A/N: The board members depicted here do not represent the Command Staff of NAVCONBRIG Miramar and are purely fictional. Any similarities to persons living or deceased are purely coincidental.
Today was the day. Lieutenant Harrison's request for Harley's mental health review board had been approved a week after it was made and here she was waiting in the hallway to the brigs court room, MP's stood on either side of her dressed in full gear and armed with semi-automatic shotguns. Alex and Babs had yet to show up, probably stuck in the SoCal traffic but she hoped they got here soon, otherwise they might not be let in.
During that time Alex had been coaching her on how to conduct herself during the board, every move and word she said would be scrutinized by the people deciding her future. How she walked in and introduced herself would set the bar for how the board viewed her so she had learned how to march, execute facing movements, and to speak in a military manner, as such she had to work on dropping her accent for the duration of the board as they might not take her seriously if she used it.
Finally, Harley was given a set of civilian clothes consisting of a dark grey suit, dress skirt, low heeled shoes, and her hair was put into a bun at the back of her head. She'd insisted on wearing her hair differently but Lieutenant Harrison said the professional look would get her some points with the board.
Speaking of the Lieutenant he was inside the court room presenting Harley's record to the board, she had to wait until he was done before entering. Harley kept going over what she was going to say in her head, oblivious to everything else when she felt someone tap her on the shoulder, shaking her from her thoughts.
"Earth to Harleen, come in?" Harley looked over to see Alex and Barbara had finally made it. Alex was wearing his Service Alphas, the one with the green pants and jacket over the khaki shirt and tie. He looked nice, if a bit uncomfortable, in the uniform. Harley then realized that she had been staring and quickly looked up to him.
"Sorry, just thinking. You look nice." She smiled and he chuckled softly, straightening out his uniform.
"Thanks, you too. Gotta say I like seeing you in normal clothes than whatever that outfit was that you used to wear."
"I second that, you look like a new person Harley…very professional." Barbara added with a smile.
"Ah, you guys are gonna make me blush!"
"So, you ready? I imagine the LT's been talking you up for a good minute already, shouldn't be long before you go in."
"I'm a bit nervous but yeah I think I got this."
"Good. Remember, confidence and bearing will take you a long way in there. Not that you'll need it but Barbara and I got your back. Oh, and one last thing, if they ask you some dumbass question like 'what's your favorite cereal?' they're trying to throw off your bearing. Just keep a straight face and answer the question as if it were any other."
"Right, I got this, I'm good." Harley said, getting herself pumped up to go.
"I sure hope so, cause it looks like your about to go." Bab's said, nodding towards the pair of MP's coming down the hall towards them.
"Doctor Quinzel, the board is ready for you." The first MP said. Harley looked back at Alex nervously but he just gripped her shoulder and nodded.
"You'll be fine." He said before leading Barbara down another hall that would take them to the viewing stands.
Harley followed the MP's down the short hall, stopping before the door to check herself over one last time before taking a deep breath to calm herself down. The doors were then opened and she marched in as best she could towards the podium standing across from the board. Three older men dressed in the Navy's equivalent to Alex's uniform sat behind a large oak table, a folder that Harley assumed to be her record open in front of each of them. She came to a halt in front of the podium, going to the position of attention and facing the center board member.
"Doctor Harleen Quinzel, reporting to the senior member of the board as ordered." The line that Alex had her practice for hours came out smoothly and the board members looked surprised that she had even known to say that, one of them even jotting down a note. Harley saw Alex up in the stands give a quick thumbs up out of her peripheral vision and relaxed a bit.
"Stand at ease." The center board member said. Harley clasped her hands in front of her in a modified form of parade rest and read the name placards on the table. The man that had spoken was Captain Goulding, the brigs commanding officer. To his left sat Lieutenant Commander Ross, the senior medical officer, and on the right Master Chief Petty Officer Deluca, the senior enlisted advisor. "I trust you've been enjoying all that our facility has to offer."
"Yes Sir, it's a nice facility."
"Indeed, I'm quite proud of the work we do here. Perhaps you'll be our best case yet. Now Lieutenant Harrison has briefed us on your how your recovery is coming along and I think I speak for all of us when I say that the amount of progress you've made in such a short time is remarkable." Harley was sensing a 'but' in there.
"Thank you, Sir, Lieutenant Harrison has been very helpful in my recovery."
"I have no doubts about the Lieutenants capabilities as a medical professional, but on to you. Your record states that you have committed a number of felony charges over the past four years, along with the theft of explosive ordnance and endangering the life of a Marine. While your incident with Sergeant Westbrook has been resolved, these other charges have yet to be resolved and where it not for your diagnosis of insanity I would have you remain in this brig for several more years." He said sternly and I gulped in fear at the threat of being imprisoned again. "However due to the efforts of General Anderson those charges have been waived and we will instead be evaluating your mental faculties." Whew, that was a close one. I'd have to thank the General the next time I saw him.
