Author: Nancy
Disclaimer: I do not own JAG or its characters. This is purely for
entertainment.
Classification: Drama, action, angst PG-13
Category: Harm and Mac angst/romance
Summary: Harm and the crew of a Navy frigate fight to survive a night
of peril on the cold northern Atlantic. I wrote this in October of
2000. But it could work for season 7.
PART 5
Six Weeks later
Arlington National Cemetery
"....for courage and leadership displayed while assuming command of the badly damage frigate Thomas S. Hall, Commander Harmon Rabb you are awarded the Navy Cross. Congratulations."
"Thank you Mr. President." I don't know why I'm getting this award. I think about the others who helped their shipmates and performed duties despite the hell we were all going through. I guess this takes the focus off the fact the ship was in bad shape. The media needed a hero. The Navy saves its own.
I am also awarded my captain's bar. I just don't feel excited about any of this.
A memorial service follows this one. Fifteen died as a result of the incident aboard the Hall. Today we honor them.
As acting commander, I am asked along with the Chief of Naval Operations to address the families and sailors of the Hall. I still have nightmares about the explosion, Bobby Cummings, Captain Crusher. I hear my name announced as I use a cane to help me walk. It will take a few months to overcome that injury, but I will never forget the rest. I hobble up the steps towards the speaker's stand. The President, Secnav, CO of Naval Operation, CO of the North Atlantic Fleet, several congressmen and senators grace this service. Most importantly, I see the crew who lived through that night with me. I see families and wonder which one is Bobby Cumming's mother. I wrote her from the hospital, but never received a reply.
I pause and collect my thoughts before proceeding, I see Mac, Bud and the Admiral supporting me. I draw a deep breath.
"There are many things that could be said today in remembrance of these sailors to honor them.. They performed their duties faithfully... When faced with adversity they rose to meet the challenge... But let the men and women of the USS Thomas S. Hall be remembered and known to the vast fleet of the Navy and to the peoples of the United States: When called to stand in courage they did not falter." I leave the speaker's stand and carefully take my seat. I hear a quiet applause begin and gradually become louder. I see the crew and family stand many with tears.
Chief of Naval Operations leans towards AJ. "Now what am I suppose to say after that."
The Admiral just smiles and mutters "Good job, Harm." Mac and Bud turn and smile as they join in the applause.
.........
As the crowd breaks up and after numerous hand shakes and introductions. Mac takes my arm and begins to escort me towards the parked cars.
A middle aged woman calls to me, "Captain Rabb."
I stop and see familiar eyes looking at me. "Mrs. Cummings."
She smiles, "I wanted to tell you how much your letter meant to me." Tears form in her eyes. I feel the pain of that night resurface as I see the woman Bobby loved so much. I swallow back the emotions. I take off my newly awarded medal and place it in her hand.
"Bobby was the bravest sailor, I've ever had the privilege to serve with. His courage will always be an inspiration to me." Mrs. Cummings smiles through her tears and looks at the medal. "Thank you Captain." Then we hug, and she walks away. I stand silently and sadly think of the very brave young man.
Mac encircles my arm and leads me away. We reach the car, and she turns to me with a look of adoration, "Have I ever told you, you're my hero, Sailor?" Then she carefully places a kiss on my lips.
I chuckle with embarrassment then raise one eyebrow, "Well, the other night, I recall you yelled it a couple of times along with something about the earth moving."
"You're bad sailor."
The end...
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