[A/N] The outpouring of concern for Frank Burnett was evident in the reviews and PM's I have received. Although the character appears in a single episode of the TV show, Frank is a fan fiction favorite and one of my favorite characters to write for.

I began this saga in June 2019. Although it has taken (so far) a full year to cover what is essentially 7 days in the lives of the main characters, we have visited a lot of their life history during that time.

As stated in my profile, I am not a writer, I am a teller of stories. So, lets get on with the story...


Chapter 22
A Heart Of Gold

Thursday, 15 October 1998
0905 PDT
The San Diego Cardiac Center
San Diego, CA

Sarah MacKenzie had hated hospitals. They were big and impersonal, and were filled with people who didn't want to be there. And hospitals were always cold. Mac didn't like the cold.

Trish was seated in the waiting room; nicely dressed in a light gray pantsuit, and was leafing though a magazine when she spotted Harm and Mac.

"Harmon, Sarah. It's nice of you both to come."

Harm immediately went to his mother. "Is Frank alright?"

"He is is alert and talkative. Within 15 minutes of receiving treatment in the emergency hospital, he was already feeling better. Frank wanted to go directly home, but the doctors insisted on sending him here for tests."

"He never did like coming here," said Harm.

Trish looked at Mac and smiled. "Sarah, your being here will mean a lot to Frank." The look on Mac's face told Trish that she needed reassurance. Trish and Harm had been through this before, but Mac was clearly on edge.

Trish looked at her son. "Harmon, bring Sarah and I some coffee," and Harm immediately headed for the cafeteria.

"How did you do that?" Mac asked.

"Do what, dear?"

"Make Harm do exactly what you said without his saying a word."

Trish smiled. "It's called being a mother." Trish patted the seat next to her. When Mac sat down, Trish took her hand. "Frank is going to be alright, dear."

"He's become such a good friend that I don't know what I would do if something was to happen to him."

Trish was tempted to tell Mac that she had become the second child that Frank had always wanted, and that she was the daughter that he longed for.

Trish remembered Harm's stern lecture about interfering. "Frank feels the same about you. I don't think I've ever seen two people bond so quickly."

"I don't make friends easily, so that means a lot to me," Mac admitted.

"As I told you on the night you arrived, you are always welcome in our home. In the meantime, Frank is going to be fine. Hopefully he will be released to return home in a day or two. We'll just have to wait to hear from the doctor."

"You sound as though you've been through this before."

"Frank's last major event was in February, 1991, not long after the Gulf War started. We're you in the Gulf War?"

"No. I had a gap-year following high school, and before starting classes at the university. I was still in The Basic School when Desert Storm began.

"You spent a year traveling?" Trish asked.

"You might say that."

Traveling to Red Rock Mesa to dry out my drunken ass.

"Harm was stationed aboard the Midway, which was among the first carriers in the Gulf. Harm and his friends Luke Pendry and Jack Keeter were in the same squadron. It was the first time that all three of them had flown together since leaving The RAG."

"The Rag?" Mac asked incredulously.

"The Replacement Air Group. That's where newly graduated pilots are assigned. When the war began, Luke's wife Annie was on the verge of a nervous breakdown."

Mac desperately wanted to ask about Harm and Annie's relationship, but thought better of it. "I've met Annie. She's...well, nervous."

"That is being generous. Annie telephoned me continuously asking for news about Harm and Luke.Tony Taylor was a member of the old Ticonderoga squadron and was Harm's squadron commander on the Midway. I knew Tony, but I also knew that he had hundreds of personnel in the squadron to worry about. I couldn't impose on him for personal information."

"You're a strong woman, Trish. "Mac wondered if she could have been so restrained under the same circumstances?

"I kept myself occupied at the gallery, but because Annie lived in San Diego she began coming over to the house and talking with Frank."

"That's rather presumptuous," said Mac.

"Their conversations may have reassured Annie, but they were stressful for Frank. I'm convinced that the added stress lead to his heart attack."

"He seems to have recovered with no lasting effects."

"The recovery process was a bit slow, but that was due to Frank having a weak heart since childhood, which imposes its own limitations."

"He's very self conscious about that."

"When Frank and I were dating he made a point of telling me that his health had never been a problem. I took him at his word, and during our first 15 years together it was true. When we took our first family vacation to the Grand Canyon, Harm wasn't feeling well and stayed in the car, but Frank hiked up and down the trails effortlessly."