"We've read the report you wrote on the literature Lieutenant Harrison provided for you. It was very well written for someone recovering from insanity. What made you choose that specific book to read?" Lieutenant Commander Ross asked once Captain Goulding was done talking.
"I saw that it was based on the psychological side of warfare, what the troops go through in times of war and as a former psychologist it peaked my interest. Although personally I thought it could help me understand what Sergeant Westbrook was dealing with after coming back from war. I tried to understand when he came back but I couldn't help him, and while I still can't relate to what he's been through I can at least understand where he's coming from." Harley answered and watched the LTCMDR write something down before looking back up at her.
"Interesting. Even when you should be focusing on your own health you put others before yourself, that is quite honorable of you. I'm sure Sergeant Westbrook appreciates the thought as well." The three then whispered amongst themselves before Master Chief Deluca spoke up.
"I just want to know one thing Quinzel, why have you put so much effort into your recovery, what do you have to gain from rushing through your treatment when you should be taking as much time as you need?"
"I…I just want to make up for all the terrible things I've done, Master Chief. I made a mistake all those years ago, and in doing so I lost my career, my best friend, and most of all I lost myself. My mind was warped into something else and I did so many awful things, things I'd never thought I'd do. He made into a mockery of what I once was and used me until I was no longer needed. Joker would have killed me if Alex…Sergeant Westbrook hadn't come back into my life and saved me. I owe it to him to get better and I know that nothing I do will ever make up for what I've done but I at least want the chance to try." Harley choked out and felt tears begin to run down her face but she just let them fall. Master Chief Deluca's eyes softened and he nodded his head.
"Thank you, Doctor Quinzel. For what it's worth I believe you when you say you want to make up for what you've done. Gentlemen, I don't think we need to hear anymore."
"Very well. Doctor Quinzel, you may excuse yourself." Captain Goulding ordered.
"Yes Sir, good morning Gentlemen." Harley replied after coming back to attention. She then executed an about face and marched back out into the hall so the board could talk amongst themselves.
The board had been shorter than expected, but clearly, they had seen enough. Harley had a good feeling that she'd won over Master Chief Deluca and Lieutenant Commander Ross, but the real decision sat with Captain Goulding. She sat down on bench while waiting and saw Lieutenant Harrison exit the court room and walk over to her.
"I think you did really well in there, from where I was standing I knew I was looking at a new woman." He said happily and she smiled a bit.
"Thanks Doc, I hope they can see that I was being sincere about everything."
"I have no doubts, they should be calling us back in shortly."
It was only ten minutes before they were allowed back in the court room. Harley had done the same greeting as before and stood behind the podium, facing the board. The folders and notepads were gone and she could see Captain Goulding signing a document before passing it over to the other two to sign as well before looking up at me.
"Doctor Quinzel, former criminal vigilante Harley Quinn, you have come before this board and presented your case to be declared clinically sane. I will admit that I came into this board with doubt that you were truly cured, but having watched you conduct yourself in such a manner as you did, displaying tact and maintaining bearing, answering our questions with sincerity and confidence I now believe Lieutenant Harrison was correct in his assessment of you. As commanding officer of this facility let me be the first to congratulate you on your newfound sanity." Captain Goulding said, grabbing the paper he had signed and crossing the room over to Harley where he presented a certificate of sanity to her.
"You…You mean?" She questioned, holding the certificate in her hands. There it was, signed by all three members of the board. This couldn't be real, could it? Any second now she'd wake up back in her cell at Arkham
"Congratulations Doctor Quinzel, you are sane." He said with a smile and shook her hand. Oh my god… this was real! Harley was officially sane! She looked up into the stands to see Alex and Barbara walking down to them, smiles on their faces.
"See, I told you, you could do it!" Alex cheered as he wrapped an arm around her shoulder. She knew they were still in a formal setting but Harley couldn't help it, she grabbed him up in a tight embrace. "Oof, ah, yep hello to you too!" He said in surprise but quickly returned the embrace. Harley held him for a second longer before pulling away and looking up at him.
"Thank you, Alex, for not giving up on me." Harley smiled.
"Hey, what are friends for? Besides, you'd do the same for me" Friends. It felt nice to be able to call each other that again.
"Harley, I'm proud of you. You've truly come a long way since leaving Gotham." Bab's cut in once Harley released Alex. Before she could say anything else Harley snatched her up in a hug to."
"Ah, thank you Babs! I owe you one too!"
"You can repay me now by letting me breathe again!" She grunted and Harley realized she was squeezing the oxygen out of her lungs.
"Heh, sorry I'm just so excited! I'm sane again can you believe it!?" She cheered happily, pretty sure she caught the board members smiling along with her. Harley said her thanks to them and Lieutenant Harrison before they were finally kicked out of the court room. They made their way outside as Harley was humming happily to herself and enjoying her new freedom, the bill of sanity clutched tightly in hand.
