| Subject: London Series - Part 17....Come Fly with Me |
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Maximus
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Date Posted: 17:58:04 09/23/06 Sat
In reply to:
Maximus
's message, "London Series" on 13:06:25 09/06/06 Wed
London Series: Part 17
Author: Maximus
Part 17 Title: COME FLY WITH ME
Command Home
Sunday, 27 November
20:00 Hrs
Saturday had been busy for Mr. and Mrs. Sheffield as they did the touristy thing with the accompaniment of a young armed Marine couple from Top’s group. It actually looked like parents enjoying a vacation with their grown children. They visited many places and saw the sights. They ate at some of the places they had read about in different magazines. When they finally arrived back at the Command Home they were totally spent and were ready for bed.
The Sheffield’s had breakfast with Harm and Sarah on Sunday and had time to discuss many of his plans for the coming year. Mr. Sheffield asked them to wait on travel plans until he had a chance to see what he could do about Mattie. Harm and Sarah accompanied them to the airport to make sure they got off on time. Harm thanked both of them for coming and thanked Mr. Sheffield for the trust he had placed in him with the promotion. After a hand shake between the men and a hug between the ladies, they were off.
The weekend had been interesting as the boxes in the basement were pulled back out to find things that had not been unpacked from the earlier move. This was going to be easier than last time since all the furniture and accessories were Navy property and stayed in the Command Home. They only had one car so the transfer should work well. Harm was glad that he had stored his vintage Vette instead of bringing it. They would have two personal vehicles and the Limo when they got home. He needed to call and see if he could get the same Limo that was assigned to Admiral James since he would now be giving it up. He understood it was a 05 and should be no trouble for a long time. They would need it soon.
Harm had called Sturgis on both Saturday and today and discussed many things. Sturgis had asked many questions and when he found Manetti was still here, he asked for her number to see if she would be his Chief of Staff. He agreed with leaving Jennifer and Top in place after hearing about how well security was working.
Northside Military Hospital
Monday, 28 November
10:00 Hrs
Harm and Sarah came for an unscheduled visit with the doctors about Mattie’s care. They explained about the transfer orders and asked what could be done to accommodate Mattie. They were told that Mattie was progressing well but it would still be another couple of months before she could be released from hospitals. She could be transferred back to Bethesda and maybe spend weekends at home if she could move around without much help. They asked that Harm call back after finding how and when Mattie would be transported back to the states.
Since they were there, they stopped in to see Dr. Simms. She had heard about the promotion and all the excitement. Sarah told her about the transfer and that Harriett was leaving earlier. She scheduled an appointment with both Sarah and Harriett for 8 December before they were to leave. After talking with Sarah, she took her back and did a quick examination to answer a pain question that Sarah had. Everything was found to be normal and OK.
Harms Office
15:00 Hrs
After finding out that Commander Manetti wanted to be the Chief of Staff for Sturgis, Harm introduced her as such at the 15:00 staff call.
Bud would work with her for a few days before he had to leave. Harm thought that to be a great fit since she had been his second choice to Bud.
Command Home
Friday, 2 December
17:00 Hrs
Sarah had answered the phone and found the SECNAV on the other end. She put it on speaker phone so Harm could also share. He told them he had arranged a flight on a medical C-141 for all three of them for 11:00 on 13 December from London airport. He told them he arranged the transfer of the Limo from Admiral James to Harm. He asked that they have Kate bring him a copy of the final report from Scotland Yard about the take down of Aziz and Fahd for his records. He asked about Mattie and Harm brought him up to date on her progress. As he was finishing his conversation, he asked Harm to come by his office after he reported back for duty. Harm quickly replied that he would before the SECNAV said bye.
London Airport
Saturday, 3 December
19:00 Hrs
This was going to start a week of people coming and leaving and was sure to keep Manny and everyone busy. Harm and Sarah had insisted on taking Kate to the airport and seeing her off. They sat for a time discussing the many details Kate would need to remember as his aide. Sarah had dug out a key to her old apartment which Varese would be vacating this week. They discussed how the apartment could be shared for a few weeks until a decision was made about the house. It took the problem of apartment hunting away for Kate and got the place ready for Harm and Sarah’s return.