Thinking about their fast paced morning walks and huge breakfasts, Mac felt a twinge of guilt. "Frank is older now and he should pay more attention to his health."

"I agree. I've been spending too much time at the gallery and not enough time checking up on him. He's not following his diet, is over exerting himself while playing golf, and I know that he's drinking too much." Trish became serious. "Frank's life is going to become structured. He will offer up resistance, but it will be for his own good. Your support will be a great help to me."

"Anything that I can do for you, I will."

"Thank you, Sarah. Now then, it goes without saying that Harm's birthday party is canceled."

"Of course. Harm and I will leave the Hotel Del and head back to La Jolla this afternoon."

Trish shook her head. "Please, don't do that. You and Harm need time alone together. Besides, in the event that something should go wrong, the hotel is closer to the cardiac center than to La Jolla."

Once again, Mac was impressed with Trish's ability to deal with multiple problems calmly and rationally, and without undue emotion. It was a trait she'd seen so often in Harm; the same trait she'd criticized him for in the park.

"In any case, I'll call Tina and cancel our lunch on Saturday," Mac said.

"There is no reason to do that. Frank won't be returning home until Saturday afternoon at the earliest, so enjoy lunch with Tina. She's a wonderful girl, and one of Harm's oldest friends. I think that you'll like her."

Mac was intrigued. Trish had established firm boundaries regarding details of her son's life. This made the prospect of asking (cross examining) Tina for information about Harm irresistible.

Harm returned from the cafeteria with the coffees and handed the first cup to his mother. "Two sugars, one cream."

"Thank you, Darling," said Trish.

Harm handed the second cup to Mac. "Black, with three tablespoons of coffee grounds added to bring it up to Marine strength."

Mac smirked. "Thank you, Darling."

Allen Beckman, MD FACC, approached the group and Trish made the introductions. "Doctor Beckman, you remember my son, Harmon Rabb."

"It's nice to see you again, Commander."

"This is Sarah MacKenzie. Sarah is a very good friend of our family."

"It's nice to met you." The doctor got to the point. "An ECG was performed at the emergency hospital followed by a telemetry rhythm strip done here. Frank has experienced the classic symptoms of a mild myocardial infarction, commonly called a heart attack. This occurs when there is a blockage in a small artery and it lasts only for a short amount of time."

"Will there be lasting damage?" Harm asked.

"Before Frank was transported to the emergency hospital, your mother administered aspirin, which thinned Frank's blood, and placed him on supplemental oxygen. Thanks her quick actions, I believe that only a tiny area of the heart was affected. We are waiting for the results of our tests, but I feel that no permanent damage was done."

A sense of relief swept over Mac. "Thank God."

"Do you have an idea when he might be released?" Harm asked. "Ms. MacKenzie and I are returning to Washington DC on Sunday."

"I want to keep him here 48 hours for observation. If there are no complications, Frank should be able to return home Saturday afternoon."

"Can we see him?" Mac asked. Harm and Trish had been through this before, but she remained deeply concerned about Frank.

The Doctor glanced at his chart. "Frank has been moved into Room 305. He will be tired, so I request that you and the Commander limit your visit today to no more than than 15 minutes." The Doctor shifted his attention to Trish. "Mrs. Burnett, I'd like to speak with you about Frank's follow up care."

"Of course, Doctor." Trish quickly took charge. "Harmon, Sarah, I want the two of you to go to Frank's room and visit with him while I consult with the doctor. Do your best to lift his spirits. I'll join you shortly."

Like dutiful children, Harm and Mac headed for the elevators.


Thursday, 15 October, 1998
1225 EDT
Naval Air Station Oceana
Virginia Beach, Virginia

The carrier air wing from USS Seahawk arrived over the airfield with CAG Tom Boone, piloting the lead F-14 Tomcat.

Boone had made so many arrested landings aboard aircraft carriers that setting down on an actual runaway was something of a novelty for him. As CAG, Boone would normally watch his entire Wing land, but as he taxied to his parking spot he had other things on his mind.

After securing his aircraft, Boone reached into the aircraft's CNU-188 Baggage container; a luggage pod which looked something like a tiny drop tank. Boone removed LT Elizabeth Hawkes' B4 bag along with his own. The rest of their personal gear would be delivered to them once the Seahawk docked at Norfolk on Saturday morning.

"Thanks for the lift, CAG," said Skates.

