14.32 Local

Arlington National Cemetery

February 21st 2005

Colonel Sarah Mackenzie straightened the cover on her head and sighed. It had been 8 days since his death. They had never been particularly close, but she respected him as a Naval Officer and as a genuinely decent person. They had shared many laughs over different things, mainly their best friend, Commander Harmon Rabb Jr. She had confessed to him her feelings for Harm, and as promised, he hadn't breathed a word. Perhaps if he had, Mac and Harm would be together now, perhaps not. She sighed again, realising there was no point dwelling on the ifs, buts and maybes. He was gone, and it was her duty, her honour, to pay her respects to him.

"Excuse me, ma'am, are you ready?" Lieutenant Harriet Simms asked as she peaked her head around the door.

"I'll be right there, Harriet." She replied.

"OK." Harriet turned and swiftly shut the door on her way out.

Mac moved over to the window and smiled. It was a beautiful day, even if she was burying one of her friends. She left the room and joined her friends and colleagues in the bright sunshine. She focused on the startling blue eyes of her partner, and they shared a smile. He held out his hand, she took it, and they all began to walk toward the plot where they would say their final goodbyes to Commander Sturgis Turner. An officer, a colleague, a friend.

The End.