Since Kate would be checking in every day, they would keep things organized. Kate was on her way, armed with a book that Sarah had bought for her. Harm found it unusual that Sarah many time bought two copies of the same book when she bought one. She would give one copy to someone she cared about and would have a common thing to discuss when conversation got a little slow. Smart idea.
With a hug from Harm and a hug and kiss from Sarah, Kate moved through the last gate and made her way toward the plane. They stood watching until the aircraft was airborne before turning to leave. They had become used to her being around 24/7 and realized they would miss her like a sister or daughter.
Command Home
Wednesday, 7 December
14:35 Hrs
Harm and Sarah were waiting as Captain Turner and Varese arrived in the Limo. They welcomed them and invited them in to what will be their new home. Since Sarah was unsure about their marital status, she told Manny to put their bags in the other two bedrooms upstairs. (they could sort it out for themselves) They took them into the dining room where Hazel and her replacement had prepared a heavy lunch for them. The conversation covered many things of interest to Sturgis and Varese. Harm told him that he would clean out his office on Saturday morning and he could move in anytime after that. He reminded him that the Spooks would be here Monday morning early to pack up both the remnants of Golden Net and Harm and Sarah’s goods. Seeing that they were both tired, Harm suggested they get some sleep and they could talk again later. Harm called Hazel and explained their situation and it was agreed that someone would be available for them for the next 24 hours for food, etc. After hearing that they would be looked after, Sturgis and Varese made their way upstairs.
Northside Military Hospital
17:15 Hrs
Harm and Sarah entered Mattie’s room finding her dressed in a blue pant suit that they had bought for her and quickly asked her if she was ready for her evening on the town. She got into her chair and Harm wheeled her out to the waiting Limo. Harm picked her up and placed her in the seat inside and she adjusted herself over to where she wanted to set. Harm folded the chair up and Manny put it in the trunk. Harm and Sarah entered and sat one on each side of her. They enjoyed good conversation until they arrived at Lucinda’s. Harm helped Mattie out and steadied her until she was stable. Sarah gave her a white three footed cane, like the one she had been using in re-hab, and Mattie took her time and walked into the restaurant and to her chair. After she was seated, Harm and Sarah relaxed a bit. She took her time with the menu and ordered what sounded real good. After every one ordered, the waiter brought the spinach/cheese appetizer and all three enjoyed dipping into it with corn chips. After talking for a little while, the conversation started getting into everyone’s real feelings. It was going to be so nice to get back to the states but they would be leaving good friends behind. Their expectations for the future were so great that all three could hardly wait to get started. They talked through the meal and ended with a solid feeling of where dreams and everyone were heading. Although each faced their own new challenges, they were now totally woven together and would be there for each other in the dark as well as the light. It had been a long time coming but they were now a family. The trip back to the hospital felt completely different to everyone.
Northside Military Hospital
Thursday, 8 December
10:30 Hrs
Sarah had invited Varese to come along and they stopped to pick up Harriett on the way. They discussed everything from morning sickness to clothes on their trip to the hospital. After they entered Dr. Simms office and signed in, they took a seat. Varese asked Sarah many questions about the doctor. She asked the nurse if she could fill out the papers to become one of her patients. The doctor took Sarah first and then Harriett and was very pleased with their progress. She changed Sarah’s medication and told both to check in with a friend of hers at Bethesda, Cmdr. Sally Truman, within 2 weeks of getting there. She told them that all records would be sent to Bethesda. She told Sarah that everything looked good and that the endometriosis didn’t seem to be a problem now. Sarah thanked the doctor for all her help and then introduced Varese who was invited back for a minute. Sarah and Harriett waited for her to return while deciding where to go next.
A visit to Mattie, lunch at Lucinda’s followed up by a hot fudge sundae with horseradish on it sounded like it would take care of cravings. Yuk.