They'd only walked a few feet outside when Alex suddenly stopped and saluted someone. Harley looked to see who it was and saw that General Anderson was walking towards them, carrying a small binder in his hand.
"Doctor Quinzel, I hear congratulations are in order."
"I…yes Sir. I'm officially sane!" She said, presenting her certificate to him.
"Outstanding, however you do realize that it'll only get harder from here. As much as I'd like to let you enjoy your newfound sanity we need you all back in Gotham."
"Is something happening Sir?" Alex asked, concern written all over his face.
"I'll brief you all back in Gotham but things are about to kick off. Your flight leaves tomorrow at noon out of San Diego."
"Got it Sir."
"But since we're all celebrating I thought I might add to it. I've got something here for miss Gordon to commend her stellar performance in Gotham, Sergeant if you would?"
"Of course, Sir." Alex took the binder from General Anderson and walked around him to stand by his left side before opening the binder. "Certificate of Award. In appreciation of Distinguished Public Service to the Department of the Navy the Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Public Service Award to Barbara Gordon for services set forth in the following: For exceptionally distinguished public service on January twenty-second, two-thousand and seventeen. Barbara Gordon came to the aid of Marines and Sailors who came under attack while conducting prisoner transfer from Arkham Asylum to NAVCONBRIG Miramar. Barbara Gordon ambushed and defeated a hostile sniper that was preventing Marines from assaulting through their attackers and in doing so allowed the Marines freedom of movement on the battlefield and allowed them to defeat their attackers and protect their charge from harm. Barbara Gordon's actions saved the lives of many Marines and Sailors and reflects great credit upon herself and the American people. In recognition of her distinctive accomplishment and noteworthy contribution she is most deserving of the Department of the Navy Distinguished Public Service Award." Alex read off before closing the binder and handing it back to General Anderson, who then handed it to Barbara.
Barbara looked stunned, this was the first time that she had received any official recognition for her actions as Batgirl but seeing what had happened that day she was definitely deserving of such an award. But that wasn't all that the General had for her.
"That's the Navy's thanks, but I spoke with the Commandant and we both felt that you are more than deserving of this." He said before extending his hand and placing something in the palm of her hand. Barbara opened her hand to reveal a black Eagle, Globe, and Anchor, the insignia of the United States Marine Corps. "The Commandant wishes to extend his thanks for saving his Marines and has decided to name you an honorary Marine, Private First Class Gordon."
"I…I don't know what to say, this…I'm honored." Barbara stuttered out. It was about time that someone rewarded her for all the crap she'd gone through as Batgirl.
"You've more than earned it and I have no doubt that you'll make us proud. And Quinzel, follow her example and you'll go far in the new life that's been given to you. I expect you to earn one of these as well one day. For now, go out and celebrate, enjoy the day because I've already got a mission lined up for you guys when you get back."
"Yes Sir!" They all blurted out. He smiled and nodded one last time before turning back and walking away, leaving them alone in the parking lot.
"Wow, look at you PFC Gordon. Never thought I'd say that." Alex joked.
"I didn't ask for this! Don't get me wrong it's an honor, truly, but I'm not cut out for doing whatever you guys do!"
"Getting black out drunk and stacking bodies? Eh, give it a week and you'll be slaying bodies with the rest of us."
"What!? No!"
"Geez, would you relax. It's an honorary title, we're not actually expecting you to go deploy overseas and start offing terrorists. That's my job, remember? But you do have to call me Sergeant now, boot."
"Ugh, how did you put up with him Harley?" Barbara suddenly asked the newly reformed Harley.
"Patience and selective hearing."
"Ha ha, you're a fucking comedian." Alex replied sarcastically, arms crossed.
"I'd hope so, I did spend four years of my life dressed as a clown after all."
"Don't remind me, I'm still trying to forget." Barbara said, rubbing her forehead.
"Hey, didn't the General tell us to go and have fun? Now I don't know about you guys but I spent two months in the brig so as you can imagine I'm kinda eager to get out and do something other than stare at a wall all day."
"Hey, you're right. Let me get out of this uniform and then I'll show you guys everything SoCal has to offer."
"Sounds like a plan and hey, thanks again guys. You're the greatest friends I've ever had!" Harley meant that, truly she did.
Harley seriously owed these guys a lot, the guys back in Gotham too, and she knew she'd never be able to repay them. But that was neither here nor there, for the first time in four years Harley was herself again. She had escaped the madness that had consumed me and found a new purpose in life with new and old friends by herself. She'd make the most of this gift She'd been given, and help out however she could. Harley enjoyed her first and last night in SoCal, it was nice to unwind for a few hours but sadly it came to an end and they soon found themselves on a flight back to Gotham, where she'd finally be able to start her life over.
…Mission Complete…