"Playing" by Jess

Title: Playing
Author: Jessica Schipper (aka JB McCaye)
E-mail: lcdrmccaye@yahoo.com

Rating:
Classification: Harm/Mac (what else?)

Spoilers: None
Summary: This is a sequel to When Wishes Come True

Disclaimer: I don’t own them and I might return them when I am finished then again they may get lost in the mail :)

AN: This story comes after ‘Object of Her Affection’, ‘Silent Wishes’, and ‘When Wishes Come True’ it might help if you read those first although I don’t think you will be totally lost.

This takes place in the future, but Harm never left for flying ;)

Sandy Point State Park (On the Chesapeake Bay)
1815 ZULU (1315 EST) Saturday

The fourth of July Picnic was in full swing. Sarah MacKenzie-Rabb sat on a blanket with Carolyn Chegwidden and Harriet Simms-Roberts. Mac was definitely feeling the heat of the day, being 8 1/2 months pregnant was definitely having its drawbacks. Carolyn and AJ’s 18 month old daughter, Destiny, was testing her limits, avoiding both of her parents, ‘little’ AJ was off somewhere terrorizing the girls, he had just celebrated his 5th birthday. Harriet glad for the chance to relax, while the guys were preparing the food, sat there and placed her hand on her stomach, she was just starting to show. If at all possible Bud was more excited about this second baby then he was about the first. Some latecomers were still arriving, Mac looked up and saw the beautiful blonde who had shared her wedding day walk toward her.

"Stacy, I had no idea that you were going to be here!" she said excitedly.

"Well my wonderful sister-in-law" looking at Carolyn, "insisted that I drag her brother here for the day since he was here and not off for the ‘Company’ somewhere" she said cheerfully. "I should warn you though, he called Webb, claiming ‘I am not going to be the only CIA person there’ making it almost sound like an order." Still smiling.

"Well that ought to give out husbands something to keep themselves occupied."

Just then Tom came up behind his wife and put his arms around her waist, "hey gorgeous" almost as an after thought "hey, puddin’ pie," smiling mischievously at his baby sister.

"Tom, how many times have I told you not to call me that in public?" Carolyn scolded just as playfully.

"Honey, why don’t you go over there and join the men so we can have some girl talk" Stacy suggested with just the hint of a command in it.

"Ok, ok, I get the picture, are you trying to get rid of me?"

"Yes." Stacy and Carolyn said at once.

"Fine, I’m gone maybe we can start something fun while you ladies sit here in the sun."

With that he walked off.

Same place

Tom walked up to the men in the middle of a heated argument. "Now come on you know the pilots never lose a game sooo it would almost be pointless to try again this year, but if you are in for some humiliation go right ahead." Harm was saying as he looked at Bud and the Admiral. Since they were in a non-military setting and they were all friends they did not stand on regulation.

Keeter piped up, "Well looks like we have new blood now!" looking pointedly at Tom.

"Tom, do you play volleyball?" Harm asked as he draped an arm over his shoulder prepared to talk the man into a game.

"Sure, I do, but you should know that agents don’t give in to persuasion."

"Come on it will be fun."

"Me against both of you? That hardly seems fair."

"Well we can always find you another partner."

"You do that and I just might consider it."

"Do you think that they are going to play again this year?" Carolyn asked.

"Play what?" Stacy asked.

"Volleyball!" Mac said, "It has become sort of a tradition for my husband and his best friend to thoroughly embarrass their husbands."

"That is true, AJ and Bud have not won in the 4 years since this thing started." Carolyn said.

"Only one good thing comes out of the display," Mac said, smiling.

"What?"

"They all take their shirts off to play, that can give a girl ideas. If you know what I mean?" Harriet said smiling.

"Maybe I can talk Tom into playing this year?" Stacy said, playfully.

"Who is that?" she asked as another car pulled up.

"Oh there is Kelly, her uncle will be happy to see her, and look she actually got Kevin to come to this too. It will be interesting to see how he interacts with all his superior officers." Harriet said.

"Hey we... they are your superior officers as well." Carolyn pointed out.

"Yeah and you know how long it took Bud and I to finally loosen up in situations like this. In fact he still slips and calls them sir or even you ma’am."

"True, but Tiner is only a Petty Officer."

"Kelly, I am not sure I want to spend today with your uncle, I mean He is the Admiral and my boss."

"Kevin, suck it up, he is just a teddy bear on the inside. Besides Uncle AJ practically ordered you here today, you can't back out now."

Kevin just smiled, looked around to make sure the man in question was not looking and leaned down and gave her a quick kiss. Then he grabbed her hand and they walked over to join the party.

"Hey where is the music this is supposed to be a party?" Kelly called out as they approached the guys.

"Hey squirt you go and pick something out the stereo is over there by the girls." Harm said playfully to his CO’s neice.

"Good that will mean that something good gets put on. And I will get to play with that adorable cousin of mine." She turned and gave Tiner a kiss on the cheek and then walked off to join the life of the party.

"Kelly!" Carolyn called "have a seat join the party"

"K’ where’s the music need some tunes?"

"Over there, pick out anything, we just had not gotten around to it yet"

"Oh, good eighties music" she said as she popped a CD into the player.