London Airport
Friday, 9 December
10:14 Hrs
Harm was having a time holding on to little A.J. as he was trying to run through the airport. He finally picked him up and slung him over his shoulder like a bag of potatoes and took control. Harm came back to join Sarah, Bud, Harriett and the other children. They all stood talking about their trip and just waiting to get the children strapped in so they would stay in one place. Sarah and Harriett were comparing notes from the doctor visit yesterday and Harriett was telling her some secrets of how to use saltine crackers to control morning sickness.
Bud acted amazed that things worked out like they had. Harriett’s father had decided to do an addition of a solarium room with an Endless adjustable exercise pool in it as a gift to them and it had not been finished long enough for the house to be rented out. Things have a way of working out. They would move back into the house as if they had never left.
As boarding time got closer, two airline stewards came out to help get the children aboard. Harm and Sarah hugged Harriett and shook hands with Bud and said their goodbyes and the Roberts family were on their way back home.
Harm and Sarah stopped for a short while to see Mattie before making it back home. They had lunch in the dining room with Varese and Sturgis who were staying with them until Harm and Sarah left. After Sarah went to the master suite, Harm, Sturgis and Varese stopped by the Senior Steward’s office and spoke again to Manny and the 2 new stewards that were replacing Hazel and the Master Chief. Harm took the lead and tried to make introductions and smooth the transition. It was going to be up to Sturgis to set the standards needed to make everything work well. Harm excused himself and left it to Sturgis and Varese.
Harm’s Office
Saturday, 10 December
11:30 Hrs
Sarah had come with Harm to help empty his things out of his office. It wasn’t too difficult because he had not been in it long enough to collect much. Pictures and memory things were boxed up and taken out to the SUV. He came back in, locked the door, sat behind his desk, and wiggled his finger at Sarah. She obeyed and sat on his lap. He talked to her about his memories and fantasies and told her he had wanted to enjoy her right on top of his desk. She went one better by quickly becoming completely naked and asked him to do the same so they could royally initiate the desk for the first and last time. They just knew they would smile or laugh every time they thought of Sturgis setting behind it in the future.
Command Home
Monday, 12 December
07:00 Hrs
A team of 9 workers with coveralls showed up in a moving truck ready to go to work. They quickly packed all of the Rabb items for shipment back to the states. They stacked it close to the front door. They then shifted to the task of removing the Golden Net equipment. They disconnected and took the plotters, computers, and faxes out to the truck mixed in with the Rabb goods. 4 members of the team disassembled the wire fence surrounding the storage units and disconnected the units. They wheeled them upstairs and packed them in the middle of the truck for protection. Four people went up on the roof and disassembled the antennas and lowered them to the ground. After everything was packed along with the Rabb household goods, the truck was locked. They went to the main power boxes and disconnected wiring so as not to leave a clue how the equipment had been powered. Three people went into the Library and started the repair of the floor and walls where the equipment and wiring had once been. When they were finished, no tell-tale signs remained that would ever reveal equipment had once been there. When finished, the lead person made an inspection of the whole house before getting into Harm’s SUV and driving away.
19:00 Hrs
Harm and Sarah had a talk with Hazel and the Master Chief letting them know they would be at the airport to pick them up when they arrived on the 22nd. Harm explained that if they were able to buy the house they would be able to go to the new house straight from the airport. Harm asked and found that both people had furniture and goods stored on the assumption they would need an apartments when they returned to the states. Harm told them that even though they could live by themselves somewhere if they chose, he and Sarah were making a way so they could live with them in there own quarters and could save all of the costs. Harm told them that the home had quarters also for Kate (his aide) and she was free to join them for as long as she wanted.
Harm told them Kate had rented a van that everyone could use to move their furniture into their own quarters if they chose to. He explained that Admiral James had offered to include the excess furniture that he couldn’t take to a 3 bedroom house in Palm Springs in the price of the house. Sarah told them that they were going to collect everything from her apartment, his apartment, and storage and move it into the larger house. It would be more than enough to provide for everyone. They would start replacing and upgrading furniture as doctor’s bills would allow. Harm called Manny in and made sure he understood that he was responsible to make sure that Hazel and the Master Chief made their flight on the 21st. Manny agreed without hesitation.
