TITLE: Penance And Redemption

AUTHOR: VIDZ

TIMELINE: Season 6

PAIRING: read and you'll see! :D

DISCLAIMER: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc of the TV show JAG are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author of this fic. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

AUTHOR'S NOTES: I was a little cruel to poor Harriett over her HM shipperness. Nothing bad, no bashing, just her dreams are blowing in the wind at the end of it.

The first part is criminally short, but please bear with me. I know where I'm going and it's mostly written. You'll see why I chose to stop there, but please read the chappie through first. *eg*

SUMMARY: Harm gets a visitor at work that will turn JAG HQ on it's head.

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"Can I help you, ma'am?"

"Hi, yes, you can, thanks. I'm looking for Commander Rabb."

Harriett's eyes scanned the newcomer up and down in a routine manner to take stock of the person, see if they were there to make trouble or to simply try to ascertain their intentions in the first place. The woman was her age, pretty but no supermodel or even a pin-up model, actually what held her above average was her attractive smile. She was also a civilian, not the usual fainting daises that look for CDR Rabb, but more of a tomboy, self-assured and confident, dressed comfortably but still smart enough to be appropriate for such a place as JAG HQ. She looked to be there more for a personal visit rather than for business. When Harriett heard just who she was looking for, it was all she could do not to roll her eyes, while her manner stiffened.

Of course she's looking for the Commander. And I was right... dressed like this she's not here looking for legal service... at least not that kind of legal service. Though compared to the ones that usually try to throw their nets, she's quite underdressed. Strange...

Sharp eyes met Harriett's confidently, then smoothly slipped away to scan the bullpen and it's by-lying offices as she talked. Harriett didn't know whether to take stock of the situation or just to find the man she was looking for. For some reason Harriett also didn't detect the usual awe civilians and service members alike exhibit when faced with the operational area of Navy's JAG HQ.

Lives are changed here, some ruined and some given a second chance. Personally Harriett put JAG on the same level of importance as the great Soul Management office up in the sky, where decisions on life of people are made.

"He's in with Admiral Chegwidden, the Navy's JAG, at the moment. Do you have an appointment?"

Of course she doesn't. But I still have to ask. Sometimes I hate protocol, I'd rather just have her escorted out. He doesn't need any distractions, especially right now, he should rather concentrate on a certain Marine that's so completely in love with him.

The woman's answer only served to further irritate the Ensign, which unfortunately showed on her face and in her body language "Not an official one, no."

Like I said... Honestly, why do I even bother, protocol or no?

Harriett observed mutely as the visitor checked her wrist watch and seemed to do a few calculations.

"It's almost lunch hour anyway." she muttered to herself, then looked back up "Would you be so kind to tell him when he comes out that I'm waiting for him at the courtyard picnic table under the tree?"

Keeping her face neutral, Harriett nodded "Of course."

"Thanks. Have a nice day."

The visitor was half-way to the exit when Harriett remembered with a curse that she hadn't asked who she was. She needed to know, for the visitor log and because she needed to know.

"Ma'am? What do I tell the Commander who's waiting for him?"

The woman looked over her shoulder, delivered the bombshell and continued on her way through the double doors, accompanied by the sound of ceramic breaking as it fell from numb fingers.

"His wife."

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Reviews are love.