(Turn around)
Every now and then I get a little bit lonely and you’re never comin’ ‘round
(Turn around)
Every now and then I get a little bit tired of listening to the sound of my tears
(Turn around)
Every now and then I get a little bit nervous that the best of all the years have gone by
(Turn around)
Every now and then I get a little bit terrified and then I see the look in your eyes
(Turn around, bright eyes)
Every now and then I fall apart
(Turn around, bright eyes)
Every now and then I fall apart

"O, I love this song," someone said and soon they were all singing along. Which left the guys just looking at them like they had lost their minds.

(Turn around)
Every now and then I get a little bit restless and I dream of something wild
(Turn around)
Every now and then I get a little bit helpless and I’m lyin’ like a child in your arms
(Turn around)
Every now and then I get a little bit angry and I know I’ve got to get out and cry
(Turn around)
Every now and then I get a little bit terrified but then I see the look in your eyes
(Turn around, bright eyes)
Every now and then I fall apart
(Turn around, bright eyes)
Every now and then I fall apart

And I need you now tonight, and I need you more than ever
And if you’ll only hold me tight, we’ll be holding on forever
And we’ll only be making it right, ‘cause we’ll never be wrong
Together we can take it to the end of the line
Your love is like a shadow on me all of the time (all of the time)
I don’t know what to do and I’m always in the dark
We’re livin’ in a powder keg and givin’ off sparks

I really need you tonight
Forever’s gonna start tonight
Forever’s gonna start tonight

Once upon a time I was falling in love but now I’m only falling apart
There’s nothing I can do, a total eclipse of the heart
Once upon a time there was light in my life but now there’s only love in the dark
Nothing I can say, a total eclipse of the heart

(Turn around, bright eyes)
(Turn around, bright eyes)
(Turn around)
Every now and then I know you’ll never be the boy you wanted to be
(Turn around)
But every now and then I know you’ll always be the only boy who wanted me the way that I am
(Turn around)
Every now and then I know there’s no one in the universe as magical and wondrous as you
(Turn around)
Every now and then I know there’s nothing better, there’s nothing that I just wouldn’t do
(Turn around, bright eyes)
Every now and then I fall apart
(Turn around, bright eyes)
Every now and then I fall apart

I really need you tonight
Forever’s gonna start tonight
Forever’s gonna start tonight

(Turn around, bright eyes)
(Turn around, bright eyes, turn around)
(Ooo-oo oo-hoo)
(Ah-ha, ah-ha)
(Ah-ha, ah-ha)
(Hooo oo-hooo)

As the song came to an end they all collapsed into fits of laughter just as the next song began...

Jenny, Jenny who can I turn to
You give m something I can hold on to

Sandy Point
1845 ZULU (1345 EST)

The guys were just standing around watching the women have fun. Harm had a sudden thought, "Hey, Tiner, since you have never been to one of these before, that means that you get to play us in the volleyball game"

"Excuse me, Sir?"

"Tom will be your partner, and after lunch you guys get to have the honor of getting your sixes beat by Keeter and I."

Kevin just smiled at that and said "We’ll see about that, Sir." With that he walked over to Tom and said, "Looks like we are going to be partners in a volleyball game, but I would not worry too much. When I was in high school a couple of my buddies and I played beach volleyball all the time. And I don’t mind saying we were pretty good at it."

"This should be interesting."

Jenny, Jenny who can I turn to
You give me something I can hold on to
I know you’ll think I’m like the others before
Who saw your name and number

I need to make you mine
Jenny don’t change you number
867-5309 (867-5309)
867-5309 (867-5309)

Jenny, Jenny you’re the girl for me
You don’t know me but you make me so happy
I tried to call you before
But I lost my nerve

I tried my imagination
But I was disturbed
Jenny I’ve got you number

I need to make you mine
Jenny don’t change you number
867-5309 (867-5309)
867-5309 (867-5309)

"What kind of guy actually is interested in someone whose number they got off a wall?" Tom asked Kevin who was still standing next to him.

"I don’t know, but I know it was some angry boyfriend who put it there"

I got it (I got it), I got it
I got your number on the wall
I got it (I got it), I got it
For a good time call
Jenny don’t change your number

I need to make you mine
Jenny don’t change your number
867-5309 (867-5309)
867-5309 (867-5309)

Jenny don’t change your number
I need to make you mine
Jenny I call your number
867-5309 (867-5309)
867-5309 (867-5309)

Jenny, Jenny who can I turn to
For the price of a dime
I can always turn to you
867-5309 (867-5309)
867-5309 (867-5309)

"Alright Ladies, food is ready!" AJ yelled in his best Admiral's voice.

"Harm, get over here and help me up!!" Mac yelled at her more than willing husband.

They all sat back and enjoyed a leisurely meal, while the music continued in the background.

We belong, we belong to the light
Many times I’ve tried to tell you
Many times I’ve cried alone
Always I’m surprised how well you
Cut my feelings to the bone

Don’t want to leave you really
I’ve invested too much time
To give you up that easy
To the doubts that complicate your mind

Harm sat with his arm around Sarah’s waist, he could remember a time when he did some really mean things to his jarhead. One of them being when he just could not admit to his feelings for her. He pulled her closer to his side and whispered in her ear, "I love you, Ninja girl."

