Summary: What happens when the Navy’s top lawyer investigates the Navy’s top pilot?

Prologue

Commander Samantha MacArthur, Sam to her friends, was the first female fighter pilot in the Navy. She graduated top of her class at the academy and at "Top Gun", though you wouldn't know it from her callsign - Sandman.

Sam always amazed her father, who even now wondered why she didn't pursue a different career path. He knew his only daughter would be successful no matter what she did in her professional life, though her personal life was another story. No man was ever good enough for his daughter as far as he was concerned, and that made all the men she dated not much more than losers.

Gary, Sam's overprotective half-brother, felt the same way and would go to any length to protect her. They were as close as a brother and sister could get, especially after their mother died.

Sam always wanted to prove herself as an individual and leave her father's legacy behind. She took care to enlist in the Navy under her mother's maiden name to avoid any speculation of her father's influence on her training and success.

Her privacy was always her own, and she protected her family's identity very carefully. No one knew who Sam's father was.

*********

Monday 1500 Zulu

USS Seahawk

Some where in the Mediterranean Sea

The radioman received a message from a C-17 cargo plane that their radar was out; feet dry and in hostile territory over Iraq. It was up to the Seahawk's top pilots to bring the C-17 crew safely back to deck.

Fully armed, Sandman and her RIO John "Grumpy" Smith were airborne within minutes. At Angels 20, 50 miles out they found the C-17 heading towards them with a pair of bogies on their six.

Sandman's flight legacy wasn't lost on the crew, and none were surprised when she radioed back that the bogies had bugged out and the C-17 was on the way back to the deck.

Sandman's only true test came from her wingman, "Boomer" and his RIO "Skates". His in-air antics added more tension in the sky than an enemy engagement, and once again, Sandman was left cleaning up the mess.

****

1700

Ward Room

Back on board, Sandman and Grumpy headed to the Ward Room for debriefing. Boomer's in-air actions forced the CAG to ground him for his arrogant flying. It was a step well over due to persuade Boomer to improve his flying or risk losing his wings for good. Grounding was an insult to the pilot, who'd always flown in Sandman's shadow. Boomer had no chance of ever being as good a pilot as Sandman, and didn't respect her as an aviator or officer. He strongly believed that woman should not be in the military, let alone a combat pilot.

“Sandman!” yelled Boomer.

Sam stopped on the ladder on her way to her rack, turned and looked at Boomer “What?” she asked.

She was not happy about the mission because of Boomer’s stupidity and was not thrilled that Boomer had even stopped her.

“You Bitch! You have a hell of a nerve to convince the CAG to ground me. Who in the hell do you think you are?”

Sam was incredulous. “If you think that I convinced the CAG to ground you, you have a big problem. Why would I tell him something he already knows? In my opinion, he should have grounded you a long time ago. He gave you a hundred chances for you to get off your high horse, because you convinced yourself you are the greatest pilot since you got your wings. You can’t stand the fact that there are pilots better than you and you’re always out to prove you’re the best…"

“Damn straight I’m the best and don’t you forget it!” Boomer interrupted.

“It’s that kind of thinking that will get you killed Boomer. You should be counting your blessings that those bogies didn’t shoot you down. If anything, you should be thanking me for saving your ass… again!”

With that, Sam continued up the ladder to the next deck and the comfort of her bunk.

***

2100

Briefing Room

The flight crews were gathering in the ward from for the CAG's pre-mission briefing.

“Grumpy, where’s Sandman?” the CAG questioned.

“I don’t know Sir. She never misses a briefing. Do you want me to check her quarters?”

“After briefing and when you find her, I want to see her ASAP!” commanded the CAG.

“Aye-aye Sir!”

***

Tuesday 0800 Zulu

JAG Headquarters

Commander Harmon Rabb watches across the bullpen to see Admiral Boone entering Admiral Chegwidden's office. Ten minutes later, Admiral Chegwidden orders Tiner to get Harm in his office ASAP.

Entering the Admiral's office, Harm came to attention next to Admiral Boone. “Commander Rabb reporting as ordered, SIR!”

“At ease, Commander. You know Admiral Boone.”

Harm nodded in acknowledgement.

“Commander, we have a problem. It’s a rather delicate situation. One of the pilots on board the Seahawk was found on the mess deck beaten up pretty bad. I want to know everything. Commander, you will accompany the Admiral to the Seahawk to investigate. The Admiral was asked by the SECNAV to oversee this one. Commander, you and the Admiral will leave ASAP. The Admiral will brief you further on your way,” ordered Admiral Chegwidden.

“Aye-aye Sir!”

Leaving the Admiral’s office, Harm ran into Colonel Sarah Mackenzie.

“What’s going on, where are you going?” she asked

“Down pilot on the Seahawk. I’m accompanying Admiral Boone on this investigation,” Harm said.

“Admiral Boone? I thought he retired,” Mac asked.

“He was, remember the down plane in China? The SECNAV ordered the Admiral out of retirement and back to active duty.”

Nodding her head Mac replied, “Yes, I remember now. What’s his interest in this case?”

“I don’t know Mac. I’m sure I’ll find out on the way.”

Within the hour, Harm & Admiral Boone was on the way to the Seahawk. Harm didn’t ask what the Admiral’s personal interest was with this particular pilot. Harm knew that the Admiral would tell him when he was ready.

“CDR Sam MacArthur, call sign “Sandman” was found nearly beaten to death in a corner of the mess deck. Lieutenant John Smith and the CAG went looking for the Commander because she missed a briefing for a training mission.”

“That’s cause for a Captain’s Mast!”

“True, but a Captain’s Mast was never held. Ingles has bigger fish to fry other than reprimanding the best pilot he has onboard.”

***

Tuesday 1400 Zulu

Seahawk

Harm and Admiral Boone was greeted by a member of the flight crew and were told Captain Ingles wanted to see them both ASAP.

Harm was on his way to the bridge, when he realized that Admiral Boone was not on his six and he was heading to sickbay.

“Admiral where are you going?” Harm asked.

“Admiral’s privilege, I out rank the Captain and I’m on my way to see the down pilot. Don’t worry, I will tell you what I find out.”

***

Sickbay

“Corpsman how is she?” the Admiral asked.

“Admiral, you got here awfully fast.”

“When a female pilot is down, answers are wanted as of yesterday. Sometimes that just doesn’t happen when it’s a standard JAGMAN investigation. Now, what in the hell can you tell me?”

“Well, Sir, she was found in the corner of the mess deck by one of the mess crew. There are no internal injuries, minor concussion just enough to knock her unconscious. She’s been in and out for a while now, she’s been asking about you. We haven’t found the object that was used to knock her out. She was definitely knocked out before the bruising on her back and ribs.”

“How can you tell?”

“There are no signs of a struggle. No bruises on her arms or legs that you would normally see in

self-defense. My guess Admiral, is that her attacker was interrupted before he could finish the job.”

***

By the time Harm got to the bridge, Admiral Boone had managed to rejoin him. Harm wasn’t sure exactly how the Admiral managed to do it and he wasn’t going to ask. He knew the Admiral better than to ask.

“Commander, Admiral nice to see you both again. I just wish it were under better circumstances. How are you holding up Admiral Boone?” the Captain questioned.

This question puzzled Harm and raised even more questions. ‘What IS his personal interest in this

pilot, why is he so concerned over a downed pilot?’ Harm wondered. He had a hunch that somehow the Admiral knew the downed pilot and wasn’t sure how to ask… let alone actually get an answer.

“I’m holding my own Captain.”

“Captain, is there anything you can tell us about the pilot?” Harm asked.

At that moment, the CAG walked on the bridge “I’m damn glad they sent the best JAG officer in the fleet.”

Harm grinned. “Thank you sir.”

“For a female…” Captain continued.

Harm interrupts “Female?”

The Captain and CAG looked at each other and then at the Admiral. The Admiral answered Harm’s question.

“Yes, female. I didn’t exactly tell you everything on the way. I thought you had heard about Sandman.”

