HARRIET AND BUD

Disclaimer:  I don't own these characters…

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This can't be happening.  Harriet sat in silence in the Admiral's office.  Tears running down her face, she sat there looking at the Admiral in disbelief.  "Lieutenant, if there's anything we can do…" the Admiral cut his comments off as Mac and Harm walked into the office. 

Mac walked to Harriet and knelt down next to her and gave her a hug.  Harm rested a hand on her shoulder.  No one really knowing what to say, it was not going to be easy.

"I have to get Little AJ," Harriet said. 

"Gunny has already gone to pick him up Harriet, he's bringing him here." Replied Harm.

"Don't worry Harriet, we're here to help, " Mac said softly.

Suddenly, the room started spinning around Harriet.  Bud, her Bud was hurt.  Trying to save a child from a landmine.  How did this happen.  Harriet thought back to the Admiral's words.  "…He was trying to protect a little boy… he stepped on a landmine… he lost his leg… Lieutenant he is alive…."

Just then Little AJ came running into the Admiral's office.  "Uncle Harm," he yelled and went running to his godfather. 

"Hey AJ," said Harm picking him up "Your mommy needs a hug right now," and he placed the child in Harriet's lap.  Harriet sat holding her son. 

Mac stood up and walked across the room, Harm and the Admiral joined her.  "What's on the agenda Sir?"  Mac asked. 

"Well, I think getting Lt. Roberts home is the first priority.  He is a very lucky man, even if he doesn't see it that way right now."  The Admiral said.  

"Sir one of us should be there to escort him home."  Harm stated.

"Agreed, Commander."  Something had over come the Admiral.  It was suddenly; Commander and not Harm it was Lt. Roberts and not Bud.  It was the Admirals way of dealing with this situation.  Yes they were his employees.  But they were also his friends and his family.  Yet he could not bring himself to see that at this moment.  He needed to be strong, and lead his people through a very difficult time. 

Mac saw this conflict in the Admiral's eyes and tone.  "Sir, permission to speak freely." 

"Denied Colonel."  He snapped.  Just at that moment, Sturgis walked into the office with his father, Rev. Turner.   

"Harriet, " Sturgis said softly "Is there anything you need?" 

"No thank you sir, not at this moment."  Harriet replied.

Reverend Turner turned towards the Admiral.  With a simple look the others knew to remove themselves from his office taking Harriet and Little AJ with them.

"AJ, let's talk," the Reverend said. 

"No need Chaplain, good to see you," the Admiral replied. 

"AJ say what you will to these kids, but not to me.  They are looking to you for more than leadership now.  This family you have created here is in pain.  I know you are their Commanding Officer.  But now is not the time to be a closed off Seal.  Tell me something AJ, have you called her Harriet?"

The Admiral looked at the Chaplain.  He was right.  He was trying so hard not to show his grief that he forgot that others around him were already grieving.  "Point taken Chaplain, thank you."

The Admiral opened his office door; standing in the bullpen was his team, his family.  "Lt. Simms, my office please." 

Harriet with her tear stained face entered the office.  "Yes sir?" 

The Admiral walked to Harriet and gave her a hug.  Rubbing her head in a fatherly manner, he said, "Harriet, we are going to get through this." 

Harriet's sobs became greater and was not at all ashamed of crying in the Admiral's arms.

Reverend Turner walked to the door and motioned for Harm, Mac and Sturgis to re-enter the office.   Mac was holding Little AJ's hand, "Why is mommy crying," he asked. 

"AJ, mommy got some sad news."  Seeing his mother cry made Little AJ cry too.  Harm leaned down and picked up his Godson.  "Come on little man, mommy's going to be ok." he said.  Harm was patting his back and looking to Mac and Sturgis for support. 

"I need to go to him," Harriet finally said. 

"Harriet, arrangements have already been made."  Said the Admiral.  "The Chaplain will escort you."

Harriet looked at Reverend Tuner and weakly smiled.  "Thank you sirs," she said as she nodded at both men.

Harriet recomposed herself and took her son from Harm.  Her head was still spinning but she realized that she had a son to take care of.  She knew that no matter what Bud was alive and she still had her family, the immediate and her extended one.  If she did not hold it together there was no way the rest of them could. 

"Sir has anyone notified Mikey and Bud's father?"  Mac asked. 

"No Mac, could you handle that please?"  The Admiral asked.

"Yes sir, right away."  Mac walked out of the office.

The men stood there with Harriet.  She turned to them and said, "Well, I guess there are some things I need to do.  Pack, make arrangements for Little AJ…"

Harm interrupted her, "Harriet, don't worry about Little AJ, we have that covered.  Just go home and get ready." 

"I'll drive you home," said Reverend Tuner.  They turned to leave the office. 

As she approached the door, Harriet turned to face the Admiral, Harm and Sturgis.  "Thank you all, your support means so much to me and Bud."  With that she and Reverend Turner left.

Harriet heard a buzzing noise.  It was so loud and annoying.  Suddenly she bolted upright.  Looked around her surroundings and breathed a sigh of relief.  She hit the off button on the clock and went to her computer.  The mailbox showed she had mail.  She opened the e-mail:

"Hi Honey, see you in 2 days, kiss Little AJ for me.  I love you!  Bud"

It was a dream.  Thank god it was a dream.  Bud was safe and coming home.  Harriet went and checked on her son.  He was sleeping soundly.  She returned to her room, settled back into her bed and looked up at the ceiling.  "I love you too Bud" she said aloud.  She reached for the phone and dialed "Mac can you come over, I had that dream again." 

"On my way Harriet."  Mac replied.

The End

This is my opinion on how Bud's accident happened.