Chapter 8: Let the Party Begin

Disclaimer: All characters from the television show JAG and the show itself are the property of CBS and Donald P. Belisario. The characters Ron Allen, Matthew and Samantha Rabb, story, and storyline contained herein is the intellectual property of J.S. Levin copyright June 1, 2004 and may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the author's consent. Inquiries may be directed to the email address contained in the author's profile.

Spoilers: Through Season 10

A/N: Thanks for the reviews. As always, I definitely appreciate them. I apologize for the wait, but I've been trying to maintain a release schedule.

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Officer's Club
Annapolis, MD
0000 Zulu (1900 local time)

The Corvette pulled up to the RESERVED space in the O-Club's parking lot. The lights on the Corvette retracted into their off position as Mac killed the engine.

The sun was in the process of setting; the sunset had turned the sky pink, and the clouds were a pastel purple.

Harm stepped out of the car and turned to his wife. Why in the world are we here? He wondered. "Mac, what are we doing here?"

"You'll see..." she said, not giving any hints that something was up.

The door to the O-Club opened automatically as Harm and Mac approached it. As Mac and Harm stepped inside, they left their covers and gloves on a table already filled. The front two spots were left open, as befitted the two highest ranking officers present.

In the meantime, Harm finally figured it out. "You set up a dining out? For me?" he asked, tears coming to his eyes. "But I was going to take-"

Mac smiled and nodded, interrupting him by cupping his cheek with her hand and simply saying, "I know."

As Mac entered the ballroom, Master Chief Jen Coates yelled out "Attention on Deck!" All of the personnel in the ballroom faced the door and snapped to attention. A small brass bell was rung twice. Once again, Coates, as the senior enlisted officer in the room called out, "Major General, United States Marine Corps, arriving."

Mac walked over to her seat at the front table and stood at attention like everyone else. Mac saw Harriet at the center table and mouthed, "Thank you." Harriet, who had been setting the room up all day, allowed a smile to cross her lips and mouthed back, "You're welcome." As Harm entered the doorway, the bell rang out twice again, and Coates announced, "Judge Advo-" her voice cracked as she choked back tears. She knew it was the last time Harm would be introduced as the JAG. Turning a bright shade of red, she began again. "Judge Advocate General, United States Navy, arriving."

As Harm began to walk into the room, the entire staff of JAG began to clap. Harm walked past multiple tables of his friends and family, as they continued to clap. He reached the head table, and signaled for them to stop their clapping, then sat down, which was a signal for everyone else to do so. Mac turned her head to the right and announced, "Madam Vice. We are ready to begin. If you please." Jen Coates looked to the left and announced back, "Aye, Aye, madam President. Let the Dining Out commence!" At this point, multiple rows of waiters filed into the room, trays piled high with food.

As the room settled down and everyone began eating, Harm took a good look around the room. At one table, Mattie sat with Sam and Matt, both of whom were wearing their first year midshipman's uniforms a little early. He didn't care, in fact, he was thrilled to see Sam and Matt in their mess dress, smiling, laughing, and chattering away. Sturgis was with them, apparently at ease tonight with his rank, judging from the nature of the conversation. Varese, his wife of 16 years, sat next to him apparently slightly bored with the whole procedure judging from the look on her face. Harm couldn't help but smirk.

At the next table, the Roberts family was gathered. Bud and Harriet, now a Commander, sat talking casually with AJ. Next to them, Lieutenant Commander Mike Roberts was talking with a soon to be sophomore Jimmy. Jimmy was attending the Naval Academy. He wore his second year midshipman's insignia, as the Academy had already had move-up day. The twins were not present, indicated by the two seats left open.

Next to them, the enlisted personnel, including Ron Allen, were lounging around, joking with some of the Marine guards.

At another table, set farther back, the retired members of the military sat grouped together, including Kate Pike, Meg Austin, and Jack Keeter. Pike was apparently telling a story, judging by the attention of Meg, Jack and their families.

Mac leaned towards him after the waiter served them, and said quietly, "I have Bud's new shoulder-boards with me. I'm assuming that you'll want to give them to him before the changeover ceremony." Harm nodded.

TBC. . .