Disclaimer: Anything that can be identified as the property of someone else, most likely is and I am just borrowing.

A/N: Writings in Bold are flashbacks.

Chapter One: Reuniting For A Sad Cause

Jared Booth exited the town car and looked over Washington Cemetery till he saw a small gathering of people around a casket. "Madelyn was loved," he whispered as he walked closer to the funeral. He stood about five feet from the casket.

He wasn't paying attention to what the chaplain was saying but he was looking directly at the three adults who stood close together. He gave a head nod to the two girls and mouthed a thank you. He watched as a brunette laced her hand with the third member of the group. He turned to look over his shoulder when he heard footsteps approach him. He watched as a young female naval officer approached him.

"Ophelia," he asked as she stood next to him.

"Surprised," the young lady asks as she looks over at him. "i should be the one surprised not you."

"Well you and Pierce didn't have the best send off the last time were all together," Jared says looking at her. "Than again your father is giving the service. How have you been Anthony?"

"Better than both of my boys it would be seem," Ophelia says.

"I would not like to invite on behalf of the Pierce family to join them at Georgia's and Maria's for the luncheon," the chaplain says as he closes his bible. He walks over to the three Pierce cihldrean and places a comforting hand on thier shoulder. "God is with you in your time of mourning and so am I."

"Thank you Chaplain Anthony," the young man says as he looks up for the first time. He quickly spots the duo.

"They are here for you Sean," the chaplain says. "Once a plebe always a plebe."

Sean Pierce nodded before the chaplain helped his sisters and their families into the waiting limo.

"Who are they," the brunette asks standing beside him.

"Classmates, friends, plebes and commrades" Sean says as he recalls the time that Jared Booth and Opehlia Anthony entered his life.

Sean had just said goodbye to his mother and sisters when he and two other plebes had all crashed into each other.

"I'm so sorry," Sean says offering his hand to both of his fallen classmates.

"Don't worry about it," a six year younger Jared says. "Jared Booth, Delta Company."

"What he said," Ophelia said. "Opehlia Anthony, also Delta Company."

"Sean Pierce, also Delta Company," Sead said looking at them. "Do you guys know where we check-in?"

"Not a clue," Jared says wiping the dirt off of his pants. "I've been wandering around here for 20 minutes trying to figure it out."

"I'll show you guys," Opehlia says wiping off her pants. "We need to get to Alumini Hall and than you guys need to change and be at our spot by 06:00."

"What do you mean changed," Sean and Jared asked.

"We have a 12 hour Plebe Induction day," Ophelia says leading them. "Did you guys not read your information packets. Light weight slacks with white shirt, athletic shoes and socks. We are in for a work out. The PRT is today."

"Oh," both boys say.

"Stay close to me boys and ill make sure you live," Opehlia says leading them into a building.

"How can youy say that," Sean asked.

"Plebe Anthony say hello to the Chaplain for us," couple of midshipment said as they passed them.

"Oh," both boys say.

"I'm going to go check-in with Micheal and Nikita," she says giving him a kiss on the cheek.

"Thanks Alex," Sean says before walking over to other two. "Anthony. Booth."

"Seriously Sean," Jared asks giving him a hug. "You hanging in alright."

"Year," Sean says hugging him. "Where is the wife?"

"Jarehead got married," Opehlia says hugging him. "What else have I missed?"

"You have time after the reception to catch up," Jared asks. "I know of a couple good places thanks to Seeley."

"Yeah, sure," Sean says looking at the two.

"Founding Fathers at 20:00," Jared suggests.

"Works for me but I have to hit the Academy, so I might be a few minutes late," Opehlia says.

"See you guys than," Sean says giving them a hug.

"I've missed you two knuckleheads," Ophelia says.

"Us to Fifi," they say smiling.