“Yes Sir, but I didn’t know she was…”

“Female? Harm, she’s the first female to fly an F-14.”

“Well, someone has a grudge against her. Someone onboard my ship doesn’t think she belongs in the driver’s seat and I want to know what the hell happened,” the Captain demanded.

“That’s why we are here, Sir. Can you give us a starting point? Who was her RIO and wingman?” Harm asked.

“Captain,” came a call from the other side of the helm.

“You can start with her wingman, Boomer. I had to ground him for arrogant flying; scuttlebutt says Sandman and Boomer had words after the debriefing. Something was said and I would like to know what in the hell that was,” the CAG informed Harm.

“Admiral Boone and CDR Rabb, report to sickbay” came over the 1-MC.

“CAG if that is all for now…”

“Yes it is, dismissed.”

“Aye-aye sir!”

Harm started to follow Admiral Boone off the bridge. Harm told the Admiral that he would go find Boomer and he will meet up with him in the Ward Room in an hour.

***

Along the way to find Boomer, Grumpy ran into Harm.

“Commander Rabb?” Grumpy asked.

“Yes, Lieutenant.”

“Scuttlebutt said you were onboard and you know how fast scuttlebutt travels. I’m “Grumpy”, Sandman’s RIO. Is she going to be ok, they haven’t allowed me to see her.”

“I don’t know, I haven’t seen her yet or talked to the Corpsman. Admiral Boone is on his way to see her now. From what I understand, she will be. What can you tell me about Sandman and why “Sandman” for a call sign?”

“It’s not because she will put you to sleep during conversation that’s for sure.” Grumpy and Harm both

chuckled. “CAG authorized a change in her call sign to a more suitable one because she’s always hit her

targets. Her record is flawless, not a single miss since she earned her wings.”

“Are the two of you close?”

“Is this off the record?”

“Depends on what you have to say.”

“If you mean other than a working relationship, no Sir. We’ve treaded in that direction once, but she didn’t want anything more than friends. I still care about her. Our relationship is more like a brother and sister. I know that sounds corny sir, but that’s the only way I can explain it. She has confided in me about her life before the Navy and personal life. I can’t tell you everything sir, she’d kill me if I did.”

“I understand Lieutenant, and yes, that is off record. What else can you tell me about her? Any enemies, someone who would want to see her out of the Navy or at least not flying?”

“Yes Sir! Boomer. Boomer is a very arrogant pilot. Boomer and Sam never really got along since she reported onboard. Boomer doesn’t hide it very well that he can’t stand Sam being in the driver’s seat”.

“Sam?”

“It’s short for Samantha. Anyway, she didn’t deserve this. Nobody deserves what she got… even if it was Boomer instead of her. Sir is that all for now, I’d like to get some chow and hit the rack before next flight.”

“Yes Lieutenant that is all for now.”

Grumpy walked away and Harm headed for the sick bay. He turned to go starboard when he ran into Skates.

“Harm, are you here because of Sam?”

“Skates how are you?”

“I’m fine Harm. Now what can you tell me?”

“Yes, I’m here because of Sam. Now, it’s your turn… what can you tell me about Sam?”

“Harm, we’re only bunkmates. We do talk, but not about personal things. She pretty much keeps to herself. She’s a hell of a pilot Harm, I just hope she’s going to be ok.”

“I’m sure she will be Skates.”

***

Sickbay

“Corpsman, what’s going on?”

“Admiral she’s starting to wake up and I thought you and the Commander would like to speak to her.”

“Thank you.”

“Try to keep it short, Sir, she’s still not up to full strength yet. I’ll leave you two alone. She’s still kind of out of it from the pain meds, she may say anything.”

With a nod, Admiral Boone acknowledged the corpsman’s request.

“Admiral?” Sam asked with a faint soft voice.

“Sam, I’m here. How are you holding up?”

“I’m ok sir. With all due respect sir, what the hell happened?”

“You don’t remember?”

“No Sir, but I feel like I got ran over by an F-14.”

Sam drifted back into sleep.

***

1900 Ward Room

“Coffee, Harm?” Skates asked, extending a cup of the hot liquid.

“Hope it’s strong. Then again, after what Grumpy just told me I feel like I need something a lot stronger than coffee.”

“Harm, after flying with you I always needed something stronger. What did Grumpy tell you?”

“He had nothing bad to say about Sam.”

“How did you know her name was Sam?”

“Grumpy told me. Along with the fact that Boomer did not keep it quiet he has had a grudge against Sam since she reported onboard.”

Admiral Boone walked in and waved his hand at Harm and Skates, indicating they should remain seated.

“Was she able to tell you anything Sir?” Harm asked.

“No, her pain medication hasn’t worn off. She was able to tell me she didn’t remember what the hell happened and felt like she got ran over by a Tomcat. She’s going to make it though.”

“We haven’t gotten anywhere since we’ve been on board. I haven’t found Boomer yet. For someone who is grounded, he sure is hard to find.”

“We’ll find him. You can count on that.”

***

Wednesday 0800

Ward Room

USS Seahawk

“Admiral, Commander. I heard you were looking for me?”

“As a matter of fact we were. If I was your CAG you would have lost your wings a long time ago.” Boone told Boomer.

Harm had looked at Boomer’s flight record the night before, which was full of mistakes and Harm knew it was only a matter of time before he was permanently grounded.

“Boomer, what did you say to Sandman after your debriefing with the CAG?”

“I asked her if she was happy now that I was grounded.”

Being the sarcastic, arrogant person Boomer is Harm and Boone knew they would have problems getting answers from him. Neither one of them was pleased with the tone in Boomer’s voice.

“What happened next?” asked Harm.

“She proceeded to put me down as a pilot. Told me I was a disgrace to the uniform, didn’t think I should

even be in the driver’s seat.”

The XO found Boone and told him that Sandman was awake and fully alert.

Harm nodded to Boone to go ahead and he would finish questioning Boomer.

“How did the two of you get along after she reported onboard?”

“We didn’t exactly hit it off as two typical shipmates should if that’s what you mean Sir.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“I mean Sir, we weren’t two peas in the pod. Not all shipmates get along.”

“No, I expect not. That’s still no reason to go beating on a shipmate either.”

“Sir, if you are accusing me of beating Sandman, you are wrong. Dead wrong!” Boomer walked out.

Harm took a deep breath before leaving the wardroom for sickbay.

***

By the time Harm got to sickbay, Boone walked out.

“That bastard, I’ll throw his ass overboard.”

“Admiral, what happened?”

“Sam is awake and remembered the conversation with Boomer. He accused her of convincing the CAG to ground him. CAG didn’t need any convincing at all, he knew it was long over due. They exchanged words Harm, but it wasn’t a walk in the park.”

“Sir, we need proof that Boomer did this to her. We can’t just jump to conclusions. Boomer was obviously less than cooperative, but he didn’t admit he did it either.”

“Harm, are you telling me you actually believe that jackass?”

“No, Sir! What I do believe is that he’s incapable of doing this. Come on Sir, let’s go get some fresh air.”

***

1200

Observation Deck

Harm and Admiral Boone leaned out over the rail to enjoy a cigar.

“Admiral, what if there is someone else that has a bigger grudge against Sam.”

“What the hell are you getting at Harm? You know I don’t like to beat around the bush.”

“I mean, what if there is someone onboard the ship that feels the same way Boomer does about females in

combat. They had a bigger grudge than Boomer, over heard the conversation and used conversation to point to Boomer.”

”Harm, are you trying to tell me you think that someone other than Boomer did this to Sam?”

“It’s a possibility Sir, and one we can’t overlook.”

Just then, Grumpy walked through the hatch. “Sirs, I’ve been looking for you.”

Harm proceeded with introductions.

“What’s going on Lieutenant?” the Admiral asked.

“The Master Chief and I just found this in the kitchen close to where Sam was attacked.”

