Title: Moving On
Author: Anaika Skywalker
Author's Email: lindsay30austarnet.com.au
Rating: PG13
Disclaimer: I don't own JAG; I just like to spread my wings occasionally.
Author's Note: This is the last chapter of Moving On. I've enjoyed writing it but it was time to finish it. Thank you to the following people who took the time to review the previous chapter:
T: Thanks for thinking I'd done an awesome job, the last chapter wasn't easy to write.
MsJonyReb: I'd debated over how Kat should handle Scott's death; in the end I just put myself in her shoes and thought how I would handle it. I'm glad it worked out. As for the line from Top Gun, I always thought that line was the best in the move and it fit so well into the story. Thank you.
Mary Kate113: Well you'll just have to keep reading to find out what's going to happen. I'm glad you enjoyed the last chapter.
TomcatGM: I'm trying as many of the loose ends up as I can before it ends.
Sann3187: I tried hard to put a lot of emotion into the last couple of chapters and put across what the characters were feeling, losing someone close to you isn't easy especially when you don't get to say goodbye.
Winjan: I was thinking of finishing it at that chapter, but then changed my mind, but it is coming to an end. I know I keep saying that but this time it is.
Marianne Valentine: I would have been keelhauled if I'd killed Harm off, so I thought better of it.
JAGirl: Thanks for reviewing; it was a hard decision deciding who was going to die in the story. But one thing I knew was I couldn't kill Harm.
Moving OnChapter Twenty-four: Goodbye, farewell and amen
The one thing Katherine had always loved was the feel of the sea breeze against her face, the chill that eloped around her body making her hug into her flight jacket. Escaping to the fantail had been something she'd been doing since her first cruise; it gave her time to think to be alone on the near floating city. It wasn't a long cruise, two weeks at the most then they were back home. But funny enough, she'd always felt the most at home on the aircraft carrier she was serving on. Even now she had Sergei to return home to, home would still be the sea.
The hatch behind her opened, her new RIO came out, shutting the hatch before joining her at the rail. Before RIO school had given him a change of career, Jamie Evans had been a communications officer. A flight in the backseat of a Tomcat had changed his life and he'd applied to RIO school, being accepted. He'd never expected to be given the change to fly with the Tyco Tigers or Lt. Commander O'Reilly. He felt honored to be there and her RIO.
Katherine took a deep breath and let it out slowly, the dark green bandana that covered her still short head of hair, kept the chill from it and covered the scar from the surgery that was now almost invisible because of her growing hair. A small smile ease onto her lips, she liked Evans, he was better then a lot of Rookie's she'd known. He and the Cag's RIO had fitted in with the other Tyco Tigers right from the moment they'd arrived.
"It's a nice night, Ma'am."
That was one thing she was going to have to break him off. "Kelso, how many times have I told you to call me Phantom?"
"More then you should have to," he said with a smirk, a twinkle to his chocolate brown eyes.
She chuckled and turned leaning against the rail, crossing her arms against her chest. "So who sent you out here, the Cag or my dear half brother, who is suppose to be working with Lieutenant Stephens, not checking up on me?"
"Both, actually," he answered with a grin. "They're just worried about you."
"I'm fine," she uncrossed her arms. "It's just hard convincing them I'm fine."
Jamie stared out at the ocean. "You will," he said gently. "Give them time."
Nodding, Katherine turned back. Gripping the rail again. "The Cag knows what it's like to lose a RIO, early in his career he lost his RIO in a ramp strike. Piper was more then just my RIO, he was my friend, my family. We spent leave time together; when his daughter Sally was born, he and I went out and wet the baby's head. He was always there for me and I was always there for him. In the end he sacrificed everything for me, giving his life so I'd live, even when he had so much to live for."
"Maybe he loved you enough to know you had so much to live for too," Jamie suggested gently. "And maybe he knew it was his time."
With tears in her eyes, she smiled. "You're right, I know that."
He smiled back. "I hope one day we'll have the same friendship you shared with Lt. McGregor."
"I think we will, Kelso," she put her hand on his shoulder. "Come on, let's go get a cup of coffee."
"Sounds good. It's damn cold out here," he noted bluntly.
Katherine chuckled and they walked back inside, going to the wardroom. Getting a cup of coffee they sat down.
"Have the Tyco Tigers always been deployed to the Ticonderoga?" Jamie asked her.
