Chapter 10: The End of an Era

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: Well, folks, time for some good news and bad news. First, the bad news: this will be the final chapter of this story (excluding the epilogue, which will be released on Sunday evening, December 5 barring site problems), thanks to all for the reviews (look for a list of reviewers in the epilogue). Secondly, the good news is that this story will serve as the "second" part of a trilogy of JAG stories that I will eventually release. The next release will be a sequel to this, and the final part of the trilogy will be a prequel recounting in full detail the story of Harm's Medal of Honor winning mission.

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Officer's Club
Annapolis, MD
0443 Zulu (2343 local time)

"Ladies and gentlemen, the guest of honor would like to have your attention one last time," Jen announced.

Harm began, "I find myself a bit overwhelmed by the showing of love here tonight. I want- I want to let all of you know that the love that you've shown me tonight is returned 100 percent. I hope that during my time here you've come to know that.

"I don't want to leave you. But, as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. I'm leaving you in very capable hands, of that I'm absolutely sure. You all know Mac, there's no surprise here. The good news is that I won't be far, just a short drive from JAG, at the Pentagon. My door will always be open to all of you. You are my family. You have been for the last 27 years of my life.

"Just before his accident, Admiral Chegwidden told me that this day would come. Here it is, and I can't help but find myself thinking back to the last time the JAG family gathered like this, with him. That said, Captain and Commander Roberts, front and center."

Bud and Harriet immediately proceeded to the front of the room. "Yes, sir?" Bud questioned.

"In honor of Admiral Chegwidden, my last act as JAG. Attention to orders!" The room snapped to attention as Harm handed Harriet the shoulder boards, and she could hardly contain her excitement. Bud's eyes widened when Harriet showed him his new rank. He repeated the oath from memory. After finishing, Harm reached down, shook his hand, and said, "Congratulations, Admiral Roberts."

Bud grinned from ear to ear and said, "Wow, sir. Thank you! I never expected- WOW!" as Harriet removed his captain's shoulder boards and replaced them with his new admiral ones. "These things are heavy!" he exclaimed when Harriet had finished.

"You had better believe it!" Harm chuckled, slapping his old friend on the back. "Your new cover has been placed on the table outside. Harriet, I'll let you do the honors." Harriet kissed her husband.

"You'll all be pleased to know that Admiral Roberts here will be replacing Mac as head of the judiciary department at JAG HQ. Before I give up the mike for the evening, there is one other ceremony that needs to be conducted tonight," Harm said, turning to face Mac.

He pulled out a sheet of paper from his jackets inside pocket, unfolded it, and began to read.

"Orders, addressed to Rear Admiral Harmon Rabb, Jr., Judge Advocate General, United States Navy. At 0500 Zulu on the morning of May 28, 2022, you shall hand over all functions and duties of the office of Judge Advocate General to Major General Sarah MacKenzie, United States Marine Corps. Signed Admiral James Sinclair, Chief of Naval Operations."

Mac, doing her best to stay composed, looked at her husband and responded professionally, "Sir, I relieve you."

Harm managed to choke out, "I stand relieved." After taking a moment to re-compose himself and shake her hand, he said, "Congratulations, Mac, you've earned it," then he leaned in and kissed her on the cheek as he hugged her. The staff lined up to congratulate Mac, but an interruption stopped them in their tracks.

"Excellent, excellent!" said a voice from the hallway. "There's only one slight problem," Secretary of the Navy Josh Pendry said as he walked into the room. "We have one more ceremony to conduct. I've been waiting to see something like this for years, by the way. Admiral Rabb, front and center."

Rabb walked around the table, as the SecNav called out "Attention to orders!" The room, full of military personnel, instantly stood at attention as Harm recited the oath and received his third star. "Congratulations, Vice Admiral Rabb. I hate to run so quickly, but I've some business with the President to attend to. I'll see you in the office on Monday."

"Yes, sir!" Harm answered back, snapping to attention once more.

The party showed no signs of winding down as the night became morning. Mac and Harm, completely exhausted from their day, talked Mattie into taking the twins home as they felt the need to leave early. No one blamed Harm or Mac for leaving early, and everyone wished them well as they prepared to leave.

As they exited the room arm in arm, the entire mess saluted, and the last thing that they heard from the party was the sound of Jen Coates announcing, "Chief Counsel to the Secretary of the Navy, United States Marine Corps, departing. Deputy Chief of Naval Operations, United States Navy, departing," and the ringing of a little brass bell.

Fin

(Look for the epilogue on December 5, 2004.)