Grumpy handed Harm a towel. Wrapped in the towel was a rolling pin with some bloodstains on it. Harm told Grumpy to get that to the corpsman to run tests on it. He had to be sure that was the same thing used to knock Sam out before she was kicked a few times in the back and ribs.

***

Galley

“Master Chief, Grumpy just told us. Where exactly did you find it?”

“Over here Commander, behind the boxes under the counter. Who ever did this had enough time to stash

it.”

The Admiral seemed relieved that they were actually making progress on the investigation.

“Who would have access to the kitchen?”

“Just about anybody, Sir. After hours, some of flight crew comes in for midnight rations. Especially when they are doing night ops and miss the last dinner call.”

“Master Chief, do you know anyone who would have a grudge against Sam? Bad enough to attack her?”

“Commander, Sam has been well respected amongst the crew since she reported onboard. Boomer didn’t keep it a secret that women don’t belong in the military, let alone a fighter pilot. Since Sam has been downed, the morale onboard this ship has gone to hell in a hand basket. You know as well as I do, pilots are just about family. Family doesn’t always get along.”

With that, the Admiral and Harm proceeded back to the bridge to brief the Captain. The Master Chief had stopped them dead in their tracks remembering something.

“Commander, Admiral!” shouted the Master Chief. “I just remembered something. I don’t know how important it is, but when Sam first reported on board there was another member of the crew made a statement and sort of agrees with Boomer. Some new kid that reported onboard about a week before Sam.”

“Who was it?” Boone asked.

“I’m not sure of his name Admiral, sorry. I do know it was a mechanic. One of the first things he asked was about females onboard. There’s about a dozen of them, a few on the bridge, communications and here in the kitchen. He made it known that if he saw any of them, he would do something about it.”

While the Admiral went to see the Captain, Harm decided it was time he talked to Sam.

***

1400

Sickbay

When Harm walked into sickbay, he saw Sam for the first time. He stopped dead in his tracks, not

believing what he was seeing. Despite a few bruises on her face, he just stared at the beauty before him.

The Corpsman snapped him out of his reverie.

“Commander, did you want to talk to Sam? I need to get some chow and take a break. I can wake her for you.”

“No, that won’t be necessary, I can wake her.” Harm didn’t want to disturb the sleeping beauty.

“If you need anything Commander, I’ll be on the mess deck.”

Harm nodded to acknowledge the corpsman.

“Oh and, Commander, I ran those tests for you. The bloodstains matched Sam’s blood type. The rolling pin matches the bruise on the back of Sam’s neck. That was definitely what she was hit with. I was also able to pull the fingerprints as well. Under the microscope we’ll be able to match them. I’m no forensics expert so I won’t be able to say for sure.”

The corpsman left the room, and Harm moved the stool over next to Sam’s bed. With a bang, he hit the

cabinet near the bed and Sam rustled.

“Daddy?”

“No, I’m Commander Rabb with the JAG Corps. If you feel up to it, I need to ask you a few questions.”

“Only if you answer me one Commander.”

“Shoot.”

“That’s not a good word to use on a carrier Sir. When you walked through the hatch, why did you stop and stare at me? Haven’t you seen someone beat up before?”

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to stare. You’re just better looking than I had thought.” Harm realized what he

said and it didn’t come out right, although he really meant it.

“What I mean is, for someone who had been through what you have been, you’re in better shape than what I expected.”

Still stumbling over his words, Sam stopped him.

“Commander, are you trying to tell me I don’t look as bad as I feel?”

“Yes, I guess I am.”

“Why didn’t you say so?”

They both chuckled and Sam managed to tell him “Don’t make me laugh, it hurts too much.”

Saying that, Sam started to chuckle a little harder and toughened up through what little pain she had left, which wasn’t enough for the corpsman to keep her sedated. It was just enough where she needed to adjust herself in the bed.

Sam started to push herself up on the bed, when Harm stood up and offered to help. While Sam pushed down on the bed, Harm put his arms under Sam’s to help pull. In the process, Sam’s hand had slipped and she lost her balance. She fell backwards and pinned Harm’s arms behind her. For the first time, Sam really looked into those gorgeous eyes of his. For a moment, they just stared at each other… before anything else happened that would embarrass both of them, Sam proceeded to get comfortable again. Sam just wanted to reach out and kiss Harm she didn’t dare… at least not yet. Sam remembered her track record with men was not the greatest and she didn’t think her father and brother would ever approve of her dating another officer.

A moment after they were able to get their thoughts back to reality, the Admiral walked in.

“Sam before you say a word, do you know a Lieutenant Issacson?”

“Yes Sir, we graduated OCS together. Why?”

“Did he ever approach you in OCS?”

“You mean any derogatory remarks? Yes Sir, every chance he got. I just simply blew it off. He made it

known to a lot of females in OCS that we do not belong in the service. I haven’t seen him since graduation so I don’t even remember what he looks like.”

“Well, he sure does remember you Commander.”

“Admiral, care to fill us in?” asked Harm.

“He was the mechanic Master Chief was talking about. He reported onboard just a few days before Sam.”

“Admiral, are you saying that Boomer wasn’t the one, that it was Issacson? After the conversation with

Boomer on the ladder a few days ago, I thought for sure he was the one that attacked me.”

Harm answered for Admiral Boone “Actually it was only a theory that someone else other than Boomer held a bigger grudge against you. Bad enough to hurt you, well not you personally, just you being female is enough for him. Admiral, where is he now?”

“In the hanger bay. Let’s go!”

The Admiral walked out first and Harm turned and looked at Sam “I’ll be back.”

***

1600

Hanger Bay

“Petty Officer, where is Lieutenant Issacson?”

“Over there Sir.” Pointing to where the Lieutenant was standing just 20 feet away.

“LIEUTENANT Issacson?”

The Lieutenant turned and saw Harm and Boone walking closer and came to attention in front of them.

“Yes Sirs!”

“I’m Commander Rabb, this is Admiral Boone.”

“I know who you are Sir and why you’re here.”

“Well, then what’s your story?” the Admiral asked while giving the Lieutenant a nasty look.

“By the look on your face, I’m not about to lie to you Sir.”

“LIEUTENANT you better not. Even if you tried to weasel your way out of this, your career is still

over. All we need to do is match your fingerprints to those used on the object used to hit Commander

MacArthur on the back of the head. So, what’s your story?”

“Simple Sir. Females do not belong in the military and definitely not in combat, let alone a fighter pilot. I

actually did Boomer a favor by taking her out. I just wish we didn’t have to do a General Quarters drill.”

“You bastard!” The Admiral swung at the Lieutenant and gave him a nice black eye.

The Lieutenant turned to Harm and said he wanted to press charges of assault against Admiral Boone.

“LT, I didn’t see anything and nobody else is watching. It would be your word against his. The court

would believe an Admiral over a Lieutenant with a bad track record any day. I just wish I thought of it first.”

***

1700

Sickbay

When Harm entered sickbay to see Sam once again before returning to Washington the next day, Admiral

Boone was with her.

“Sorry Admiral, I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

“That’s ok. I was just leaving anyway. Hang tough Sam and don’t do anything I wouldn’t.” The Admiral grinned at Sam and went to get some air.

“How are you feeling Sam?”

“I’m better Commander thank you. I just wish the Corpsman would let me out of here to walk around the ship vs. staying in here.”

The Corpsman over heard as he was walking in. “You can get up and walk when you feel ready Commander. You could have asked yesterday and you would have been fine.”

“How about some fresh air?” Harm asked Sam.

“Sounds good to me.”

“Good, I’ll walk with you. Maybe we can have a conversation without getting interrupted.”

Harm helped Sam out of bed. As she stood up, she lost her balance once again and Harm had caught her from falling to the deck.

“I feel like a toddler learning how to walk again.”

“In a way you are Commander.”

“Please, call me Sam. Everyone else onboard does.”

“Ok, Sam it is.”