"No we were on the Enterprise, when the Tyco was commissioned they transferred us to her," she informed. "The Cag's father flew off the first Ticonderoga during the Vietnam War, he was a Tyco Tiger too. So for the Cag, being able to serve on her successor is an honor for him."
The Cag's new RIO, Lt. Mara Winslow – Willow, came over to them. "Can I join you Ma'am, Lieutenant?"
"Sure Willow and stop calling me Ma'am, Phantom will do." Katherine insisted.
Mara grinned and sat down, she was a willowy blond, who by no means a dumb blond. She'd been top of her class at RIO school, before that she'd been a crypto officer. "So have we bonded?" She asked with a sly grin, teasing Jamie.
He groaned, rolling his eyes. "I have you bonded with the Cag."
"Hon I'd love to bond with the Cag, but he's married," she tormented back quickly.
Katherine laughed. "To a kick ass Marine Colonel," she added and they all laughed.
Captain Rabb and Commander Taylor came into the wardroom, laughing over something, both were in flight suites. Despite the fact Josh was suppose to be helping out Lt. Stephens, the carrier JAG, he seemed to be spending more time in the cockpit of an F-14. Grabbing a cup of coffee, they joined them.
"Hey little sister," Josh taunted.
"Hey big brother," she through right back. Then glanced at the Cag. "And big brother."
Harm chuckled. "Little sister. Heard from little brother?"
"I have," she smirked, grinning.
Jamie shook his head. "I'm never going to get use to this."
"You will," the Cag stated.
"So Phantom's fiancé is really your brother?" Mara asked curiosity laced her blue eyes.
"Half brother," he answered. "And a Marine."
"Glutton for punishment," Josh smirked.
Katherine rolled her eyes. "He has gold wings also, that gives him bonus points."
"So is he as cute as the Cag?" Mara asked, and then realized she'd said it out loud, blushing. "Sorry sir."
Harm chuckled. "Accepted. Answer the question Phantom."
"Oh yeah, they share that flyboy grin," Katherine answered her. "And he's a damn good lawyer."
"Well it was about time he finished that law degree," the Cag said firmly. "OCS just gave him the chance."
"He'll probably end up with a reputation as large as yours Cag," Josh noted.
"God I hope not."
They all laughed, getting quiet a few looks from others in the wardroom, not that they cared. The two RIO's decided to call it a night, leaving the three officers to chat.
Katherine played with her coffee cup. "I can't believe Admiral Chegwidden is retiring."
"Neither can I," Harm agreed. "I always though he'd be there."
"So did I." Josh agreed.
"Do you know who's taking over as JAG?" His sister asked him.
He shook his head. "Not yet, but I'm glad Admiral Chegwidden was able to do Bud's promotion."
"I'm sorry we missed it," Harm said, and he was. "He deserves it though, after all he's been through."
"The office won't be the same without Harriet, it's like the family is breaking up."
"Nothing stays the same Josh," Katherine declared bluntly. "And Harriet will have her hands full with the boys and twins."
"Yeah I know."
Harm shot a quick glance at the Tyco Tigers' XO, she arched an eyebrow at him, but didn't say anything. "I have a meeting with the Skipper, so I'll see you both at the briefing at oh one hundred. That is if you're joining us, Wraith."
"I wouldn't miss it Cag," he said forcing a smile.
"Of course you wouldn't," he mused, and then stood. "Get some rest." Both rolled their eyes at him, making him chuckle. "That's an order."
"Aye sir," both chimed, grinning.
Shaking his head, Harm left heading for the bridge.
Captain Garrett was waiting for him. "Captain."
"Sir."
"So how are the Tigers tonight?"
Harm smiled. "You mean how is Phantom?"
Garrett chuckled. "All right, so how is Phantom?"
"Fine, she's getting on well with Lt. Evans." Harm reported.
"Good and how are you getting on with Lt. Winslow?" The Skipper inquired, as he looked out over the flight deck.
"Just fine, Skipper."
"Good," he turned to Rabb. "Lets go over the mornings exercise then."
"Yes sir."
"XO, you have the bridge," the Skipper announced.
"Aye sir."
Garrett and Rabb left the bridge, the Captain had Ensign Masters set up the conference room then stand watch outside. The young man nodded to the two offices as they went in.
"I want you and Phantom to be the aggressors in this exercise," the Skipper announced. "And don't go easy on them."
"We won't." Harm informed.
They went over the entire exercise, discussing what was expected.