"I love you too, Flyboy." she said to him. Just then the baby decided to make its presence known, "Oh, he kicked."

"Practicing his kickboxing?"

"Just getting ready to start flight training."

We belong to the light
We belong to the thunder
We belong to the sound of the words
We’ve both fallen under
Whatever we deny or embrace
For worse or for better
We belong, we belong
We belong together

Maybe it’s a sign of weakness
When I don’t know what to say
Maybe I just wouldn’t know
What to do with my strength anyway
Have we become a habit
Do we distort the facts
Now there’s no looking forward
Now there’s no turning back

Close your eyes and try to sleep now
Close your eyes and try to dream
Clear your mind and do your best
To try and wash the palette clean
We can’t begin to know it
How much we really care
I hear your voice inside me
I see your face everywhere
Still you say...

Just then someone walked up behind the group. "Hey guys what’s up?"

"Clay you’re late!" Tom called up to him.

"Well, we… I slept in"

"Clay, it is almost 1600, that was a long slept in." Harm said smiling.

"Well, you know what happens when you stay up late."

Just then every one noticed the blonde standing next to Clay, "Casey, I did not notice you there!" Harm said loudly.

"Well that’s my job, blend into the background and all."

"Somehow I find it hard to believe that you blend in anywhere." Harm said smiling before his wife elbowed him in the side.

"Just kidding, Sarah." Harm said with a smile and a kiss for his wife.

Just then Jack came up and said, "Well, are we going to play or not?"

"Play!" Harm said.

As the men went off to claim the court the women grabbed some blankets to stack out a spot on the sidelines. There was nothing like a good round of beach volleyball to top off a wonderful day.

Webb had this look on his face, "What is going on?"

"Harm and Keeter vs. Tom and Tiner."

"Yes, different opponents for those hot shot pilots ought to give them a run for their money." Bud said standing behind his wife.

"What are you guys doing here? Go on the other side and referee since that is what you will do anyway and we want to enjoy ourselves."

"Fine, we will go over there now." AJ grumbled with a smile on his face.

"Have fun sweetheart." AJ walked over to the other side followed by Bud and Webb.

As the four got ready to play Carolyn yelled "Hey, there is something wrong."

"What?"

"You guys still have your shirts on" Kelly yelled back.

They started to comply with the order, laughing the entire time. Their girls were incorrigible.

"Hey what happened to the music?" Kelly asked. As she went to start a new CD.

Mac stopped her "Hey I have an idea" she said indicating a different CD. "Number 3." she said smiling.

Sandy Point
2104 ZULU (1604 EST)

"Are we really going to do this?" Tiner asked as the others started to remove their shirts.

"Yes, we are! It has become a tradition of sorts anyway we always play without our shirts on. Gives the girls something to talk about while we are playing." Harm replied smiling.

Just then there was a loud scream coming from the general direction of the water. All of the adults knew that that is where the children had wondered off to and at all times one or more had their eyes in that direction, just to be sure. AJ took off running at the definite sound of his daughter's crying. Followed quickly by the rest of the men, the women all having been settled on the blanket and it took them a while to get up.

"I’ll just stay here!" Mac called at the retreating backs of her friends.

When AJ reached the kids Destiny immediately raised her arms to be picked up. Looking over at ‘little’ AJ he then noticed what all of the fuss was about. The child had decided that he had found a new toy, in the form of a crab walking along the sand. He was continually following it and watching it carefully maneuver around the many objects in its way (AJ was putting them there himself).

"AJ, don’t get too close to that thing it could hurt you!" he called down to his namesake.

"But it is cool!" cried AJ.

Just then his father came up behind him, "Can I keep it Daddy, can I?" He looked up with pleading eyes that reminded Bud of his mother.

"No, AJ, you can not keep it" he said with finality. "Now why don’t you come and sit with Mommy and ‘Aunt Sarah’ and keep them company?"

"OK, Aun’ Sarah is funny," the little boy replied as he made his way, albeit haphazardly up the beach toward the blanket and his Aunt. His mother caught up with them then and picked up his hand and was walking back toward the picnic area. AJ followed them back more slowly because the little girl in his arms had fallen asleep contentedly sucking her thumb. When he reached the blanket he put the now limp child on the blanket to sleep in her mother’s lap.

"Well are we going to play or not?" Tom asked now that the children had been taken care of.

"Yes, now boys are you ready to get your sixes beat?" Keeter asked with a grin.

"We’ll just see about that” Tiner said under his breath.

Just then the music started as someone had hit play.

"Are you sure we should have it this loud? Destiny is sleeping right here." Kelly asked.

"Sure, this little terror can sleep through anything, even her father yelling at Webb" she said with a wink at Casey.

I’d say it was the right time
To walk away
When dreaming takes you nowhere
It’s time to play
Bodies working overtime
Your money don’t matter
The clock keeps ticking
When someone’s on your mind

At recognizing the song now playing everyone involved got into playing the part.