Not a word was spoken between Sam and Harm. Along their way above deck, the crew was telling Sam how nice it was to see her up and walking again. Not one crewmember asked how she was feeling they knew the answer just by seeing her up and about.

Sam felt good enough to go two decks up. Once they approached the top of the ladder entering the mess deck, Boomer was there.

“Sam, I’m sorry for what I said to you.”

“It’s ok, Boomer. I’m sorry for what I said about you.”

“You didn’t say anything to me.”

“No, but I sure as hell thought it.”

***

1630

Flight Deck

Harm and Sam were on the flight deck for only ten minutes when the CAG approached them.

“Sandman, what the hell are you doing? Go suit up!”

“Sir?”

“Doc gave you medical clearance to go flying. Feel up to it?”

“Yes Sir!”

Sam felt strange going to suit up to fly and leaving Harm on the deck and felt she owed Harm something.

She started to walk away and asked the CAG’s permission to take Harm for a ride. The CAG agreed as

long as Sam was the one to tell Grumpy. Sam agreed and of course Harm did as well, she didn’t know that Harm was also a pilot and he didn’t let on either.

Sam saw Grumpy on her way to suit up.

“Are you ready to get back in the saddle?”

“Grumpy! Yes, I am. I have a favor to ask you though. Would mind sitting this one out? CAG gave permission to take Commander Rabb for a ride. You know I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t important to me.”

“Go ahead, trade your RIO for a lawyer.” Grumpy told Sam jokingly.

“Thanks Grumpy, I owe you one.”

***

1930

Flight Deck

Admiral Boone was waiting on the flight deck when Sandman and Harm landed.

“So, Commander Rabb… went flying without me?”

Sam was surprised by the Admiral’s remark. “Excuse me Sir, I’m confused. I thought you were a lawyer?”

“He is, but he’ll always be a pilot first.”

“Commander, you’re a pilot? Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Yes, I’m a pilot and you didn’t ask.”

***

0800 Thursday

Flight Deck

Harm and Admiral Boone were ready to take off in the chopper to head back to Washington. He was delaying so he could say goodbye to Sam. He knew he’d see her again because she had to be in the courtroom for Lieutenant Issacson’s court martial.

Admiral Boone just looked at Harm “She’s not coming this time.”

***

0800 Thursday, two weeks later

JAG Headquarters

Harm’s office

Since Harm and Admiral Boone came back to DC from the Seahawk, Harm wasn’t himself. Every spare moment, all he could think about was Sam. Mac had a feeling something was up, but Harm wouldn’t tell her anything.

“Harm, what’s going on?”

“Mac, I keep telling you nothing is going on. I’m trying to prepare for the Issacson court martial.”

“Harm, you’ve been preparing for this court martial since you’ve been back from the Seahawk. This is your classic textbook court martial. Something is eating at you, what is it?”

Just then, Admiral Boone knocked on Harm’s door.

“Commander, Colonel sorry if I’m interrupting.”

“No Sir.” Harm replied, “We were just finishing up. Come on in and have a seat.”

“Harm, what is eating at you? Don’t think you can get away with telling me nothing. This has to do with Sam, doesn’t it?”

“Yes and no Admiral.” Harm said as he walked over to close his office door.

The Admiral has been almost like a father to Harm. Harm trying to hide something from the Admiral was out of the question.

“Harm, do you care about her?”

“About Mac? We worked together all these years we have a close working relationship. I care about her as much as two friends should.”

“I wasn’t talking about Mac. I was talking about Sam.”

“There’s just something about her Admiral, something since the first time I saw her. I can’t explain it and

sure as hell can’t put my finger on it.”

“That’s because you never told her how you feel. Don’t you think it’s about time?”

“Admiral, I just don’t know. I’m here at JAG she’s out flying. I don’t think before or after the court

martial we’d have a chance to talk.”

“You are as stubborn as your old man. Damn it, make the time. I’ll see you in court in the morning.”

With that said, the Admiral walked out of Harm’s office. Harm knew Admiral Boone was right.

Thinking out loud “When is the right time?”

“Commander, when is the right time for what?”

“Hey Bud, come on in. I was just going over the Issacson case trying to find the right time to call

Commander MacArthur to the stand.”

“Sir, you’ve been preparing for this case for two weeks now. You don’t know yet when you are calling

your witnesses?”

Harm just gave Bud a look and just before he could say another word to Bud, his phone rang. Bud left Harm’s office.

“Commander Rabb,” he answered.

It was Sam. Harm asked her to hold on and got up from his desk to shut his office door again.

Mac and Bud looked at each other and both wondered whom Harm was speaking to that he closed his office door.

“Sam, sorry to put you on hold. Too much noise outside my office door.” Harm knew it wasn’t totally true he didn’t want to be disturbed let alone have ease droppers.

“Call me Harm.”

“I’ve been preparing for the court martial. Are you worried about testifying?”

Harm interrupts Sam “You’re not bugging out on me are you?”

“You’ll be fine. If you’re not busy tonight, how about dinner?”

“Sorry Sam, tomorrow night is not good for me. I was more or less ordered by Admiral Boone to be

at his house for a cook-out would you…”

“Sam…” The phone went dead. Harm hung the phone wondering what she would have said if he was able to ask if she’d like to accompany him to Admiral Boone’s.

***

Friday 0900

JAG Headquarters

Getting a conviction on Issacson was a walk in the park for Harm. He was happy to see Sam again even though he knew she had to return to Norfolk to fly back out to the Seahawk.

Harm returned to his office and not there for just a few minutes when Sam walked in.

“Harm…”

“Sam…”

Harm was surprised that she was in his office. He thought they had said their goodbyes outside the courtroom. Harm looked outside his office door and saw the office was full, so he closed his door. Not before Mac saw Sam in his office.

“I thought you had left for Norfolk already?”

“No, not yet. Captain and the CAG gave me three weeks leave.”

“Great, you deserve it after everything you been through. I’m surprised it wasn’t sooner than this.”

”Yeah, me too. Do you think we can get together?”

“I can’t tonight Sam…”

“Yeah, you told me you were expected at Admiral Boone’s for a picnic or something. How about if I call you tomorrow so we can pick a date?”

“Sounds good. I wish I could to get out of this tonight. I can’t exactly tell the Admiral no, he’s

like a father to me.”

“I noticed that when you two were onboard the Seahawk. I’ll talk to you tomorrow if not sooner.”

Sam left Harm’s office. He wondered what she meant by that, but didn’t give it another thought. He was just happy that they would actually get some time alone together.

Harm requested the rest of the afternoon off; Admiral Chegwidden knew Harm deserved it.

“Harm, where are you going?”

“Hey Mac. The Admiral gave me the rest of the day off.”

“You seem to be back to normal.”

“Some days are better than others.”

The elevator doors closed and Mac was starting to really wonder what was going on with Harm. He always confided in her, she wondered why not this time. Since she and other JAG staff were invited to Admiral Boone’s that evening, she thought she’d get another opportunity to find out from Harm what was really going on.

***

1800

Admiral Boone’s House

“Harm, come on in. I believe you know everyone here.”

“Yes sir, just about.”

“Harm, cut the sir crap this isn’t an official function and we’re not in uniform.”

As Harm made his rounds through the Admiral’s house, he saw that A.J, Harriett, Bud, Mac, Gunny, Tiner, Sturgis and a few other friends of the Admiral’s were there that he didn’t know.

Harm took one look at Mac “Don’t start again.”

Just as she was about to make a statement, Admiral Boone stepped over and interrupted Harm and Mac.

“Harm, can I see you for a moment?”

“You’re not even here 5 min. and 10 seconds and you’re in trouble,” Mac teased.

As the Admiral and Harm walked outside, Admiral Boone asked Harm how she did that… “Her mother was Swiss.”

“So, did you talk to Sam yet?”

“No sir, not yet. Hopefully soon though, the Captain gave her three weeks leave. It will do her some good.”

“Well, maybe sooner than you think.”

