"Sorry I'm late sir." Faith said as she and her brother made her way over to where the group was gathering. "There was a lot of traffic from the airport."

"At least you made it in time Major." AJ said.

"Yes sir. Sir, I'd like you to meet my brother Malcolm. Malcolm this is my CO, Admiral Chegwidden and these are Colonel Mackenzie, Commander Rabb, Commander Turner, Lieutenant Roberts and Lieutenant Sims."

"It's nice to meet you all." Malcolm said.

"Well be able to do more introductions later son, but we have to do something right now." AJ said.

"Yes sir." Malcolm said.

"Go stand over there." Faith pointed him in the right direction. "I'll come and find you when we're done."

"Okay." He turned and left them to it.

"Sorry sir, he's not used to functions like this." Faith said.

"I like your dress ma'am." Harriet commented.

"Thank you Harriet, it probably wasn't the best thing to wear to the airport, but I didn't have time to get here otherwise. It was tough enough getting Malcolm to bring his tux."

"He owns his own tux?" Mac asked.

"To of my brothers got married recently so Mom bought him a tux it was cheaper than renting it."

"AJ, are we ready for this?" The SecNav asked as he came over.

"Yes Mr Secretary." AJ replied.

"Good." He walked up to where the microphone was located. "Excuse me ladies and gentlemen. I'd like to thank you all for coming tonight and I'm sorry to interrupt your evening but there is a small amount of business I have to conduct. Due to a few hold ups with in my office an event that should have taken place a few months ago couldn't happen until tonight. I'd like to apologise to the person involved who has no idea what is about to take place. Now I'll hand over to the Navy's Judge Advocate General, Admiral AJ Chegwidden. AJ."

"Thank you Mr Secretary. I remember discussing this with the Secretary a few months ago when I was asked to submit recommendations. It was a pleasant surprise when he informed me of the decision yesterday. So without further ado would the members of the military here please stand to attention." The group snapped to it. "Commander Harmon Rabb Jr front and centre." AJ instructed. Harm glanced at Mac before marching over to the Admiral. "Commander, I'm happy to inform you of you immediate promotion to the rank of Captain." Everyone tried to keep their composure as Harm tried to hide the look of shock on his face.

The Admiral had Harm complete the required oath and pinned on his new insignia.

"Congratulations Captain." He saluted Harm and Harm returned the salute. "Colonel, if you please." He promoted.

"Yes sir." Mac moved over and kissed Harm on the cheek. "Congratulations Captain."

"Thank you Colonel."

"Fall back in." AJ instructed they went and rejoined the line of JAG personnel. There was a round of applause from the audience. "Thank you for your attention, please enjoy the rest of the evening." The guests went back to mingling. "You're all dismissed." AJ said walking over to the group. "Congratulations Harm."

"Thank you sir." Harm said shaking his hand.

"Congratulations sir." Sturgis said.

"Only not in court or in front of the SecNav." Harm corrected.

"Congratulations sir." Faith said.

"Congratulations Captain." Harriet said.

"You all knew about this didn't you?" Harm accused.

"Guilty as charged sir." Bud said.

"I can't believe you didn't tell me." He said to Mac.

"I was ordered not to." Mac replied. "Why do you think I kept changing the subject?"

"So how does it feel to not our rank him any more Mac?" Sturgis asked.

"Well I still have nine months on him so..." Mac teased.

"Captain." The SecNav came over to him. "I want to congratulate you on your promotion."

"Thank you sir." Harm said.

"Sorry about the delay and the secrecy."

"I think it was worth it sir."

"With this promotion comes extra responsible. Try to keep the destruction of Navy property to the minimum Captain."

"I'll do my best sir."

TBC