I’m moving is slow motion
Feels so good
It’s a strange anticipation
Knock, knock, knocking on wood
Bodies working overtime
Man against man
And all that ever matters
Is baby who’s ahead in the game
Funny but it’s always the same

Playing, playing with the boys
Staying, playing with the boys
After chasing sunsets
One of life’s simple joys
Is playing with the boys

Said it was the wrong thing
For me to do
I said it’s just a boys’ game
Girls play too
My heart is working overtime
In this kind of game
Someone get hurt
I’m afraid that someone is me
If you want to find me, I’ll be
Playing with the boys

Playing, playing with the boys
Staying, playing with the boys
After chasing sunsets
One of life’s simple joys
Is playing with the boys

I don’t want to be the moth around your fire
I don’t want to be obsessed by your desire
I’m ready, I’m leaving
I’ve seen enough
I’ve got to go
You play too rough

Playing, playing with the boys
Staying, playing with the boys
After chasing sunsets
One of life’s simple joys
Is playing with the boys

Sandy Point
2216 ZULU (1716 EST)

The game was an intense one. They just would not give up. It was the last game before they called it a match and what Harm and Keeter thought would be an easy three game sweep turned into a 2/2 tie and one last game. The two teams got in huddles to discuss their strategies.

Meanwhile the girls had practically screamed themselves hoarse… they were enjoying this so much.

"Gee it is nice to see someone give them a run for their money." Carolyn said smiling at Mac. Who for some reason had a strange look on her face. "Mac are you alright?"

"What? Yes I am fine. This kid is just upset about something. Probably that burger with everything on it." Mac replied.

The next game started and soon everyone was concentrating on the play going on in the sand.

Sandy Point
2250 ZULU (1750 EST)

The game was tied and both teams where becoming tired of the heat. Sand was sticking to their sweaty bodies. But they were going to finish this game…

"HARM!!" Mac yelled suddenly.

"What, Sarah?" Harm asked only half listening for the response.

"Get your six over here right now, before I have to do something drastic!"

"In a minute, honey, the game is almost over"

"NOW, Flyboy. Unless you want your child born in the sand!" She said through clenched teeth as another contraction hit her. Just then he looked over and saw the pain cross her face and all thoughts of volleyball left his mind as he raced to his wife’s side.

"Sarah, honey, I’m sorry. Lets get you to the car and get you to the hospital, OK"

She just smiled at him, there was a reprieve between contractions currently...

Hospital
2305 ZULU (1805 EST)

Harm and Mac were shown into maternity and Sarah was given a gown to change into. Her labor was not that far progressed, although she was far enough into the process for them to admit her.

"How you doing?"

"Fine, I am just having a baby. Women have been doing this for centuries and longer" She answered.

0025 ZULU (1925 EST)

"Don't ask again Harm!" Sarah ordered as she knew what was going to come out of his mouth.

"Huh?"

"Ahhhhhhhhhhhh"

"Hey, that is my hand there." Harm gripped.

"So you won't be needing it after I kill you!"

"Mac!"

"Fine, I won't kill you, but you are never touching me again!"

0254 ZULU (2154 EST)

"Congratulations. It's a girl." The doctor said as the screaming baby came into the world. "Dad, would you like the honors?" he asked.

"Yeah." Harm said a little awe struck as the doctor handed him the special scissors for cutting the cord.

After the weighing and measuring, the now quiet little girl was placed in her mother's waiting arms. Harm leaned down and kissed his wife on the forehead as she began to nurse their daughter.

0301 ZULU (2201 EST)

Harm walked out into the waiting room, where all of their friends had assembled. He broke into a smile and said, "It's a girl! Brynn Catherine Rabb. 6 pounds and 8 ounces and 19 inches long. Ten fingers, ten toes. Perfect." [AN: Brynn is an Irish name.]

"Congratulations, Son." AJ said as he came over and slapped Harm on the shoulder.

After much congratulations and exclamations of joy, Harm went back into the room that his wife and daughter had been moved to.

"Hey, flyboy."

"Hey, gorgeous."

"I am anything but gorgeous."

"Hey don't contradict me. You are gorgeous, and she is gorgeous." he said placing his hand on the small round head now resting against her mother's chest.

"Now that I won't disagree with you on."

The light banter continued until the nurse came in. "I am sorry, Mr. Rabb, but you will have to leave for the night. You can come back in the morning when they will be discharged."

"Thank you." He told the nurse. And then turned to Sarah, "And, thank you, for such a beautiful little girl. I love you."

"I love you too, Stickboy."

"'Night, Ninja girl."

"Goodnight, Harm."

And he walked out of the room and went home to spend a very restless night.

Rabb Residence
1024 ZULU (0524 EST)

Harm woke with a start. He reached over next to him, only to find the spot empty, a little disoriented at first before he remembered that Sarah and their new daughter were in the hospital waiting for him to come and visit them. He looked at the clock to see what time it was. <Sarah would know right away.> "Only 0527, visiting hours aren't 'til 0800. What am I going to do for 2 and half hours?" He just lay there on the bed thinking about his family. When he remembered. <MOM!> He sat bolt upright and picked up the phone. He knew that it was only 0229 in California but he still needed to tell his mother and he knew that when she heard what it was about then she wouldn't be mad at him. Then again she might because he waited so long to call.

