggling with a squirming toddler.  “That’ll give me a little time to settle in and work on a few projects,” she grinned conspiratorially at her husband. “Speaking of projects, are you sure about that?” Harm rolled his eyes as he finally gave up and put his son down, waiting to see which direction he would vault in.  He and Mac had agreed, among other things, once they arrived in London they would start working on another baby.  Maybe this time a baby with her looks and his brains... not that his looks and her brains had turned out badly.  Harmon Mathew Rabb was the apple of his dad’s eye and according to Trish Burnett, his spitting image in looks and especially behavior.  That thought alone gave Harm good reason to wonder if maybe they shouldn’t wait until his son had shipped off to the academy before considering more children. “Oh, I’m sure.” Mac ran her finger playfully down her husband’s arm before turning to chase after her son, who was already heading for his favorite spot under the general’s desk. Ten months later, on March 23, 2006, a small eggshell card engraved in dark pink letters announced to friends and family: Caitlin Elizabeth Rabb. Born March 19, 2006.  Eight pounds four ounces.  Her mom’s looks and her dad’s brains.  With a bright smiley face beside it.                                                                                     BACK                                                                    HOME