Harm thanked everyone for the fine job they had done taking care of things and keeping everyone safe. He especially thanked Manny for all of his efforts with the Limo and the safety that it provided. He explained they were leaving after breakfast tomorrow morning and would see them then.
Harm and Sarah took one more evening walk around the compound, stopping at the security detachment to say Hi to Top and the gang. They finished their tour and returned to the command home for a final session in the sauna. Hot bodies felt great together on a cold night.
Command Home
Tuesday, 13 December
08:00 Hrs
Harm and Sarah came down dressed in the uniform of the day to have their final breakfast here. They had left their luggage by the door and Manny was already loading it in the Limo. Sturgis and Varese were there to discuss final things and make sure everything was OK. Harm gave Sturgis a copy of their call list with all important numbers on it that he could use if necessary.
When it was about time to go, Sarah started by giving the stewards a hug and saying thanks with Harm right behind her shaking their hands. After a final goodbye to Sturgis and Varese, they turned to go out to the Limo. As the door was opened, they suddenly faced a crowd that included Geri who got hugs and kisses, Allen and Linda, Top and Jennifer, and many of the staff from the compound. Harm thanked everyone for coming as Sarah moved under his right arm and held on. He answered questions and wished everyone well and assured them that they would enjoy working with Captain Turner. The final act was to give his Chief Yeoman a hug and tell her how much he and Sarah were going to miss her and Top. Sarah told them they were always welcome wherever they were. Privately, Jennifer whispered her thanks to him for finding a way for her to have a baby. Harm kissed her on the cheek and shook Top’s hand before climbing into the Limo with Sarah. They waved to the crowd as they pulled away.
Northside Military Hospital
Helo Pad
10:00 Hrs
Harm, Sarah, Mattie and the orderly pushing Mattie’s wheelchair, approached the waiting helicopter and everyone entered through the rear ramp that had been lowered. Harm helped the crewman strap and lock down the chair and fasten a safety strap around Mattie. Harm and Sarah took a seat beside Mattie and strapped in. All three looked a sight with windblown hair. After the chopper was airborne, Sarah broke out the hair brush and started in on Mattie. A comb quickly took care of Harm and got him back in shape. A 21 minute trip had them approaching the airport in a reverse procedure as to when Mattie had arrived. They landed in the restricted area about 200 feet from the C-141 waiting for them. Three medics were waiting and quickly took over the care of Mattie. They moved with precision and Harm and Sarah had to hurry just to keep up. They moved Mattie into the center of the plane and moved her out of her chair onto a bunk and hooked up monitors to her. She seemed normal but no chances were being taken. Harm and Sarah took the two bunks next to her.
A familiar face approached and stuck out his had to congratulate the newly made Admiral. It was the pilot, Lt. Cmdr. Smith, who had watched as the 6 foot 4 inch Admiral had approached. He was the one that had brought Harm coffee on the trip over. He commented that it was good to see the Admiral still had his wings. They laughed and Harm told him he was here to help anyway he could. Harm introduced him to Sarah and Mattie. He told them he would check with them later and left for the cockpit. The engines came alive and more heat started to flow in soon after. The big plane was taxied out and lined up for takeoff. All engines revved up and the big bird took to flight. The flight got better quickly as heat and lighting returned.