A sleepy voice answered, "Hello?"

"Frank, can I talk to my mom?"

"Harm?" he paused. "Sure just let me see if she is awake."

After a few minutes, "Harm, what is it?"

"Hi, Grandma."

"Harm, I am not your Grandmo... The BABY!" she screamed into the phone.

"Yeah, she was born last night at 9:54. 6 pounds 8 ounces, 19 inches long" he said happily.

"9:54, Harm that would have been 6:54 here why did you wait till... 2:36 in the morning to call?"

"Well, Mom, I kind of was exhausted, see I was playing volleyball earlier, anyway and I feel asleep as soon as they kicked me out of the hospital, and just woke up and remembered that I had not called you."

"Well, not that that is a good excuse, but Ok. Frank and I will be out there as soon as we can to help out." she said "I know you don't need the help, but we want to do it, besides that is my grand... what did you say it was?"

"Sorry, Mom, it's a girl. Brynn Catherine Rabb."

"Oh, a girl, I always wanted a daughter to go along with you, but a granddaughter is just as good, because I can spoil her."

"Mom."

"Well, it is true, anyway we will be out there later and will call with the time we should be there."

"Use the cell number, Mom, I will more then likely be at the hospital."

"Bye, son. I love you."

"I love you, too."

Hospital
Same Time

The figure walked confidently down the hall toward her destination. She stopped outside of one of the rooms and looked through the tiny window. The occupant was asleep just like she was supposed to be. An evil smile spread across the beautiful face outside the door. She then continued down the hall.

Hospital
1253 ZULU (753 EST)

Harm walked into the lobby and headed toward the elevator. He was going to see his girls. A smile spread across his face. The two most beautiful girls in the world were his. As the elevator door opened there was a familiar face in front of him.

"Harm! What a pleasant surprise. What brings you here today?" she said smiling. Then suddenly the smile left, "You are not sick are you?"

"Jordan," he said in a monotone. "No, I am not sick." His face breaking into a smile "I was coming to see the woman I love and a most beautiful little girl."

A smile spread across her face, "Oh, really, and who might that be?" she asked sweetly.

"Sarah" he said with a look on his face that said 'Duh' "Why, who did you think it was?" he paused then "never mind" and boarded the elevator and left her in the lobby.

As he ascended the floors he thought to himself. 'What was that all about?'

As Jordan walked away from the encounter, "Just wait till you see the present that I have given you, Harm. You will leave her in a flash. I will have you back."

Sarah's Room
1301 ZULU (0801 EST)

Harm walked into the room with a strange look on his face.

"What is it, Sailor?"

"Just someone I just ran into. Nothing"

"Who?"

"Jordan. She said some pretty strange things. But hey let's not talk about her. Where is that beautiful little girl?" he said leaning down to give his wife a kiss.

"Well, I guess she is still asleep because the last time she was in here with me was at 0435 when I fed her. I will get the nurse to bring her here so you can drool."

He just smiled as she pushed the call button. Within a few minutes the nurse walked into the room. She smiled brightly and openly flirted with Harm "Can I get you something?" she asked overly sweet.

"YES. Our daughter" Mac said just a little irritated.

"Ok" she said as she walked over to Sarah and looked at her wristband and then quickly left the room without looking at Harm again.

"She is new. I can tell. Flirting with a guy who is visiting a woman who just had a baby," Mac said with a little indignation.

"Hey, she may have been flirting with me, but was I flirting back? I don't think so. I only have eyes for a very gorgeous Marine." He said as he leaned down and gave her another kiss. He picked up her hand and squeezed it.

Just then the nurse walked back empty handed. "I don't know what it is, but the baby is not in the nursery." she said almost scared because of the looks that pasted over both of their faces.

"WHAT!" Harm was very upset.

"Well, she is not there" the nurse said almost in tears. "I will be right back I am going to find the head nurse" and she quickly exited the room.

"Harm." said a very small voice.

"What is it, Sarah?"

"Our baby is missing and she is not even a day old. I lost the baby, I am a horrible mother."

"Stop it this is not your fault" he looked at her wrist ID and noticed something, and smiled, "hey, she probably was looking for the wrong name anyway. Your ID says "MacKenzie, not Rabb, she is probably nice and safe in the other room. I will go tell them to look for the other name." She brightened only slightly. He quickly left and went to the nurses' station where the younger nurse was talking to someone obviously in charge.

"It says right here that a Dr. Parker, has taken the baby for tests and should be done within the hour." The older woman was telling the younger.

"I know ma'am, I will go and tell them now."

"Don't bother" Harm said, surprisingly calm.

"Sir, you heard what she said?" the nurse asked.

"Yes, and I know something that you obviously have overlooked."

"What?" they asked in unison.

"Dr. Parker is a psychiatrist" he said stone faced. "and I am a lawyer," with that he turned and walked back into his wife's room.

Unknown Location
1426 ZULU (0926 EST)

"Shhhhhh, sweetie Momma's here. Here is your bottle. Come on, why won't you eat, it is good for you. Don't worry Daddy will be here soon. If he remembers." The last part said very quietly.

The baby continued to cry and was fast becoming hoarse from the exertion. She finally fell asleep from exhaustion.