Garrett lent back in his chair. "I was talking to Admiral Janus, the CO at Fallon. He told me he offered O'Reilly an instructors position."
"He told me that too," Harm divulged. "After he offered me a position too."
The Skipper arched an eyebrow. "So am I losing you and Phantom?"
"I haven't decided yet and I don't think Kat has either."
"There's something you're not telling me, Harm."
The Cag hesitated. "I've been considering it?"
"Oh?"
"Sarah and I have been thinking it's time for a change, for us to move on."
Garrett sat forward, reading between the lines. "Does this have to do with the court case involving Mattie?"
Harm nodded. "She and her dad talked, he told her the truth about her mothers death. She went back to live with him, he's sober and is managing the business."
"Managing? Doesn't Mattie own it?"
Shaking his head, Harm sat forward. "Because of some bad decisions her dad made, they were about to lose it."
"So you bought it and have her father managing it?" The Skipper guessed.
"No, Kat and I bought it together. Now it's Rabb Aviation."
Garrett smiled. "Why am I not surprised?"
Harm gave him one of his famous flyboy smiles. "Mattie will always be a part of my family and Kat is."
Garrett also sat forward. "So how many people know about that secret?"
"Not many, no one in the squadron does."
Sighing he glanced at his watch. "It's late, we both need some rest," they both stood and left the room. "Ensign take everything back to my office, then turn in for the night."
"Yes sir," he acknowledged, and then slipped into the conference room.
The Skipper walked with Rabb. "You still haven't answered my question?"
Harm shrugged. "As I said, I'm considering it."
Garrett let it drop. "Very well, get some rest Cag."
"Aye sir."
As the Cag walked away from him, Captain Garrett had a feeling he was going to lose both Rabb's.
Captain Garrett walked with a heavy heart towards the ready room; he always hated delivering this type of news. This time it was twice as bad. The Tyco Tigers were getting ready to go on their last hope before heading back to Norfolk, they were laughing and joking with the Cag, as they were getting ready. All snapped too as the Skipper came in. "At ease," he ordered. "Captain Rabb, Lt. Commander O'Reilly, a moment please."Both handed their helmets to their RIO's and went over to the Skipper. "Sir."
Garrett hesitated. "Harm, Kat," he stopped. This wasn't going to be easy. "There was an accident just outside of Norfolk, a SUV was hit by a oncoming truck. Both occupants were killed instantly." He paused again. "Those killed were Colonel Sarah Rabb and Lieutenant Sergei Rabb."
Katherine felt the blood drain from her face. Sergei was dead. Her Sergei. The man she was going to spend the rest of her life with, the man she loved. "Oh God," she turned to Harm. He looked just pal. "Cag. Harm."
He looked at her blankly, and then drew her into his arms. Tears streaming down his face. His Sarah. His lovely Sarah was gone. They'd only had a year together as man and wife. She'd never get to see Ashley grow up, to become a man. He held tightly to his sister-in-law. God, she and Sergei hadn't even had a chance to start their life. No one other then their families knew they got married.
Garrett grabbed the Cag as his legs gave out on him; Katherine helped him get Harm to a chair and sat beside him. The rest of the Tyco Tigers were concerned. "The Cod leaves in an twenty minutes, your both on it. Commander Taylor is going to be waiting for you at Andrews."
"Skipper, my son?" Harm asked him.
"He wasn't in the car, Harm. The Colonel left Ashley with Lt. Sims and her husband." Garrett reassured him, he looked up, glancing around for who he wanted. "Braxton?"
Hayden Braxton came over to them. "Skipper."
"Until further notice you're taking over as Cag, Lt. Winslow will fly back seat for you. Lt. Evans will fly back seat for Lt. Wills."
"Aye sir."
"This hope is cancelled, you'll be escorting the Cod to Andrews then going onto Norfolk. Douglas help O'Reilly back to her stateroom to change."
"Yes sir," Maggie was instantly at Katherine's side.
"Sir, what happened?" Braxton asked.
He looked at Harm, who nodded, as did Katherine. Addressing the squad. "Colonel Sarah Rabb and Lieutenant Sergei Rabb were killed in a car accident this morning." Silence settled over the room. "That'll be all. Lieutenant Douglas, if you will."
"Aye sir," Maggie helped Katherine to her feet, the two women going to the lockers to get out of their flight gear.