"Any time. After all, it's going to be a while before you get back into a cockpit," said Boone, who had recommended Skates for MAWS; the US Navy's 13 month Maritime Advanced Warfighting School.

Skates frowned. There was no substitute for the backseat of a Tomcat; which rumbled her in all of the places she liked to be rumbled. "I hate shore assignments."

"Everyone does, but continuing your education is necessary to advance your career. It's especially important for a junior officer as squared away as yourself."

"Thank you, sir."

"I was not giving you a compliment, Hawkes. I was merely stating fact," Boone growled.

"Well, thank you for stating it so nicely. And thank you for my recommendation for MAWS." Skates paused. "Pardon the informality, sir, but what's your next assignment?"

The idea that the CAG could have any life at all outside of the Navy was unthinkable to Skates.

There was a long running rumor that the reason Captain Boone had never married was because he was in love with Patricia Rabb Burnett, who had been the wife of Boone's best friend, and was the mother of JAG officer Harmon Rabb Jr.

That kind of scuttlebutt was common in the Navy, but Skates wondered if there could be any truth to it?

"I'm being kicked up stairs. I'm in the running to become the deputy commander of a Carrier Strike Group," said Boone.

Skates eyes lit up. "That's a one-star billet! Congratulations, Admiral Boone."

"Don't put the cart before the horse. I'll be assigned to the Washington Navy Yard shuffling papers and making inspection tours until they decide what to do with me."

As a junior officer, Tom Boone felt that the brass had been trying to kick him out of the Navy starting on the day he was commissioned. Despite a rocky start, Boone had learned from mistakes made early in his career and he was now one of the most experienced and respected aviators in the US Navy.

Boone was also decorated combat pilot with three hard-kills in aerial combat, and awards for valor dating back to Vietnam. This was a claim which no active pilot in the US Navy could make, and it would carried significant weight in the selection of a Strike Group Commander.

Equally important in the current politically correct Navy was that Tom Boone had not been present at the September 1991 Tailhook Association meeting in Las Vegas. Due to the death of his mother, Boone was in Iowa for his mother's funeral and had avoided the resulting scandal which had damaged or destroyed numerous careers.

Nevertheless, promotion to rear admiral was a highly selective process. The US Navy was allowed 162 active-duty flag officers, which meant that fewer than 1% of Navy officers ever reached that rank. Eligible candidates, chosen from among the senior captains, were screened and recommended for promotion by a sitting board of currently active flag officers- nearly all of whom, for better or worse, knew Tom Boone.

Boone hated politics. He was in the Navy to destroy those forces which posed a threat to the Fleet and to his nation. Decades ago, Tom Boone had sworn an oath to defend the United States of America and he took the oath seriously. Tom had put his life on the line many times in different conflicts spanning 29 years.

Despite his distinguished record as an aviator, no one could fly forever, and Tom Boone had been flying longer than most. The time had come for Boone to climb out of the cockpit and to (hopefully) move up the chain of command.

After promotion board had made their selections of eligible captains, the list had to be approved by the Secretary of the Navy, then the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and then the Secretary of Defense. After clearing those hurdles, the final selection of candidates was made by the President of the United States.

Tom Boone had nothing but contempt for President Bill Clinton, but he had kept his opinions of the President to himself.

After being nominated for promotion by the President, the last step was being approved by a majority vote in the U.S. Senate.

The entire process could take four or more months, but Boone felt optimistic. Although he had enemies among the top brass, Boone also had friends and allies, including Admiral Jack Nielsen, his skipper on the old Ticonderoga. Nielsen had assured Boone that he would make the first cut, which was by far the most important step.

Boone's old friend Bill Ross was not as fortunate. Bill Ross had taken command of the Seahawk in 1994 and had already been passed over for promotion to rear admiral once before, and he was not being considered for a second review.

In the span of four years there had been a murder aboard the Seahawk, a crossing the line scandal, and now accusations of sexual harassment had surfaced.

As commanding officer, Ross was held to be ultimately responsible for everything which took place aboard ship, and three serious events in four years were too many for the top brass to ignore. No matter the outcome of the sexual harassment case, Bill Ross's Navy career was over.

Tom Boone found it ironic that Ross, who had made a point of playing it safe and keeping his nose clean, would go down due to scandal.

"Goodbye, sir. I hope I get a chance to serve with you again," said Skates.