Hospital
Sarah's Room
Same Time

Neither one of them were crying, just determined. The police had already gone to Jordan's apartment, but of course she was not there. Harm was currently pacing the length of the room listening to the detective talk about what they were doing, and how they could not do anything until she contacted them because they had no idea where she might be.

"Stop telling us things like that. Our little girl is out there with someone who is trying to get back at me. I honestly don't think she would hurt her, but you never know what will happen if her mind has snapped." Harm was trying to stay calm in the face of such inadequacy.

Just then the Admiral walked in "Any news?"

"No, Sir" Mac answered. He just nodded his head in understanding.

"Excuse me, detective, but I would like to talk to my people for a minute."

"Sure, Admiral"

"Harm, when are your Mom and Frank getting in?"

He looked at his watch, "In about an hour and half, sir."

"Alright I will have Bud go and pick them up so that you can stay here."

Harm nodded and went back to his pacing.

Unknown Location
1612 ZULU (1112 EST)

Jordan was becoming impatient, "Where is he? He should have been here by now." Just then the baby woke and began her crying anew. "Would you shut up!" she yelled, then, "Oh baby, I'm sorry. Momma did not mean to yell at you. I am just worried because Daddy is not home yet, but he will be soon don't you worry."

Unknown Location
1659 ZULU (1159 EST)

Jordan had finally gotten the child to eat something and she was once again sleeping. She took advantage of the quiet to take a shower and get ready for the eventual arrival of Harm. She knew he would remember, the question was how long would it take?

Sarah's Room
Same Time

"Harm, stop it right now! You are not accomplishing anything pacing like that" Trish ordered her son. She had arrived a few minutes earlier. "Besides you are making Sarah more nervous."

Harm sat forlornly in the chair beside his wife, "Mom, I can't just stay here while my little girl is out there. I have to get her back."

"Harm, that is what she wants. You to go after her. In her mind she is getting you back this way. By taking, in her mind, the one thing that is keeping you with me." Sarah said quietly.

Harm picked up her hand and kissed the back. "I know, believe me, I know. But this is Brynn out there with her. She is our little girl. How can I not try and get her back and protect her?"

The two women looked on the man and son that they loved so much and knew there was nothing they could do for the inner struggle that was going on.

Sarah's Room
1800 ZULU (1300 EST)

Harm shot out of the chair and went to the door.

"Harm, where are you going?"

"I will be back," he said as he walked back over and kissed her lightly on the mouth, "hopefully with our daughter." He said as he left the room.

Unknown location
1923 ZULU (1423 EST)

Jordan had fallen asleep on the couch curled up in the corner. Brynn was still asleep in the crib that she had purchased just for this purpose. Her long white negligee was shimmering in the candle light from the candles scattered around the room. She suddenly jerked upright upon hearing a noise outside of the building. It was not a car as she would have expected, but there was definitely someone there...

Outside the Cabin
Virginia Woods
1931 ZULU (1431 EST)

Harm came quietly up to the building that he had only just remembered. Jordan had once mentioned that this would be the perfect place for them to get away from it all after their first baby was born. Even then she was so determined to have him. He never paid much attention to things like that, knowing deep inside that it would not last. For once he was glad that he heard something she said.

He had been to this place once before, for a romantic weekend. The weekend never happened as almost immediately after they had arrived his cell phone rang and he was needed to help Mac solve some new high profile, highly dangerous case. But that was years ago and he was lucky that he remembered.

Suddenly the quiet was shattered by the high pitched crying of a baby, one that had done a lot of crying recently for the voice was very hoarse. When he heard this Harm saw red. <How could she do this to that little girl? My little girl?>

Inside

Jordan paced around the small common room, waiting for him to show up. Whatever had woken her up was certainly not there anymore. Just then the baby woke up and started in on her crying. Jordan rushed over to comfort the little girl but nothing seemed to work. She even sang a lullaby [AN: badly] which seemed to make her scream louder. Just then there was a knock at the door.

Outside

Harm just listened for a few minutes. He could hear Jordan's voice singing, which made the child cry even harder. He could think of nothing better to do so he simply went up to the door and knocked.

Inside

Jordan cautiously approached the door. Something had caused the little girl in her arms to stop crying, but Jordan was too focused on the door. She slowly opened the door and there stood the man of her dreams with a smile on his face. As soon as the door was opened all he could do was smile when he saw his little girl. She appeared to be all right, but that could change at any minute. He looked at the woman holding the baby and his smile wavered some, although Jordan did not seem to notice.

"Look sweetie daddy is home." she whispered to the bundle in her arms. Harm inwardly cringed.

"Jordan, sorry I am late, but you know." he trailed off trying to figure out what was going on in her head.

"It is fine, she has been cranky today. And I can't get her to eat. Do you think something is wrong with her." She said handing the baby to Harm.

"Well, it sounds like she may have something wrong, maybe we should get her to a hospital and find out?" trying to get the baby out of the country and back where she belongs.

"Do you really think so? I am a doctor and I can't find anything wrong with her, but then I can't run any sort of tests here."

"Jordan don't stress yourself out. You are not a pediatrician so you can hardly be expected to discover some childhood disease that may or may not be present." Harm said soothingly.

