Disclaimer: As always, recognizable characters, catch phrases, etc. are not owned by me. I also claim no in-depth knowledge of Navy proceedings and honors. This is purely a work of fiction.


Danny Williams watched the Navy ensign enter the Five-0 office. The young man hesitated as if he wasn't sure where to go from there. Danny stepped out of his office.

"Hey, there," he said with a smile. "Can I help you with something?"

"Uh, yes, sir," the man said. "My name is Ensign Thomas Lewis. I'm looking for Commander Steven McGarrett." He held an official-looking envelope in his hands.

"He's out of the office but should be back soon. Is there anything I can help you with? I'd be happy to pass that on to him if you'd like."

Ensign Lewis gave a tight-lipped smile. "No, sir, but thank you. I have strict orders to deliver this straight to the commander."

"I think this is something important," Junior said quietly to Lou as they watched from across the room. "Look at the Naval Seal and the way his name is in calligraphy."

"Huh," Lou commented. "I wonder what this is all about."


Steve breezed into the Five-0 Headquarters a few minutes later. Continuing to read a report as he opened the door, he didn't look up to see the group gathered before him until he was already well into the office.

"Commander McGarrett, sir," Ensign Lewis stood at attention. Even though Steve was wearing civilian clothes, he immediately slipped into what Danny regularly referred to as "Commander mode." His body language changed right away, and it was easy to see the respect he commanded. He surveyed Ensign Lewis as the man saluted him.

"At ease, Ensign," Steve said easily. He frowned slightly, not mincing words. "What can I help you with?"

"I was sent to deliver this, sir," Ensign Lewis said, handing Steve the official-looking envelope. After Steve took it, Ensign Lewis continued to stand in the lobby. "I was also informed I should stay to make sure you open it, sir," he said a bit nervously. "And to tell you I would not leave until you had read the letter and given a response in return."

"And who gave you those orders, Ensign Lewis?"

"The Secretary of the Navy, sir."

Junior drew in a deep breath, impressed. Steve, on the other hand, snorted.

"Jack's pulling rank then?" Steve asked, a smile playing on his lips.

"It would seem so, sir."

Steve opened the letter and read it, frowning as he did. "No."

Ensign Lewis looked confused. "Sir?"

"He wanted a response. 'No' is my response."

"He thought you would say that, sir, so I have another message from him as well." Ensign Lewis looked even more nervous. He cleared his throat. "He said, and I quote, 'If he says no, tell that stubborn son of a bitch that he knows damn well he deserves it, and he'll accept it and be happy about it or there'll be hell to pay.'"

Steve narrowed his eyes.

Ensign Lewis quickly added, "He also said that I should expect you to have me court marshalled for speaking to you like that, sir, but that he would clear things up when he got here this weekend. He said nobody was ever worse off for spending a few days in the brig. Builds character, he said, sir." Ensign Lewis was doing his best to look unafraid.

Steve looked at him sternly for a moment, then burst into laughter and shook his head. "Fine. Please relate that this is not needed, that I was only doing my job, but I'll accept the damn medal at his stupid ceremony if he insists. I'd hate to embarrass his ass, given how important he thinks he is. Do you need to write that down? I expect it to be word-for-word."

Ensign Lewis grinned. "No, sir, I think I can remember that. He also said he and Mrs. North will arrive on Sunday at 1500 hours for a week of island fun at your discretion. He expects a tour of Five-0, dinner from the shrimp place you took him last time, and to meet Callie. Not necessarily in that order."

Steve raised an eyebrow. "Did you have to memorize all this mess?"

"Yes, sir. I had to repeat it back to him verbatim over the phone after I was given the assignment. I believe I'm being used as part of an attempt at humor, sir."

"You got it in one, Ensign."


After Ensign Lewis walked out, Steve retreated to his office without saying a word to his team. The others stood curiously. Finally, Junior slowly picked up the letter and read it.

"Holy shit," Junior breathed. "He's being awarded the Navy Cross for valor in action during an op. The op was classified until recently, which is why it has taken so long for the award recommendation to become public knowledge."

"What does that mean?" Tani asked.

"It means our boss is a hero and is going to have the second-highest award in the armed services to show for it."

"Wow," Lou said. "When's the ceremony?"

"Two weeks. Better break out your dress uniforms, guys. This is major, major stuff."