About 2 hours into the flight Harm started getting a queasy feeling and he tried to fight it. This only happened to a seasoned pilot when an airframe was becoming unstable. It was an acquired feeling that kept navy and civilian test pilots alive. He got up and walked around trying to feel what was happening. After he could not detect where it was coming from, he returned to Sarah and Mattie and sat down. Sarah detected a change in her man and knew it wasn’t good. He stayed alert but stayed seated. At the end of hour 5 he was really ready to freak out. He got up and walked around again and all he noticed was some of the medical personal were feeling bad, most had lost their breakfast, and 2 were being looked after by other medics. He returned again to Sarah and assured her that nothing could be found. At the end of hour 6 the two medics that had been stricken were in severe pain and it was diagnosed by the doctor as food poisoning. They started treatment immediately to save their lives. Harm had had enough and requested to speak to the pilot. As he entered the cockpit he found both the pilot and co-pilot in a sorry state. The pilot was showing all the same signs of poisoning and the co-pilot was close behind. The pilot was hanging on to the yoke and was causing the aircraft vibration that Harm had sensed because he was fighting the autopilot. The pilot asked Harm to take over for the co-pilot who was passing in and out of consciousness. After all, Harm was the only other pilot on the plane. Harm watched after the plane as he watched the pilot get worse. Harm called the doctor forward and asked him to check the pilot. The doctor had 3 of his medics come and remove the pilot and take him aft. As he left, the doctor told Harm that everyone that was sick had eaten the fish at the base before they left. Evidently it was spoiled. After the doctor left, Harm found himself alone and unsure of all the controls for the engines. Time to call in the marines.
Harm hollered and a medic came running. He gave him an order and he went running to get Sarah. Sarah told the doctor to look after a sleeping Mattie and moved forward. Sarah entered the cockpit.
(S) What’s up flyboy ?
(H) I thought I would fly this crate for a while and I wanted you to see the scenery from up here.
(S)Is that all? I thought you might need a little help.
(H) You got that right. See if you can find any maps, charts, or anything written. Crawl in the co-pilot’s seat and keep me company. I am going on the guard channel and shake the tree.
(H) This is NAVY Heavy 914 on flight to the US. We are about 5 hours out and have lost both the pilot and co-pilot to food poisoning. Navy fighter pilot Hammer at the controls. I’m going to need some help landing this thing. Come on back.
(Navy) This is Greenland control. Hammer, are you declaring an emergency?
(H) Hammer here, that’s a negative. We have a medical emergency but have doctors aboard. Problem is being taken care of. All flight controls, fuel, and systems are functioning fine. I am unfamiliar with the controls and landing procedures for this aircraft and will need a pilot or tech rep to help me land.
(Navy) Have you found the controls, fuel and autopilot?
(H) Yes, everything is locked in and she is flying like a dream.
(Navy) If you a comfortable, stay at 30,000 ft and enjoy the flight. We will watch you and will be here for you when you need to start descending. Do you have a co-pilot?
(H) Yes sir, the only one I have ever given over complete control to.
(Navy) Good. Try to relax and enjoy the trip…… Out.
Sarah laughed at the way he put it. She couldn’t think of anywhere else she would rather be right now. They had been in circumstances like this before and being together was what it was all about.
Sarah got up and checked on Mattie. The doctor had added something to Mattie’s last medication and she was sound asleep. Sarah stopped by the galley and picked up box lunches and warm coffee. She took it back to the cockpit and negotiated a kiss in return for the lunch. Harm was watching everything and things were quiet. He showed Sarah what to do and she took over the watch.
At the 1 hour point, the radio came alive.
(Navy) Navy Heavy 914 are you there? Talk to me Hammer.
(H) Hammer here. What’s up?
(Navy) You are about to break the barrier and I need you to squawk IFF 114. Let me know where you are.
Harm changed the IFF to 114 and hit the test button.
(H) Do you see me?
(Navy) Got you. I wanted to make sure and let others know you were a friendly. Turn your radio to 914 and switch from guard on my mark. 4..3..2..1..switch.
(H) This is Hammer on 914. Do you read?
(Navy) I hear you and so does Andrews. They have 2 pilots there and are going to assume control. Nice to ride with you, Hammer…out.
(Andrews) Hammer, we got you. You are still 10 minutes from letdown. Just hang on. We will be back.
(H) I roger that.
Harm knew he would need things like flaps, horizontal, and vertical controls so he turned off autopilot and checked everything for response. He re-engaged autopilot and relaxed. 10 minutes later he received instructions and started to descend at the rate they called for. He received orders passing through 9,000 feet to level off and wait.
