Chapter 18

Sunday July 4th

Whitehouse lawn

Harm and Mac were mingling with the crowd while Mattie had gone in search of someone closer to her age. Well that or a pilot. Harm was discussing international relations between the US and the Middle East with Toby Zeigler when he heard a squeal of 'Uncle Harm!'

Harm had just enough time to brace himself before AJ Roberts attacked his legs.

"Well sir AJ what brings you here?" Harm said crouching down to the five year old's height.

"Mommy and Daddy got 'vited," the boy said.

"Do they know you're over here or did you run off again?" Harm asked.

"I asked first," AJ said, "I always do now because if I don't Mommy get real scared."

"You understand why right?" Harm asked.

"Uh-huh," AJ said, "cause I ran away last winter and she's 'fraid I'll do it again."

"AJ Roberts I'd like you to meet someone," Harm said picking the boy up. "This is Toby Zeigler he works here at the Whitehouse with Auntie Mac."

"How do you do sir," AJ said very politely offering his hand.

"Nice to meet you AJ Roberts," Toby said.

"I work with AJ's parents at JAG," Harm said, "speaking of which."

"Hi sir," Harriet said, "I hope he hasn't been too much trouble."

"He's being a perfect gentleman," Harm said, "Lieutenant Commander Bud Roberts, Lieutenant Harriet Sims this is Toby Zeigler communication director for the Whitehouse."

"Nice to meet you sir," Bud said shaking his hand.

"Roberts..." Toby said, "you helped Rabb and MacKenzie defend the Secretary of the Navy in February."

"Yes sir," Bud said with a hint of pride.

"You did a good job," Toby said.

"Thank you sir," Bud said.

The group continued to mingle until 1800 when President Bartlet took the stage.

"Could I have everybody's attention please," Bartlet said into the mike, the crowd immediately quieted down.

"As many of you are aware this winter the Secretary of the Navy was charged with war crimes and stood before an international tribunal." Bartlet began, "The three lawyers from the Judge Advocate General's Corps that defended him are here today. I wanted to give them each a medal but apparently there isn't one that's appropriate. I will however present each of them with a certificate of commendation and the personal thanks of the President. Admiral Fitzwallace..."

"Lieutenant Colonel MacKenzie, Commander Rabb and Lieutenant Commander Roberts front and centre," Admiral Fitzwallace bellowed.

Mac, Harm and Bud made there way quickly to the stage and came to attention in front of the admiral and the President.

"Colonel, Commanders it is my honour to present all of you with a certificate of commendation for your excellent job in defending the Secretary of the Navy and this country at an international tribunal." The President said, "these commendations will be put on your permanent records. I also offer my personal thanks."

He handed each of them their letters in leather portfolios and shook their hands.

"Dismissed," Fitzwallace ordered. Mac, Harm and Bud performed perfectly executed about faces and stepped down from the stage.

Mattie hugged Harm, "I'm so proud of you Dad," she said.

"Thanks kiddo," Harm said returning the hug.

"Yay Daddy!" AJ yelled as Bud swooped his son up into his arms.

Harm was about to give Mac a congratulatory kiss when all three of them got ambushed by reporters. It took nearly an hour to answer the reporters' questions and get back to enjoying the evening.

Harm and Mac were sitting on the grass watching the fireworks with Mattie lying down between them.

"It's too bad Jen missed all this," the teenager said.

"I'm sure Jen would rather be out with her boyfriend than hanging out with us," Harm said.

"You're probably right," Mattie said, "but today was pretty cool."

"Yes it was,' Harm agreed.

TBC