"You're right. Let me go get changed and then we can leave. You do have the child seat still in your car?"

"Don't I always?"

She smiled and walked out of the room. Harm held his small daughter closer and kissed her head. She was asleep again. <Probably wore herself out with all that crying.> he thought. All he wanted was to get her back to the hospital and give her to his Sarah. <She is probably worried sick.>

Jordan walked out in tight fitting jeans and a shirt and walked over and kissed Harm on the cheek.

"All ready." She announced and walked out of the cabin. Harm followed, feeling disgusted with himself for following along with her delusion. [AN: this was disgusting to write]

They walked the short distance to his car. And Harm quickly put the little girl in the seat. He moved behind the wheel and took off toward home. <Only a little longer and this will all be over.>

Harm's Car
En Route to Hospital
2013 ZULU (1513 EST)

"Harm, can you please slow down. I don't want to be in an accident with Blanche Alfreida in the car." Jordan practically ordered. [AN: thanks to Sharon and Barb for the name suggestions, and everyone whose ideas I did not use. And poor Liza with reference to the golddigging B****]

Harm cringed at the name that Jordan had just called Brynn. "I thought we wanted to get her to the hospital so that we could determine why she won't eat?"

"We do, just not so she can be in the emergency room instead of the pediatricians."

"Alright" he said as he eased off the accelerator a bit. "I see you finally made a decision on a name. I thought we had picked Brynn as a name"

"Well that was too Celtic for my taste so I named her after my grandmothers" she said with a smile.

Harm just sighed, and pressed his foot to the floor.

Sarah's Room
2021 ZULU (1521 EST)

"Where on earth can he be?" Mac was getting worried.

"Well if I know my son, he is trying to find your little girl. I for one can hardly wait to hold her."

"I can't wait till I hold her again."

Hospital
Outside
2054 ZULU (1554 EST)

"Harm I can't believe you drove like that with our daughter in the car!" then she looked up.

"What are we doing here? We can't come here they will know what I did!" she sounded panicked.

"What you did?"

"Oh nothing just something from a long time ago" she smiled sweetly.

"Okay, then lets go in" He said as he got out of the car. Before he could walk around to the other side, Jordan had gotten out and was now holding Brynn in her arms like she had the right to. Brynn was screaming again, her voice sounding even worse, as they walked into the building. <Soon sweetheart, you will be back with your momma.> Harm thought.

They got into the elevator and went up to maternity, Jordan not even noticing how anxious Harm was getting the closer they got to the showdown. <I just have to figure out a way to get Brynn away from her, but how?>

Jordan stepped out of the elevator followed by Harm. "This way, Jordan" he tried to get it over with.

"No, Harm I believe it is this way," pointing in the other direction.

"Jordan, they have moved some things around since you stopped working here." He said calmly.

"Oh, you're right." and they turned and went in the direction of Sarah's room.

Outside Sarah's Room
2104 ZULU (1604 EST)

"Harm what is this?" Jordan asked starting to panic.

"Just something that I have been wanting to do ever since I saw you again this morning." Just before he ushered her into the room. Three startled faces turned to look at the new arrivals.

"Harm." Trish got up and embraced her son.

"Mom."

"Mom? How come I never met your mom?" Jordan asked in a small voice.

"We were never that serious." he came back quickly.

"Never serious! We have a daughter together. How dare you do that to Blanche. She needs her father!"

"Blanche?" Mac asked disgusted. "My daughters name is Brynn!" she was nearly yelling now. She got out of the bed she had been lying in and walked over to Jordan.

"Your daughter? What do I care about your daughter?" Jordan asked confused. "This is my daughter Blanche Alfreida, Harm's and mine."

"Well, I beg to differ with you." Mac had entered full Marine mode. The one where you just got out of her way. And Harm let her at Jordan. "You came in this hospital last night and took her away from her family, and now you have the nerve to call her your own?"

"What are you talking about? Harm I think your partner is delusional." she said in her best psychiatrist's voice. [AN: hehehe I am the one who is delusional]

"Me delusional? Jordan, you are the one who has lost her mind." Mac scoffed.

"Harm, lets go!" Jordan said as she turned to leave.

"No." he said as he grabbed her by her free arm. "Give me the baby."

Jordan almost complied, but then, "No, I want her next to my heart." Just then Brynn let out a painful cry like someone was squeezing her too hard.

Sarah's face fell all she wanted to do is reach out and comfort her little girl.

"Jordan, give me Brynn!"

"Her name is Blanche."

"Jordan, you know that that is not your baby so why don't you give her to me?" He tried it this time with a little more tact.

Sometime ago Frank had slipped out of the room and called the police who were just showing up.

"Harm, how could you say that to me?"

"Easy, Jordan, very easily." he said with a trace of annoyance.

"Excuse me, ma'am, but you are going to have to put the baby down." an officer said to Jordan.

"Why?"

"You have a right to remain silent..."

"I am being arrested!"

"Yes, Jordan, you are."

"Well, Harm honey, it is a good thing you are a lawyer because now we can get the police for wrongful arrest."

"Jordan, there is nothing wrong with this arrest."