Major Leslie came into the squad room; he'd heard from Ensign Masters what had happened, who'd told him to report to the ready room.
Garrett gestured him over. "Get the Cag to his stateroom to change."
"Yes sir."
Once Harm had removed his flight gear, he left with the Marine, O'Reilly and Douglas were all ready gone.
The Skipper addressed the Tyco Tigers again. "Lt. Commander O'Reilly was going to inform you all when you returned to Norfolk, that before you came on this cruise. She and Lt. Rabb were married; they were going to renew their vows along with Captain Rabb and his wife, which you were all going to be invited. I'm sure Commander Taylor will keep you informed of when the funeral will be."
"Is there anything we can do, Skipper?" Hayden asked.
"Just be their friends," he answered, and then left.
Harm woke in a cold sweat, his heart pounding. Sitting up he realized he was in his stateroom, swinging his legs off the bunk he ran his fingers through his hair. Damn it was just a dream. Glancing at his wristwatch he found it was oh five hundred. He wasn't due to get up for another half an hour. Knowing he wasn't going to be able to get back to sleep he got up and took a shower, the advantages of being the Cag was he got his own head. Once he'd showered, cleaned his teeth and shaved, he dressed and headed for the wardroom for a coffee. It was too early to ring Sarah right away, he would have to do it later and tell her not to drive to Norfolk. He would get a lift back with O'Reilly.
He found Katherine O'Reilly in the wardroom having a cup of coffee, getting a coffee he sat with her. "Morning."
"Morning Cag, your up early." Katherine greeted.
"Bad night," he declared. "What are you doing up so early?"
"I went jogging," she answered. "I think better when I do."
"So you've made your decision?" Harm asked her.
"No, I've just been thinking long and hard about it though," she played with her cup. "I want to talk to Sergei before I make any decisions. I know Admiral Janus said there was a position at the JAG office at Fallon for him, but it's still a decision we both have to make together."
Harm sat back. "I've been thinking lengthily about it too. Sarah has a good position at JAG at the moment."
"But is it what you want, Cag?" She asked him. "You enjoy being with the squadron, being the Cag."
"I know, but I want to be at home with Sarah and Ashley," he ran his finger along the edge of his cup. "I don't want Ashley to grow up with a part time father, I want to be there for him and for any other children we have."
"Then take it, you'll still be flying."
"I'm thinking about it," he admitted, and then asked her. "Can I get a lift home with you when we get back?"
"Sure, but I thought the Colonel was driving to Norfolk to pick you up. Sergei was going to get a lift with her and drive back with me."
"I'm going to call her and tell her not to."
"Okay then," she agreed, she didn't ask why. She could see it on his face he didn't want to discuss it. " Cag, have you thought about going back to JAG, to being a lawyer."
"Once or twice, but I don't belong there any more. What about you, though about being a lawyer instead of an aviator?"
Katherine smiled. "I'll always be an aviator, Hammer. So will you, no matter what you do," she said matter-of-factly.
"Thanks Phantom."
"No problem," she stood. "For what it's worth sir, I'd serve with you whether you were Cag or the JAG."
Harm chuckled. "I could just see them making a former aviator, former JAG lawyer, former spook, who became Cag, the Judge Advocate General."
"You never know sir," she said lightly. Then walked out.
Harm chuckled. He finished his coffee and then headed for his office, requesting a line to the mainland. His call was put through.
A sleepy voice answered the phone. "Colonel Rabb."
"Morning sweet thing."
"Morning flyboy."
"How's my lovely wife?"
"Mmm, good. Ashley slept through the night and is still asleep."
"Then stay in bed, Kat is going to give me a lift home."
"Are you sure?"
"I'm sure."
"I'll give Sergei a ring then and let him know."
"Do that, but stay in bed for a long as you can, I want you well rested."
"Got plans for later, flyboy?"
"You'd better believe it, sweet thing."
"I can hardly wait," she said with a sexy purr.
That coursed his blood to boil. "You're a tease Sarah Rabb."
"Just wait until you get home, Harmon Rabb," she said with the same tone.
He shifted uncomfortable in his seat. "See you later sweet thing."
"You'd better believe it flyboy."
"I love you, Sarah."
"I love you, Harm."
He hung up, sitting back in his chair. At least he didn't have to explain why he didn't want her driving to Norfolk. Heading for the Officers Mess, he met up with the Captain. "Skipper."
"Morning Harm, ready to head home?"
"Yes sir."