All Harm could do was grin. Just then, Sam pulled up in her rental car. Harm didn’t know Sam was going to be at Admiral Boone’s but Sam knew Harm would be. Right behind Sam was her half-brother Gary.

Gary knew the get-together was for Sam. Her dinner engagement last night was with her brother. She had

told Gary about Harm, he couldn’t wait to meet him.

As Sam and Gary walked towards Admiral Boone and Harm, they had their arm around each other laughing. Harm’s heart nearly broke once again, right then and there. After Admiral Boone made introductions the four of them went inside the house.

Admiral Boone had asked for everyone’s attention so he could make an announcement. Harm wouldn’t make eye contact with Sam at first she wondered what was bothering him.

Everyone was still in conversation and didn’t hear Admiral Boone ask for everyone’s attention.

Admiral Boone knew only one way to get everyone’s attention… “Attention on deck!”

That did it the room went silent.

“I asked you all here not just for a party, but to make a special announcement as well. This is actually

a welcome home party for my daughter Samantha.”

“Dad, Sam, please.”

Harm nearly choked on his beer, he couldn’t believe what he just heard. It had hit him like a ton of

bricks that he was falling for the Admiral’s daughter. He wasn’t sure if he should be relieved or not by the

news.

As Sam was greeted, she introduced Gary to everyone, except for Harm. Sam left Gary and her father to

finish up the introductions; she noticed Harm walked outside.

“Harm, what are you doing out here? I’d like you to meet Gary.”

“I just needed some air,” Harm answered dejectedly.

“Ok Harm, what’s going on? You haven’t said more than ‘hello’ to me since I got here.”

“Can I ask you a personal question?”

“Sure, but you can bet your six I’m going to ‘red light’ you.”

“Do you love him?”

“Who, Gary?”

“Yes, Gary. Do you love him?”

Sam was doing everything she possible could not to laugh. “Of course I do. I love Gary with all my

heart…”

Harm wouldn’t let her finish “I’m happy for you Sam. He seems like a nice guy.”

“Harm, you wouldn’t let me finish. He’s my half-brother. One thing you probably already know

about my father… he’s a very private man. Gary is from Mom’s first marriage, she died when I was young. With Dad still in the service Gary practically raised me on his own.”

“Your last names are different.”

“Yes, Dad and I both thought it would be best if I changed my name and joined the Navy under my mother’s maiden name, hence the MacArthur. I didn’t want special treatment because of who my Dad was, my career is mine because of me, not because of him.”

“I feel really stupid now.”

“Why? You didn’t know that Gary was my brother or that Admiral Boone was my father. I told you, he’s a very private man. Not many people knew we were related and we wanted it that way.”

“I can respect that.”

Just then, Gary walked outside to see his little sister. Sam made her way back into the house.

“So, you’re the Commander Harmon Rabb my sister couldn’t stop talking about last night.”

“I guess so.”

“Commander…”

“Harm. Call me Harm.”

Gary continued, “Harm, I will go to any length to protect my sister. Dad will do the same. You know what kind of a person he is when you piss him off. I only came here because Sam asked me too. Dad and I don’t always see eye-to-eye, maybe we would have if I joined the Navy with Sam. I didn’t want to pursue a military career, but I never held that against my father. I sure as hell don’t hold it against Sam. I will tell you this much… as far as Dad and I are concerned; no man is good enough for Sam. At least until now.”

“What is that supposed to mean? Admiral Boone and Sam both have been saying strange things to me the past few days.”

“Flyboy, if you can’t see that Dad and I are giving you our blessing to date Sam… then love is really

blind for you. It’s not often we give our blessing before Sam says she’s seeing someone. Matter of fact,

this is the first time ever.”

Harm just hung his head down in disbelief. Gary and Admiral Boone both knew how they felt for each other. They just hadn’t admitted it to each other.

“Harm, are you ok?”

As Harm turned, it was Mac. He was hoping for Sam to walk out, but he hadn’t lost his nerve yet.

“Mac, I never been better.”

“Why, what happened?”

“Mac, there is something I need to do. Then I will tell you.”

Mac stood on the front porch wondering why all of sudden Harm wasn’t confiding in her. Before she could say another word, Harm was back in the house looking for Sam.

He heard a band playing in the back yard and proceeded out there.

Gary was a very successful singer with his own band Admiral Boone always wondered why Sam didn’t join Gary. Sam and Gary sang in the church choir together when they were growing up. Their voices were

absolutely perfect together. Gary knew that Sam wouldn’t join him near the band and he saw Harm still

trying to find Sam. Making his rounds outside, Harm was being stopped by everyone for conversation.

He walked around to the front of the house to find Mac and Sam talking. Harm was contemplating on

interrupting them or not. He decided it was best not to.

“So, Sam… are you the reason Harm hasn’t been himself since he’s been back after the investigation?”

“Mac, what do you mean by that? I know how I feel about Harm, I don’t know how he feels about me.”

“Well, that’s very obvious Sam. He’s never been like this with any woman in all the years I’ve known him. He’s always confided in me about lots of things, not this time.”

“Do I detect some jealousy?”

“Me? No, I’m not jealous. We have a good working relationship and we are only friends. Why ruin a good thing?”

“Just who are you trying to convince Mac? Me or you?”

Sam couldn’t believe what she just said. She was practically telling Mac to take Harm when she wanted

him for herself.

“There you are Sam. Gary is looking for you,” Harm said.

Sam and Harm walked away; Sam turned and asked Mac if she was coming. Mac responded with a nod. It took Mac a few minutes to collect her own thoughts, but just long enough to see that Sam and Harm had stopped walking. Mac thought they were waiting for her… as Mac bowed her head and then up again, she saw Harm and Sam kissing.

“Damn it!” Mac said loud enough for Harm and Sam to hear.

“Mac, what’s wrong? asked Harm.

“I dropped an earring. I found it!”

Mac had pretended to drop her earring, just to make her presence known. She realized how happy Harm was when Sam was around.

“Come on Marine, we’re waiting for you.” Harm told her.

As they made their way around back, the three of them were laughing. Mac needed to laugh after seeing what she just did; and didn’t let on that it had bothered her she had gotten real good at that.

“Sam!” yelled Admiral Boone.

“Yes, Dad, what is it?”

“Well, I know you would never volunteer in front of strangers… this was Gary’s idea, not mine.”

At that moment, Sam looked at her Dad with a very puzzled look on her face. The only type of music Gary played was country. Admiral Boone got used to it over the years and grew to actually enjoy it. Admiral Boone and Gary didn’t have the best father-son relationship, but when it came to Gary playing… Admiral Boone was extremely proud though he didn’t show it very much. Gary knew it though, just from the look on his face.

Admiral Boone really liked Lee Greenwood the best. Maybe because of his patriotic songs, maybe because of his deceased wife, Admiral Boone really didn’t know… he just did.

Admiral Boone gave a nod to Gary. Gary and the band started to play “The Star Spangled Banner”. This was one song Sam liked as well. Both Gary & Admiral Boone knew that Sam couldn’t just stand there and listen. It took Sam a minute to join Gary.

Harm looked at Admiral Boone “She’s amazing isn’t she?”

“That’s my daughter… full of surprises. After all these years she still surprises me; with one exception…”

“What’s that Sir?”

“Harm, go to the head and look in the mirror.”

“I guess I deserved that.”

“You bet your six you did. It only took the two of you long enough.”

“Sir?” Harm was a little puzzled.

“Harm, Sam has really gotten to you… you never acted this ignorant before. This is the first relationship

I’ve seen that started with a beating. Sorry about the pun, but it’s the truth.”

As Admiral Boone started to get himself another beer, he turned to Harm “Oh, by the way Harm… if you think you and Sam were trying to stay out of view, no way in hell.”

Harm went to sit down next to Sturgis and just listen to Sam and Gary play, sing and have a good time. Harm could just listen to Sam talk or sing all night.

“Hi there Harm! Pull up a chair.”

“Hey Sturgis!”

“She’s good isn’t she?”

“What?”