"What am I charged with?"

"Kidnapping, and taking a minor across state borders."

"How can you kidnap your own daughter?"

"She is not your daughter, ma'am." the officer said plainly.

"Harm, tell this man that he has made a mistake."

"No." he said as he reached out and took the now hoarse baby out of Jordan's arms and walked over to Sarah and handed her the baby. Upon hearing her mother's soothing voice Brynn stopped her crying almost immediately and turned her head to be fed. She was hungry.

"Sorry, angel, but that will have to wait till a few of these people leave the room." She said smiling.

Harm put his arm around her shoulders and leaned down and kissed her on the head.

Jordan, having seen this, screamed, "NOOOO!!" just before the police had to drag her out of the hospital and down to the waiting patrol car.

Rabb Residence
A few days later
1026 ZULU (0526 EST)

The quiet was shattered by a cry. Sarah rolled over and started to get out of bed, when a hand stopped her. "I'll go get her, you stay here."

"Thanks, Harm." she mumbled.

Harm padded over to the bassinet and picked up the crying baby. "Oh, you need your diaper changed, don't you?" he asked the uncomprehending child. He quickly changed her and brought her back to the bed and handed her to his wife.

"Hey!" she exclaimed as the little one latched onto her breast. "She is always hungry." Mac said reverently as she fed the little girl.

"Just like her mother."

Courtroom
1 month later
1610 ZULU (1110 EST)

"Have the members reached a verdict?"

"Yes we have, Sir."

"How do you find the defendant?"

"Guilty on all charges."

"Court will reconvene tomorrow at 0900 for sentencing. Court is dismissed." With that the Judge banged his gavel.

Jordan sat in her chair stunned, they had actually found her guilty of kidnapping her own child. She still thought of her as that.

A few rows back behind the prosecuting table Harm sat with a satisfied smile on his face. He got up and walked out of the room. He would find Bud later to thank him.

Mattoni walked up to Harm as he left the courtroom. "Rabb."

"Yeah?"

"I just wanted to tell you that this was one case that I did not mind losing."

"Thanks man." Harm said and walked away and went to find a phone so he could tell his wife the good news.

Courtroom
The Next Day
1432 ZULU (0932 EST)

"Jordan Parker, you are sentenced to be dishonorably discharged and 15 years in the brig, with no possibility of parole." [AN: my story, my ideas, no disrespect for law but I don't know the standards here so I made it up. I was going to sentence her to life in the Asylum with nothing but furbies for company but I wanted it to be as realistic as possible.]

"Aren't you going to say something?" Jordan asked Alan.

"Why? There is nothing more to say."

"We can appeal right?"

"If you appeal, get another lawyer." He said as he walked away.

Rabb Residence
2232 ZULU (1732 EST)

Harm walked into the living room and stopped short. There were candles all around. "Mac?" he asked questioningly.

There was no answer. Suddenly the door opened behind him. "Oh, I was hoping to be back before you get home." A voice said as arms came around his waist.

"Back from where?"

"Dropping off Brynn with Harriet."

"Why did you drop her off?" he asked stupidly.

"Because I wanted to spend some time with my sexy husband, that's why."

"Oh." he said as he bent down to kiss her. When she pulled away he had a funny look on his face.

She picked up the remote for the stereo and hit a button. Suddenly, music filled the room.

"Dance with me, Sailor?" she whispered seductively.

"Yes, Ma'am." he said as they began to sway to the music.

~~I'll be you dream, I'll be your wish, I'll be your fantasy
I'll be your hope, I'll be your love, Be everything that you need
I love you more with every breath truly madly deeply do..
I will be strong I will be faithful 'cos I'm counting on A new beginning.
A reason for living. A deeper meaning.

I want to stand with you on a mountain.
I want to bathe with you in the sea.
I want to lay like this forever,
Until the sky falls down on me.

And when the stars are shining brightly in the velvet sky,
I'll make a wish, send it to heaven, then make you want to cry.
The tears of joy for all the pleasure and the certainty.
That we're surrounded by the comfort and protection of...
The highest power. In lonely hours. The tears devour you.

I want to stand with you on a mountain.
I want to bathe with you in the sea.
I want to lay like this forever,
Until the sky falls down on me.

Oh can't you see it baby?
You don't have to close your eyes 'cos it's standing right before you
All that you need will surely come.

I'll be you dream, I'll be your wish, I'll be your fantasy
I'll be your hope, I'll be your love, Be everything that you need
I love you more with every breath truly madly deeply do..

I want to stand with you on a mountain.
I want to bathe with you in the sea.
I want to lay like this forever,
Until the sky falls down on me.

I want to stand with you on a mountain.~~

"What's the matter, Sailor?"

"Nothing.just happy I guess."

"You're crying because you are happy?'

"Yes."

"Well, wonders never cease." She smiled as he bent down and kissed her.

"I love you, Ninja Girl."

"I love you, Flyboy."

The End

Song Credits:

'Total Eclipse of the Heart' --Bonnie Tyler
'867-5309 (Jenny)' --Tommy Tutone
'We Belong' --Pat Benatar
'Playing With the Boys' --Kenny Logins
'Truly, Madly, Deeply' --Savage Garden