Memorial Day Weekend, FOR ALL WHO SERVED

By Hemel Lass(ie)

Introduction: To Honor All

This story is firmly . I have not yet seen The Season Finale and am avoiding spoilers, so although it references a betrayal by Colby, I go no further than that. This is my take on things prior to seeing the episode. It is about loyalty and forgiveness in the face of a friendship strained beyond endurance for most of the team. But one idealistic young man has a different perspective and refuses to be swayed. It is about honoring our heroes…even if they seem to have fallen from grace or are lost in alcoholism, PTSD, etc. It is about the consequences paid by those who serve our country and return home, seeming whole, but still "wounded soldiers', all.

Don listened to the phone ringing, wondering if he should just head over to Charlie's early for the Memorial Weekend Sunday Barbeque. Suddenly, a breathless brother picked up the phone, panting. "Hey, Don! What's up?"

In the background the TV in Charlie's living room was blaring out the pre-race show of the Indianapolis 500.

"Making sure the neighborhood can hear the race, Chuck?"

"Don't call me Chuck, Donnie!" His brother retorted, but there was no bite in the response.

"So, how are things going?"

"Well, I could use some back up. The backyard looks fine, but Dad keeps rearranging everything! It's getting to be a major pain in my neck…or somewhere lower on my anatomy if you get my drift! You – you aren't cancelling, are you?"

"No way, brother. This weekend off is ironclad for me and my team. Well, what's left of my team any way…"

"Don, let's not go there today, okay? I have some things to say on the subject, but it will be when every body is here."

Suddenly deadly serious, Don ground out. "Charlie, don't! Don't you go defending him or making excuses!"

"He's a veteran of this country, whatever else may have or may not have happened! If you don't want to hear it, when I get to that part of the proceedings, just walk away, but this is my house and in this case we are definitely playing by MY RULES. Got that?"

Surprised by the vehemence and commitment in his younger brother's voice, the FBI agent dropped away and concerned brother emerged. "Okay, okay. I think you are in denial, but whatever. I'll keep my opinion to myself."

"Sorry, Don. And I didn't mean other people can't talk amongst themselves, express opinions after I am through with what I have to say, or whatever. That is part of what those we are remembering died for after all. Please, I don't want to fight today. It just wouldn't be right. You know?"

"I agree, brother. I agree. Sorry I jumped on your case like that."

"It's okay, Don. I know it is a touchy topic. I don't think anyone will really take exception with what I have to say though. Not once they hear it. It's going to be a special day. I have some surprises arranged."

"Well, I am heading out now. It sounds like you need someone to double team Dad!"

"Actually, triple team. Millie isn't here yet, but Amita is doing the best she can to 'creatively redirect' Dad's energies into something that is actually useful."

Obviously just coming in, Don heard his father say. "I heard that, little man. Creatively redirect indeed. I'm just trying to make everything."

Charlie cut him off. "Perfect, I know, I know! You have said it forty times already…in just the past half hour. How about concentrating on finishing Mom's potato salad? The potatoes are chilled enough by now and the eggs were boiled last night."

"That's exactly what I came in for, Charlie. Is that your brother?"

"Dad wants to say 'Hi!' " Charlie managed before their father came on the line.

"Don, you better not be cancelling."

"I'm Not!"

Even as he said it, Don heard Charlie back him up on the other end, saying simultaneously with him. "He's NOT!"

"Okay, okay. I just was saying."

"And we just are telling you, Pop!" Don retorted. "In fact, I am leaving here, in just a few. Do you need me to stop and pick any last minute supplies up?"

"No, Charlie really has thought of everything. Wait until you see the place. He's done an amazing job. Guess I am not the only one who can put on an EVENT in our backyard."

"Hey, maybe it runs in the genes. See you soon, Pop. I'm heading out the door now. Tell Chuck I will see him in a bit."

"Don't call him Chuck. You know how much that annoys him, Don. Not today, okay?"

"I'll try to remember! See you soon!"

"See you, kiddo!" Alan responded before the line clicked off.