"Likewise," said Boone, who offered her his hand.

After shaking hands, Skates watched as the CAG headed to base operations; still every bit an enigma.


Thursday, 15 October, 1998
0935 PDT
The San Diego Cardiac Center, Room 305
San Diego, CA

Mac had prepared for the worst, but when she and Harm stepped into the room they found Frank sitting upright in bed.

Although he looked a bit pale and was hooked up to various monitors, Frank didn't look nearly as bad as Mac had imagined.

Frank's face instantly lit up at the sight of the couple. "Harm, Mac, thanks for dropping by."

Harm was relieved to find Frank in good spirits. "We were worried about you."

"They haven't found a way to kill me yet," said Frank. "Mac, I'm afraid that I won't be going on any walks, or at least not for a while."

Being careful not to disturb any of the monitors, Mac went to Frank's bedside and kissed him on the forehead. "I'm just glad you're alright."

"My goodness. You'd better watch out Harm. I may steal Mac away from you," Frank joked.

The pleasantries ended when Trish stepped into the room carrying a stack of cardiac care pamphlets, along with her own handwritten notes.

"I'm in for it now," Frank moaned. "Let's cut to the chase. What about food?" Frank asked his wife.

"The list of restricted foods is rather long." Trish cleared her throat. "It includes cured meats such as bacon, sausage, ham, and lunch meats, as well as most meat based fast foods. In addition, condiments and seasonings such as Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, table salt, onion salt and garlic salt will not be allowed."

"Never mind that. How about booze?"

"You may drink a single glass of red wine in the evening, otherwise you may drink club soda, seltzer water, decaffeinated coffee, decaffeinated tea, or soy milk."

"Soy milk?" Frank protested. "I don't know what that is, but I'm guessing it's something that Harm drinks."

Harm laughed. "I'm drinking almond milk now."

"That sounds worse." Frank looked to Mac. "Help me out here, Mac."

"A diet with less red meat, pork and dairy might not be a bad thing. I'm considering it myself."

"My god. They've gotten to you!" Frank exclaimed as though it was a scene in Invasion of the Body Snatchers.

"Calm down, dear," said Trish. "There are plenty of meats which you can eat, in reasonable serving sizes of course."

"Define 'reasonable'."

"3 to 4 ounces. A serving roughly the size of a deck of playing cards."

"That's not enough to make a decent sandwich," Frank protested.

"I suspected you'd be obstinate. That's why I plan to be home early in the evenings to cook your meals."

"Wonderful," said Frank, who was already planning ways to get bacon cheeseburgers delivered to the house while Trish was at the gallery.

Mac's internal clock told her that she and Harm had been with Frank for 15 minutes. She would have liked to have stayed longer, but she didn't want to stress Frank.

Mac glanced at Harm, who understood. "We should head out."

"So soon? Can't you stay a bit longer?" Frank implored. He knew that once they left, Trish would begin reading the information on the cardiac care pamphlets to him- word for word.

"Harm and Mac were up early this morning," Trish said. "I imagine they haven't eaten a thing today."

"In that case, head over to El Caballito," Frank suggested to Harm.

"The Mexican restaurant up the street?"

"That's the one. They have great food, including really good shrimp tacos. Eat a few of them for me, and wash them down a couple of cold beers." Frank caught himself. "I'm sorry, Mac. I didn't mean that you should have a beer."

"Mexican food for lunch sounds wonderful...along with a glass of iced tea. After Harm and I check out of the hotel tomorrow afternoon I promise that we'll come straight here to visit you."

"I'm looking forward to it."

Harm stood at the bedside and placed his hand on Frank's shoulder. "Right now, what you need is to get plenty of rest. We'll see you tomorrow...dad."

You could hear a pin drop inside the room. This was the first time that Harm had called his stepfather 'dad'.

Trish wiped her eyes, and Frank was visibly moved. "I've waited so many years for you to say that to me. I thank God that I lived long enough to hear it."


[A/N] In point of fact, by 1998, both Boone and Ross would have been out of the Navy or already serving as admirals. In addition, a retired naval aviator who serves as one of my many subject matter and technical experts, said that when he joined the fleet in 1995, which was the same year as the TV show's pilot episode, there were no Vietnam era pilots still flying in the squadrons. This includes any who were serving as CAG. The TV show maintains otherwise, so rather than change every aspect of the show's already convoluted timeline, I choose to follow it.