They got their breakfast and sat together. "Has the squadron been informed of Kat's secret yet?"
"No, she's going to make an announcement this morning. She and Sergei planed a party at O'Reilly's so all their friends could celebrate with them."
"Well I can understand them wanting to do it quietly."
"So can I, though I'll never forget being married here on the Tyco."
"It was the highlight of the tour, Cag."
"Yes sir, it was." Harm agreed grinning.
"It is a shame though the squad missed out on it, they feel like her family," the Skipper stated bluntly.
"I realize that sir."
"So what are you going to do about it, Cag?"
Harm frowned. "I'm going to do something about it?"
"Yes Hammer, you are."
"Right sir." Harm agreed, and then sighed. How did he get himself into these things?
O'Reilly's Bar
Fall's Church, Virginia
Washington DC
Katherine had been surprised by the Cag's arrival at her apartment only a few hours after she'd dropped him home. Having him bring her to her uncle's bar had really made her curious. In the apartment above the bar, her Aunt Maria and Sarah Rabb helped her back into the simple white gown she'd worn for her wedding ceremony. Maria had brought a wig, so her niece wouldn't feel so subconscious; they'd then done her make-up before hurrying to get ready, and head back down the stairs.
Harm came into the lounge room in his Dress Whites, ready to escort her. "You look beautiful, Katie."
She blushed. "What's going on Cag?"
"Your friends were a little disappointed they miss out on seeing you marry Sergei, so they organized for you to renew your vows," he held out his arm. "He's waiting for you in the Ready Room."
She took his arm and let him guide her out, her heart was pounding, she hadn't been this nervous the first time. The bar was closed to the public, so the main bar was deserted except for two Marines standing at the door to the Ready Room. One slipped inside when he saw them coming, then as they got closer, the second opened the door, letting them walk in.
The bridle march was played as Harm escorted her to Sergei, her family and friends – Captain Garrett, the members of the Tyco Tigers, the White Tigers, even the Wolverines. As well as Sergei's JAG family, even retired Admiral AJ Chegwidden and his wife were there.
Sergei was waiting before Chaplain Matthews, Victor Galendez at his side. "She looks more beautiful then the first time."
"She is beautiful, Sergei," he mused grinning.
Harm escorted Katherine to his brother, putting her hand in his, he stepped back to stand with his wife.
Chaplain Matthews then began. "We're gathered here this evening to celebrate with Katherine and Sergei as they renew their vows. When life threatened to pull them apart, they stood tall and stared it in the face. When death threatened to take one from the other, they held onto their love like an anchor keeping them together. Now they face the rest of their lives not as two separate souls but as one," he gestured for Katherine and Sergei to face each other, which they did, holding hands. "Katherine, do you take Sergei as your husband, to love and cherish in sickness and in health until death do you part?"
"I do," she said willingly.
"Sergei, do you take Katherine as your wife, to love and cherish in sickness and in health until death do you part?"
"I do."
"With your vows renewed, I once again pronounce you husband and wife. Sergei, you may kiss your wife."
Sergei smiled and kissed his wife, savoring every moment, as he held her in his arms, their friends and family clapping. They parted, grinning happily.
Victor Galendez smiled and said in a strong voice. "Ladies and gentleman, presenting Lieutenant Sergei Rabb and his wife, Lieutenant Commander Katherine Rabb."
There was more clapping and cheering as their family and friends congratulated the happy couple.
Later in the night, Harm sat watching his brother and sister-in-law dancing, smiling warmly. His stepfather was dancing with Sarah, Frank and his mom having insisted on flying in for the ceremony.
AJ sat next to him. "You look like you have a lot on your mind, Harm."
"Yes sir."
"None of that sir business, its AJ now."
Harm smiled, he'd been told that before but still found it hard to think of AJ Chegwidden as anything but the JAG. "While on the Tyco Kat and I were discussing our careers, where we're heading."
"You're referring to the offer Admiral Janus made?" AJ deducted.
"You know about that?"
"Mac told me."
He should have expected that. "It's a good offer."
"True, but is it what you want?"
Harm couldn't help but laugh. "Kat asked me the same thing."
"So what did you tell her?"
"That I want to be with Sarah and Ashley, I don't want to miss out on my son's life as he grows up."
"And you think remaining Cag you'll miss it?"
"Yes."