“Sam. She has a beautiful voice doesn’t she? What does she do again in the Navy?”

“Yes, she does. She flies F-14’s”.

“She’s Sandman?”

“Sturgis, how did you know? I didn’t even know Sandman was female until I got onboard the Seahawk.”

“I’m surprised that you didn’t being a pilot yourself. You of all people should have known Commander “Sam” MacArthur was “Sandman” the first female fighter pilot in the Navy. Granted her call sign will give you the wrong impression. Hell Harm, I thought everyone knew Sam was short for Samantha.”

“Are you trying to tell me how ignorant I am too?”

Sturgis and Harm just laughed… sat back and enjoyed the rest of the party.

Sam saw Harm sitting next to Sturgis; they just smiled at each other. They both knew that their private

conversation wasn’t over with yet. Sam knew one way to try to finish or at least continue it, was to walk

away from Gary.

Gary gave Sam his approval with a nod to take a break. This was a good thing, because Sam needed to use the head.

Harm saw Sam walk in the house and followed her just close enough to see her walk into the bathroom. Sam had left the door ajar; Harm looked around and followed Sam.

Sam couldn’t get the door closed behind Harm fast enough before they embraced each other again. A few

minutes had passed, when there was a knock on the door.

“Are you two done in there?” Admiral Boone asked through the door.

Harm looked at Sam “For someone who wanted us together, he sure as hell isn’t giving us the time

alone.”

They both laughed as they collected themselves. Since Sam was on leave for the next three weeks, they both knew they’d have plenty of time together.

***

0100 Saturday

Boone Residence

Harm and Sam were able to talk through out the night.

Sam had forgotten through the years that when she gets together with her brother, she has a tendency to drink too much. This was something she did not want to do, especially tonight.

Harm and Admiral Boone were standing behind Sam talking. Sam stood up, as she turned to tell her

father she was going home, she lost her balance and literally fell into Harm’s arms.

Admiral Boone wasn’t thrilled by his daughter’s behavior, but that didn’t matter. Admiral Boone and his two children were reunited and that night, that was one of the things that really mattered to Admiral Boone. Now that his daughter was home for a while, he was worried about how she was going to get back to her hotel.

“Sam, where are your keys? You’re not driving to your hotel in this condition.”

“It’s ok Daddy, I’m very capable of driving to the hotel.”

Harm, Admiral Boone or Gary would not hear of Sam driving herself in her condition.

“Dad, she needs some strong coffee.”

“No, son what she needs is a ice cold shower. Go start the shower.”

Gary ran in the house while Admiral Boone and Harm practically carried Sam in. No sooner was Sam in the shower; she started to scream.

“Yup, that did it and she’s pissed off” Admiral Boone told the boys.

“Who the hell do you think you guys are? What the hell did you want to do, give me a heart attack… putting me in a cold shower.”

Gary handed Sam a towel as she started to dry herself off, she asked Admiral Boone for some aspirin. She

couldn’t believe it; she realized the condition she was in when she looked at Harm. The only thing the

three men could do was laugh. Gary and Admiral Boone left Harm and Sam alone in the bathroom.

“Sam, are you ok?”

“Oh God, Harm I’m so sorry you had to see me like this.”

“It’s ok!”

“No, it isn’t ok with me. I feel like such an idiot, I forgot over the years not to drink when Gary and I get

together. Especially picnics at Dad’s, it’s terrible. Would you please drive me back to the hotel?”

“Where are you staying?”

“At the State Plaza Hotel.”

“Sam, that’s clear across town and it’s very late. I’ll take you to my place.”

“Are you sure?”

“It’s better than driving clear across town or letting you drive which I won’t allow.”

Sam knew with that comment Harm really did care about her. She wondered how much and if Harm would really hate her in the morning.

Harm had Gary help him get Sam to his car. Admiral Boone told Sam to leave her car here and she can pick it up sometime tomorrow. Sam gave her father a hug and they both said good night.

***

0200

Harm’s Apartment

“Wow! This is really nice for a bachelor. I bet your mother comes to clean and does your laundry for you.”

“Actually, my mother lives in California. We don’t get to see each other much.”

“Sorry. Since Dad didn’t have any… got some aspirin and coffee?”

“Sure, I’ll be right back. Have a seat.”

Before getting the aspirin for Sam, he started the coffee and found a shirt for Sam to sleep in. By the

time he returned, Sam had fallen asleep on the couch. Harm knew that the couch wasn’t exactly the most comfortable thing to sleep on; he carefully picked Sam up and carried her to his bed, gently put her down and covered her up with a quilt his mother had sent him. By doing so, he accidentally brushed her cheek with the edge of the blanket; this startled Sam just a bit. She opened her eyes just enough to see Harm standing there.

Just as Harm was walking away… “Harm?”

“Yeah Sam?”

“Where are you going?”

“I’ll sleep on the couch tonight.”

“Please don’t, at least not yet.”

“Sam, what’s wrong?”

“I don’t want to be alone again. Would you hold me, at least until I fall back to sleep?”

There was no way Harm would say no to Sam. He undressed himself down to his boxers and stretched out next to Sam.

“I feel safe when I’m with you Harm,” she said before going back to sleep.

Harm didn’t know that Sam fell back to sleep… “I’m never going to let anyone hurt you again Sam and I

will never let you go.”

Harm fell asleep with Sam in his arms. For the first time in a long time he knew everything was perfect.

From that moment on, he knew his life would never be complete with out Sam.

***

1000 Saturday Morning

Harm’s Apartment

Harm was up long enough to take his morning jog. When he returned, Sam was still sleeping. Harm started breakfast and coffee; he knew Sam would need it.

Sam started to wake up and realized Harm wasn’t in bed with her; at the same time, she realized that she was still fully clothed. Normally, any guy would try to take advantage of her in the condition she was in last night. Not Harm and at that moment, she finally realized how much Harm really cared for her. She

stayed in bed, pretended to be asleep. If a man was going to serve her breakfast in bed, she was going to

let him.

Harm walked in with the bed tray and set it down on the nightstand.

Harm sat on the bed next to Sam for a few minutes, just to watch her sleep. “Sam, Sam, Sam. Wake up!”

Sam wasn’t responding; he leaned down and kissed Sam on the lips. Sam startled Harm and responded. They embraced each other for a few minutes.

“Good Morning sunshine. Sleep well?”

“Yes, as a matter of fact I did.” Sam rolled over a little bit and saw the breakfast tray on the

nightstand. “How long have you been up? I’m usually a light sleeper, I didn’t hear you get up.”

“I’ve been up for a while. Took my morning jog and since you were still sleeping I took the liberty to

make you some breakfast.”

“Harm, I have a confession to make. I heard you when you came back. I took advantage of you serving me breakfast in bed. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. It was actually a pleasure to make you breakfast in bed. Now, why don’t you sit up; here,

lean forward and I’ll put the pillows behind you; eat your breakfast, I’m going to jump in the shower.”

“Harm?”

“Yeah Sam?”

“Thank you for last night.”

“Thanks? I didn’t do anything last night.”

“I know… that’s what I mean.”

Harm leaned down and kissed Sam on the cheek before heading to the shower.

Sam was able to see Harm’s silhouette through the glass shower and was starting to get turned on. She

contemplated on joining Harm or not; she didn’t want to spoil what was now a really good thing to her. Sam wanted Harm since she first seen him on the Seahawk and now she knew she had him all to herself. Her big question was HOW much of him did she want so soon in their relationship.

By the time Sam got up the nerve to move the breakfast table, Harm was out of the shower. ‘Damn it! Too late again… Sam why do you do this to yourself?’ she questioned.

Harm walked towards Sam moved the breakfast table and sat down on the bed; he knew something was wrong with Sam. “Sam, are you ok?”

“I’m ok Harm, just a lot on my mind at the moment.”