He was flying by instruction only and it was by the book. He followed commands and found himself staring at Andrews off into the distance. The pilots told him what angle of attack to assume and instructed when to change direction and speed to get on the glide slope. The landing was non-descript and very ordinary in its appearance. On instruction, he applied brakes and turned on the right runway as instructed. The big bird pulled up into the spot directed by the plane captain without a hitch. Needless to say, the white knuckle time was over but it didn’t surprise Sarah at all. As SECNAV always said “all in another “Harmless” day.”
True to form, reporters for “The Navy Times” rushed into the cockpit as the aircraft was being secured. Many pictures were taken and Harm made sure that Sarah was in almost every one. The reporter asked many questions and got enough information to make the story tell how Harm and Sarah had to take over in mid-flight since the other pilots were sick and disabled. He found about Harm receiving promotion from Captain to Rear Admiral in only five months and what his new job was about. He asked and Sarah told him of being assigned to the Commandants office. He asked enough questions about their marriage, Mattie and other color items to write a piece showing the Navy’s favorite couple in all their love and splendor. The papers loved Harm and now they could talk about the couple without reprisal.
Harm, Sarah, and Mattie waited their turn to deplane since the aircraft was half-full of wounded Marines that took priority. There was a lot of back-slapping and hand shaking as Harm got up to leave. Harm’s attitude was it was all in a days work. Sarah was not at all surprised to find Tom Boone, A.J., and Kate standing at the bottom of the ramp as they got off. They had plenty of time to get there since the Hammer had started talking 5 hours out. It was obvious Tom was glad to see him and kidded him about taking his own sweet time.
The corpsmen loaded Mattie into a waiting EMS truck for the ride to Bethesda. Tom and A.J. made a fuss over her and had her laughing. Harm watched and made sure her chair was properly secured before crawling in beside her. Sarah got in the van, that Kate had rented on Harm’s insistence, and rode with her following the EMS truck.
Kate brought Sarah up to date on everything that had happened. Kate had reported in on December the 6th and had spent time with Sturgis being briefed before he left the next day. She had helped Varese with her boxes in Sarah’s old apartment and stacked them together for pick up by the movers. Varese had given her the apartment keys and Kate was staying in the 2nd bedroom. She had cleaned the kitchen but found the rest of it in good shape. She had made beds in preparation for their arrival. Varese’s boxes were picked up by the movers yesterday.
Upon arrival at Bethesda, Mattie was processed in and moved to room 218 in the partially ambulatory section. The nurse told them the doctors had received a copy of Mattie’s file and were going over it to determine a treatment schedule. The plan now was to give her a couple of day’s chill time to get accustomed to her new room and surroundings. The nurse set up a drip line and added some more medication to help her sleep through the jet lag. Harm and Sarah hugged and kissed her and along with Kate said their “Goodbyes” and left her to sleep.
Harm, Sarah, and Kate loaded into the van, with Kate driving, and made their way to Sarah’s old apartment. Kate helped carry the luggage in and showed them what she had done. Sarah inspected the master bedroom and turned back the covers getting the bed ready. Kate went to her room to change as Harm and Sarah started to unwind.
Kate reminded them that it was 09:50 local on the 14th and she was going to go to work, would not be back until 17:30, and suggested they get as much sleep as possible. Harm called Admiral James and asked if they could come by to look at the house tomorrow and was told it was OK. Harm and Sarah ended up in the shower together and made up for not having an opportunity yesterday. The dynamic duo held each other as sleep and dreams took over.
Sarah’s Old Apartment
Thursday, 15 December (day after arrival in U.S.)
08:00 Hrs
Harm and Sarah were sitting with Kate at the breakfast bar and talking about today. Harm and Sarah were going to look at the Admiral’s house and Kate was going to work. Kate explained that JAG HQ was unsettled. General Cresswell had decided Harm would function better in the General’s old office and had a crew working on the third floor remaking court room #8 into anti-room and new offices for himself and his yeoman. Kate said it was going to be a real class act with closed circuit TV between Cresswell and Harm’s offices. The General could not move out of the office to let Harm in until his new office was finished.