"Harm," AJ sat forward. "Son, I've seen you change over the years from a cocky young aviator turned lawyer with a chip on his shoulder, to an outstanding attorney. I've seen you struggle to deal with your emotions, your relationships with friends and love ones. You've been like a son to me, so I'm telling you this as a father. Don't leave if you don't want to, because if you do you'll regret it for the rest of your life. Ashley has a strong bond with you, your being at sea won't change that. He's a Rabb and as he gets older he's going to be proud of his dad."
"I can't do it forever though."
"I know that, hell if I was still JAG, I'd move heaven and earth to try and convince you to return," AJ remarked. "But the fact remains you have to do it for yourself, not for anyone else. Mac understands, she loves you; she'll love you whether you're by her side or on an aircraft carrier. Whether you're a lawyer or an aviator or both."
"Thanks AJ."
"You're welcome."
Harm looked once more at this brother and sister-in-law. "Kat told me, she'd serve under me whether I was Cag or the JAG."
"Well she's a smart officer," AJ informed. "Saw that the first time I met her."
"Yeah, so did I," Harm agreed, making up his mind. "So did I."
The Vietnam Memorial Wall
Christmas Eve 2004
The tall Naval officer stood before the gold letters that made up Harmon Rabb, Sr.'s name. Harm pulled off his glove and touched the gold letters. "Hi dad, I'm sorry I haven't been to seen you before this, but it's been a hectic year," he said softly. "I'm going to do another tour on the Ticonderoga and then make a decision on where my career will go from there. The SecNav wanted to transfer Katherine off the Tyco, but I when he found out the entire air wing would have resigned if he did, he changed his mind. I guess everyone will just have to get use to having two Rabb's on the one carrier, I know Captain Garrett doesn't mind. He thought for a while he was going to lose us both, but Katherine decided to do another tour as well. I guess neither of us have gotten flying out of our systems yet." He paused, smiling. "You should see Ashley, dad, he's grown so much. And according to mum, he's so much like me. I have a feeling one day my son is going to be an aviator, I just pray he has my talent and his mothers perfect timing. Look after him, Dad, him and Sarah while I'm away. And Sergei, I know he says he's a Marine, that he can look after himself, but I saw how lost he was when Katie was hurt. They need each other, just like Sarah and I need each other." Snow began to fall and Harm hugged tighter into his coat, slipping his glove back onto his hand. "I have to go dad, I'll be back though, I promise," he said, then turned and saw his wife and son waiting with his brother and sister-in-law. Smiling he went over to them
"Merry Christmas, Harm." Sarah bid, their son snug in her arms asleep.
"Merry Christmas, Sarah," he said and kissed her, being careful of Ashley.
The tinkling of Christmas bells fluttered on the wind, making all four officers smile.
"Merry Christmas Dad," Sergei said quietly, glancing at the wall.
Katherine took her husbands hand. "Merry Christmas dad," she said also.
Harm slipped his arm around his wife and son and said happily. "Lets go home."
"Yes sir," both Katherine and Sergei chimed, coursing them all to laugh as they walked towards their cars.
USS Ticonderoga
Somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean
26 January 2005
Captain Harmon Rabb stood leaning against the rail as he looked over the flight deck, below Hornets were taking off into the night sky on another patrol. Men and women he'd briefed only moments before. He smiled, thinking back to the first time he'd stood on Vultures Row on the Tyco. Back then he never though he'd have everything he could have dreamed off. A wife, a beautiful son and in the future a beautiful daughter, though he and Sarah weren't prepared to tell anyone yet she was pregnant again. That was their secret for now. Still it brought a smile to his face. He'd moved on, from the aviator who thought he'd lost everything when his ramp strike had occurred. To the lawyer, who got his confidence and his wings to become a Top Gun in the air and the courtroom. The man who had found his soul mate and convinced her of his love, to become his wife and mother of his children. And the father who held his son in his arms for the first time and felt so complete. To the Cag, whose respect the men and women under his commander had been earned and who's friendship had been gained. Now no matter what life threw at him, he knew he'd face it with the same tenacity as he always did.
Looking up at the night sky, he smiled and whispered. "I love you Sarah." Knowing deep down in the depths of his soul she'd heard him and was whispering 'I love you' back to him.
The End.
(Thank you to everyone who had reviewed and stuck by this story right from Chapter One. There are too many of you to name, so I'll just say a big thank you to you all. Your encouragement kept me going and kept this story from finishing so many chapters ago. Once again thank you for all your support – AS)