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“No. Yes. No. I don’t know Harm…”

“I guess you don’t…”

Sam’s eyes started to fill up with tears; as hard as she tried to hold them back she just couldn’t. Harm

grabbed Sam and brought her closer to him and just held her for a while. He was totally clueless on what

was wrong and knew Sam would eventually tell him.

Harm waited for Sam to settle down some when he put his hand on her chin and gently lifted her head.

“Sam, I can’t help you if you don’t tell me what is wrong.”

“You’re a man Harm…”

“I’m glad you noticed…” Harm was trying to get Sam to laugh and it worked, she let out a chuckle.

“What I mean is I don’t think you’d understand.”

“It’s one of those woman-to-woman things isn’t it?”

“Something like that…”

Just then there was a knock on the door. Harm was hoping it was Mac so she could talk to Sam… get some answers.

“I’ll be right back…”

Sam got out of bed and took a quick shower. When she was done, she walked into the living room and saw Bud and Harriet with baby AJ.

“Sam, I had forgot that Bud and Harriet were bringing AJ by for a few hours today.”

“That’s ok. It will give me some good practice” She looked at Harm and winked.

Harriet had put some juice in the fridge for AJ; Harm walked over to her.

“Harriet, I need a favor...”

“Sure Commander what is it?”

“Would you mind talking to Sam? Something is bugging her and she won’t tell me.”

Harriet looked at Harm and smiled “Of course!”

“Bud, change of plans…” Bud looked at Harriet shocked. “Sam, why don’t you come shopping with me, Bud can stay here with the Commander and baby AJ.”

Harm didn’t think that Sam would agree to it but she did. She needed this more than anything and Harm knew it.

***

1300 Saturday afternoon

Lincoln Park

Sam asked Harriet to stop by the hotel so Sam could pick up her things and check out. Harriet thought that she was going back to the Seahawk early. They picked up lunch and went to the park…

“Sam, how much do you care about Harm?”

“Excuse me?” Sam was shocked by Harriet’s question.

“You heard me… how much do you care about Harm?”

Sam hesitated on the answering… “More then I can imagine.”

“Why don’t you just come out and tell him how you really feel?”

“Harriet, it’s more complicated than just that. My track record with men isn’t the greatest. After last

night and this morning, I knew Harm really cared for me.”

“Did he tell you?”

“Not in so many words. I had a little too much to drink at my Dad’s last night; they wouldn’t let me

drive home. Instead of Harm coming across town to bring me back to the hotel, he took me to his place. I

was such a fool last night and I should have known better. Harm didn’t take advantage of me last night… a man that found me like that would.”

“The Commander is not like that Sam…”

“I know, I realized that this morning when I woke up and I was still fully dressed. That’s when I knew he

really cared about me. When he came back from his jog, he served me with breakfast in bed…”

“Oh, that’s so romantic. I wish Bud would do that…”

“I knew at that moment he knew I’m someone special, a human being with feelings. Men I’ve dated in the past just went out with me for one thing and one thing only…”

“Men can be such pigs…”

The girls laughed… Sam was starting to feel much better.

“Harriet… this stays between us?”

“Yes, of course.”

“I wanted Harm from the first time I’ve seen him…”

“Most woman do, he is a good looking man.”

Sam laughed… “When he was in the shower this morning, I thought about joining him or not. When I got up the nerve to make the move, he was already out.”

“Maybe it was a good thing. Bud and I didn’t make love for the first time until we were both ready.”

“How did you know?”

“It was just one of those things, the mood was right, we dated for a few months before it happened. You’ll

know it in your heart when you’re ready. By you thinking about doing it or not this morning, you

weren’t ready.”

“I guess not. Harriet, I cried on him this morning.”

“Why?”

“I don’t think I deserve Harm. My Dad and Gary both gave their blessings and that meant a lot to me. No

man has ever been good enough as far as they are concerned. For them to give a blessing before Harm and I knew there was something between us… hell must have frozen over.”

The girls laughed. Sam couldn’t believe the conversation she was having with Harriet; relieved she

wasn’t having it with Mac.

“So, what’s the story with Harm and Mac?”

“They are just friends. If you think Mac is in the way of you and Harm… think again; it’s just not true.

Harm’s odd behavior proved that already.”

“What do you mean odd behavior?”

“Admiral Boone and Harm’s father flew together during Viet Nam on the Ticonderoga…”

“’Hammer’ is Harm’s father? Why didn’t I pick up on that before?”

“Yes and how did you know? Oh, Admiral Boone is your father.” Harriet and Sam laughed.

“Dad talked about ‘Hammer’ a few times, they were as close as two pilots could ever be. Practically joined at the hip unless they were flying… even then they were each other’s wingman. Dad had told me a few years ago that he and Hammer joked about their kids one day getting married. They held our pictures next to each other and fought over who the grandkids would look like…”

“Dad and Hammer agreed that the only one good enough for their children was us. I don’t know why I didn’t put it together that Hammer was Harm’s father. I guess I was too sedated on the ship to do it.”

“Oh, that is so sweet. Almost like an arranged marriage. Anyway, Harm is head over heals about

you. Every spare moment he was daydreaming about you. He wouldn’t even tell Mac what was going on. You’re very special to the Commander… what ever you do don’t you dare let him go.”

“I won’t…”

“Oh gosh, look at the time. I’m sure Bud and Harm are wondering where we are. We better get going.”

***

1600

Harm’s Apartment

Just before Harriet and Sam reached the door to Harm’s apartment, Sam stopped Harriet…

“Thanks for listening Harriet. I’d like to do it again sometime.”

“Me too Sam.”

Sam managed to get the door open with a handful of bags.

“Here, let us help.” Harm suggested.

“I’m not going to argue!”

Harm took some bags from Sam and she followed him into his bedroom. He didn’t say anything about the

suitcases just yet. He would wait until after Bud and Harriet left.

“Sir, we need to get going…”

“Ok, Bud! I’ll see you both Monday morning.”

Sam turned to Harriet and gave her a hug “Thanks again for this afternoon. I’d like to do it again sometime.”

“Anytime you need to talk, just call.”

Harriet and Bud left. Sam started to walk into the bedroom to change clothes. Harm followed her…

“Sam, you aren’t going back to the ship so soon are you?”

“No, what gave you that idea?” She knew she just had to ask the question anyway.

“Your suitcases are here…” Harm thought Sam wasn’t totally with it yet, after last night.

“Unless you want me out on the street, I thought I could or would stay here.”

“Your father was right, you are full of surprises.” Harm grabbed Sam and gave her a hug. “Now, let’s find some place to put your things.”

Just as they were getting Sam settled in… there was another knock on the door.

“Grand Central Station!” He thought to himself.

It was Mac at the door. Harm was surprised to see her; he opened the door up so Mac could come in then she saw Sam walk out from the bedroom.

“I didn’t know you had company. Hi Sam!”

“Hi Mac. Coffee?”

“Sure I’d love some thanks.”

Harm was even more surprised… his co-worker and soon to be girl friend were actually polite to each other with no friction… unlike Renee when Mac was around. Sam wasn’t like Renee, they were two totally different people.

“I’m going to go finish up in the bedroom. You two can talk.”

Harm gave Sam a kiss on the cheek before she left the room. When he looked at Mac, he noticed that bothered her.

“Mac, listen… I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about Sam when I first came back from the Seahawk. I wasn’t sure about it myself at that time.”

“You don’t need to apologize to me. Do you love her?”

“Mac, don’t do this to yourself. You know there will never be anything between us other than friends… we’ve been down this road before.”

“I know we have. It’s just…”

“Just what Mac?”

“Nothing, it’s silly.”

“Great now I got two woman in my life… one is my best friend and the other I hope to one day possibly marry and neither one of them is telling anything.” Harm mumbled that to himself, but just loud enough for Mac to hear…

“What? Harm, you just met her and now you’re talking about marring her. Things can change you know.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Harm, I heard what you said. You said that one day you hope to possibly marry Sam. She’s really thrown you for a loop hasn’t she?”

Harm realized he didn’t keep his comments so quiet and knew Mac was somewhat insecure.