Kate told them not to expect much to get done before the General was settled. Harm asked her to make sure a cleaning crew scoured Cresswell’s old office since A.J. used the fireplace a lot and the ceiling was covered with soot. He also gave her other work related instructions.
Sarah asked Kate what she wanted to do about living arrangements. Kate explained that she felt like part of their family and would like to stay with them if it wasn’t a problem. Sarah explained that if they bought the new house it would not be. She asked her how this would impact her social life. Kate explained she did not have a social life but also said that was going to change since Capt. Jerry Smith was now back in D.C. from Golden Net.
If at a later time, it would be better to have her own place, she could move at that time. Her quarters and office would always be there if they needed her at the house. Harm agreed that sounded good and said they would talk to her after they knew more about the house.
Kate took Harm by the storage facility and waited as he opened the garage to start his vette. It took a little extra doing but started after some gasoline was put down the carburetor. It took a few minutes for the idle to even out and then Harm waved and she headed to work. Harm got a kick out of the throaty sound that he had not heard for a while. After returning to the apartment, Harm and Sarah dressed in very conservative civilian dress and started out to find the house. By following the map off the internet, they were able to drive right up into the driveway. They got out of the vette and came face to face with a graying gentleman about 10 years Harm’s senior.
The Admiral ask Harm to make himself useful by holding the long strand of Christmas lights as he worked trying to put them up around the door. Before anyone knew it, Sarah was holding on to the end of the light strand as Harm was using the hammer. The Admiral talked about his house as they worked together. He explained why he was now moving and wanted someone to own the house that understood and appreciated why it was built that way. Harm explained what had just happened and the possibility that they might be having more than one child and why they needed his house. After the strands of lights were placed properly, he asked them inside to meet his wife, Martha. She was a lovely lady in her mid- fifties with white hair. Her husband explained that she had received chemo and after her hair all came out, it came back in all white. Sarah could sense the rest of the story and understood why it was time for them to retire.
Martha pointed out that their furniture had already been shipped and what was left would go with the house. She suggested that Harm and Sarah go through the house by themselves and assured them they would be there when they were done to answer questions. The attorney in Harm and Sarah came out as they took out their tablet and started writing things they liked and questions down as they went. They went through the bedrooms first and were pleased about everything. There was a king size bed being left in the master suite and beds left in 2 of the other bedrooms. The master bath had a climate chamber installed. This would be great for soreness.
They toured the steward’s quarters, the aide’s office/bedroom, kitchen, dining room, living room, library, office and ended up in the garage. The limo that SECNAV said he had assigned over to Harm was already there. There was enough room there for anything Harm might want to do. Sarah came into Harm’s arms, kissed him, and said she wanted to raise their family here. This was meant to be their home.
They went back to the Admiral and Martha and sat at the large dining room table asking the questions they had written down. They discussed price and finally came to a meeting of the minds. Harm and Sarah agreed on the negotiated price and said they would take the house. The Admiral was confident enough that no problems existed, that he said they could pick up the keys tomorrow after noon because they were flying to their Palm Springs home at 18:00. The Admiral was comfortable with the money arrangement because unknown to Harm, Frank had guaranteed the loan to him when he had looked at the house before.
The house was more than they had hoped for and a little beyond what they had intended to pay but the benefits far outweighed the other things. They could move in over the weekend. Harm called Kate and gave her the address and asked her not to plan anything else for the weekend. They had a house to move into.
Harm guided the vette away from their new home and approached the Vietnam Memorial. They parked and slowly walked the distance to the place they last visited on their wedding day. They stood where they had exchanged vows and repeated them to each other a second time. This time the words seemed tinged in drops of gold. They kissed a kiss that included thanks for their time together. They walked to the place by the wall where Harm Senior’s name was and again touched the letters as they had done countless times before. Tears flowed freely as they held each other.
(H) Dad, we are back home now and are moving into a new home. Sarah and I have Mattie now and are expecting a baby. We wanted to tell you and thank you again for the life you gave us. We are going to visit Grams for Christmas and will remember you to everyone. We wanted you to know your Rabb family name is going to go into a new generation because of the love that Sarah and I share. We love you.
TBC.
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