“Yes she has. Mac I don’t know what it is about Sam. Hell, I don’t know if I will ever find out… maybe

that’s a good thing.”

“Maybe it is. You just answered my question for me. Harm, I want you to be happy, I don’t want to see you get hurt again. Your track record isn’t the greatest and I’m sure Sam’s isn’t either.”

“Mac, you don’t even know Sam. How could you say such a thing?”

“Harm, she grew up with out her mother, she was raised by her brother, her father is an Admiral, and you two have two totally different careers.”

“So what are you saying? I’m grew up with out my father, raised by my mother, we are both pilots; I

just happen to be one that’s a lawyer.”

“I’m not saying that’s a bad thing. How do you know she’s the right one for you to be even thinking about marriage? You just met.”

“I don’t know Mac, I just do. From the first time I saw Sam she was the most beautiful thing I’ve seen in

a long time… even through the cuts and bruises on her face. I told you Mac, there is just something about

her and I can’t put my finger on it.”

“That still doesn’t give you the right not to tell me.”

“Mac, that’s the difference between you and I. I didn’t feel it was bothering me bad enough to talk

about it. I love Sam with all my heart.”

“Does she know that?”

“Do I know what?” Sam asked as she was walking into the kitchen.

Sam walked over to Harm and put her arm around him; Mac put her head down and decided it was her cue to leave.

“I’ll see you Monday morning Harm. Sam, it was nice to see you again.” Mac really didn’t mean that, she was trying to be nice only because of Harm.

“So, what do you want to do tonight Sam?”

“How about answering my question… do I know what?”

Harm led Sam over to the couch and she leaned against his shoulder.

“Sit up for a minute Sam, I want to tell you something…”

Sam was starting to get worried. Mac was just here, what did she say to Harm; everything was going great

until SHE was here.

“That’s good, because there are a few things I need to tell you too. You first.”

Sam thought it would be best to let Harm speak first, maybe she didn’t have to go through so much trouble of telling Harm how she felt

“Mac and I are just friends…”

“Harm, you don’t have to explain your relationship with Mac to me. I already know… Harriet told me this afternoon. Besides, Grumpy and I are just as close and he’s my RIO.”

“I kind of got used to explaining our friendship to…”

“New girl friends?”

“Yeah.”

“Harm, as long as they don’t come crawling back to you on their hands and knees other woman in your life don’t bother me. Well, ok… that and they don’t want you in bed. You’re a very good-looking, attractive man, I expected that you would have a track record… regardless of how good or bad it is.”

“Let’s say it’s not the greatest.”

“You think mine is? Believe me it isn’t. That is why I thanked you for doing ‘nothing’ last night and you’re the reason why I cried this morning…”

“Oh, you’re finally going to tell me what was wrong?”

“I guess so, as long as you don’t interrupt me again”.

“Promise!”

“Harm, it wasn’t easy for me growing up with out my mother all though Gary and Dad tried to keep a short leash on me. Last night and this morning you treated me like I was someone special and that meant a lot to me. More than you’ll ever know. I’ve never had someone treat me like before. When I said do ‘nothing’ I mean you didn’t take advantage of me. Some men would have and some men have.”

“Sam, what are you telling me?”

Sam started to cry again and Harm didn’t want to push the issue with Sam. He knew she was trying to let out a deep secret, what ever it was Sam couldn’t tell him. She got herself together again.

“Harm I’m sorry. I want to tell you, I just can’t find the words.”

“It’s ok Sam. When you’re ready you will tell me.”

“That’s just it Harm. I do want to tell you, it’s just hard to talk about it after all these years.”

“Just take your time…”

***

1800 Saturday evening

Harm’s Apartment

Sam collected her thoughts after Harm’s encouragement to take her time.

“Harm, this may take me a few minutes so please don’t say a word until I’m finished.” Harm nodded to acknowledge Sam’s request.

Sam stumbled through a choked up voice and tear filled eyes… “My father and Gary don’t even know this - it would break them to hear it. My senior year in high school, just before graduation, I was dating a guy, Tony. He was really nice at first, everything a girl wanted in a man. My friends kept telling me he was bad news, but I didn’t want to believe it. Gary had a bad feeling about the relationship, but he didn’t say a word to Dad. Anyway, Tony started to get more and more controlling and possessive. It was more of a ‘God forbidden’ thing if I broke a date with him. After the third time, Tony started to be abusive, mentally and physically. I didn’t know that Gary had ‘talked’ to Tony until a few days later. Whatever Gary told him, he was furious…”

Sam stopped to control herself and then continued…

“The night of graduation, Gary threw a party at the house for us. We were allowed to drink providing keys were left with Gary and everyone either walked home or passed out on the lawn. At the time, we were living on a farm so some of the kids went into the barn to sleep. Tony found me near the barn and grabbed my arm and pulled me around the side and out of site of everyone…”

Harm stopped her he knew it was getting very painful for Sam to continue. What little she did tell him, it

was just enough for Harm to know what happened or what possibly did.

“Sam, you don’t need to finish if you don’t want to.”

“Harm, I need to. I need to tell someone, I’ve kept this to myself all these years and it’s about time it

comes out. I want you to be the one to hear this.”

Harm gave her a hug for encouragement.

“Tony started to yell at me, push me around. He asked me if I thought that the talk from ‘big brother’ would stop him from doing what he wanted to me. I told Tony, I didn’t know what he was talking about. Every time I told Tony something he didn’t want to hear, he’d become more ‘forceful’. I got very dizzy and fell to the ground. I nearly passed out and didn’t…”

“Sam, don’t do this to yourself. You don’t have to go on. You’ve said enough to let it go.”

At that moment, Sam sat on Harm’s lap and buried her face in his neck. All Harm could do was just hold her and let her cry. He kept rubbing her back with his hand and told her “Everything will be alright.”

After about 10 minutes of Harm holding Sam, he realized she was asleep and carried her to his bed. He

didn’t dare leave her alone, not now. Harm just laid next to Sam and watched her sleep as he promised to

himself…

“You are the most precious thing in my life right now. I promise I will never hurt you or leave you. I love

you Sam and one day I will marry you.”

Now that he said it to himself, he just had to find the right moment to tell Sam. When was the right

moment? After all that she’s been through, he knew then was not a good time. He feared that Sam would

think he’s taking advantage of her vulnerability and Harm didn’t want that. He wanted to tell her sooner,

but knew she had to get her past out in the open. He knew she had to tell someone. Harm was glad that she had finally confided in him.

A few hours later Sam awoke…

“Hi flyboy!”

“Hi angel-girl!”

They looked at each other and smiled.

“Well, here we are again, in your bed and I’m still fully clothed.”

Harm just squeezed Sam. “Are you getting hungry?”

“Yeah, a little.”

“What would you like for dinner?”

“Harmon Rabb, Jr. between the sheets”.

Harm thought she was joking, but was she? He leaned down and kissed her.

“Is there more where that came from?”

Harm and Sam passionately kissed again. This time it was more meaningful to both of them than the night

before at her father’s. Harm rolled over on his back bringing Sam gently on top of him. Harm started to

fondle Sam through her clothes. She sat up to unbutton his shirt, while he unbuttoned hers.

“God Sam, you have got such a beautiful body…"

Sam leaned down and kissed Harm again. He managed to get his hands between their chests to message to most beautiful set of tits he’s ever seen. Everything started to heat up between them; they couldn’t get

enough of each other and then Sam spoke…

“Harm, please stop.” She rolled off Harm and buttoned her shirt back up.

“Sam, what’s wrong? Are you ok?”

“Harm, I’m sorry. I want this as bad as you do…”

“So, what’s the problem then?”

“I’m not ready yet. I mean, I’m ready to have a relationship with you. I’m just not ready to make love

to you. I’m sorry if I lead you on.”

“It’s ok Sam. I’m not a mind reader. I don’t know these things until you tell me. My feelings are not

hurt… just my pride.”