Title: Reaching Out
author: Sandy
Summary: Missing scene from "Promised Land"
The Admiral was pacing in his office. He felt bad
about what he had told his people at the briefing.
They needed to adjust their attitude and not think
about Bud. That is basically what he had told them. He
had to do it, he had to keep his people working no
matter how much their hearts ached for Bud.
AJ started thinking about Harriet. He hadn't talked to
her for a couple of days and had noticed how she had
avoided looking at him at the airport. He knew why she
was acting that way. His heart ached.
"Admiral, Mr. Webb is here to see you."
"Webb? Now?" Before AJ could tell Tiner to advise
Webb to make an appointment, Webb made his way into
his office. He hated that about Webb. He would just
walk in without giving it a second though, like he
owned the damn place.
"Good Morning, Admiral"
"I am not in the mood today Webb, so keep it short and
then get out"
"Having a bad day?" Webb stood in front of the
Admiral's desk, his hands in his pockets.
"Bad week, bad month...." AJ stopped and looked up
"What do you want?"
Webb remained silent for a few seconds. He could tell
how tense and upset AJ was. This was more than his
usual grumpy self. This more than the normal cold
reception he got from the Admiral.
"How is Roberts doing?
The Admiral was a little surprised by the question. He
stood, arms crossed, looking at Webb.
"Admiral, I would like to know how Bud Roberts is
doing."
"I thought you knew everything Webb?" Webb smiled at
the Admiral's response. Webb was used to being the
sarcastic one.
"I know what happened to him. I also know where he is,
I know his medical condition, his doctor's name, the
name of his therapist and I even I know the names of
the nurses assigned to his section"
"Then?" AJ walked around his desk and stood next to
Webb.
"I want YOU to tell me how he is REALLY doing. And how
is Simms?"
The Admiral was taken back by the tone of voice. Webb
sounded concerned? Worried? Could he really care?
"He is doing better than expected. Simms is being
strong"
"Good. How are YOU doing, AJ?"
AJ did not like the question. He turned around and
walked away from Webb.
"What brings you here today, Webb? What do you need or
want this time?
"I just wanted to know how you were all doing. I
wanted to know.... " Webb stopped himself. Why
bother? He did not really belong here. He was wasting
his time trying to reach out to those he considered
his friends. Webb shook his head and started to walk out.
"Have a good day, Admiral" Webb opened the door.
"Webb, stop" AJ turned around to look at Webb.
"Thank you for coming, Clayton."
There was an uncomfortable silence between the two
men.
Webb started to walk out again and then stopped. He
turned around to face the Admiral.
"You know AJ, this is not your fault."
"What...? I don't..." AJ was upset that Webb could
see through him.
"I know how it feels, AJ. But this is not your fault.
Roberts was a victim of this war. This war against an
enemy we can't find. This was NOT your fault. He was
doing his job, his duty. You are not responsible."
AJ said nothing.
"Nobody is going to think you are responsible for
this."
"Not even Bud and Harriet?" AJ wasn't really asking
Webb, he was asking himself. He had asked himself that
question many times.
"Why don't you ask her?" Webb and AJ stared at each
other. Webb was surprised to see a hint of fear in
AJ's eyes.
"I better get going. Goodbye Admiral." Before Webb
could turn away, AJ spoke up.
"Thank you, Clayton."
"Admiral, can I give you some advice?"
The Admiral's face revealed the shock of Webb trying
to give him advise. But it didn't stop Webb.
"Talk to Simms. You two need to talk about this."
The Admiral didn't respond. Webb quickly turned around
and walked out.
Webb almost bumped into Harriet as she walked to the
Admiral's office.
"Good Morning Lt."
"Good Morning Mr. Webb"
"Lt. Simms, I am sorry about your husband."
"Thank you, Sir."
"Harriet, if there is anything I can do..." he was
interrupted by a visibly nervous Harriet.
"We are fine. We are going to be fine. It's fine.
Really Mr. Webb, we're ok."
Webb smiled. He could tell Harriet was trying hard to
convince herself.
"I know you will. Out of everyone I know you and Bud
are the strongest couple I've ever had the pleasure of
knowing. You and my parents."
"Thank you, Mr. Webb" Harriet smiled.
"Take this." Webb handed Harriet a small card.
"This is my number. It's a private number. Don't give
it to anyone, especially Rabb or MacKenzie" Webb
smiled.
"Call me at anytime. If you guys need anything,
anything at all"
"Thank you, Mr. Webb"
"You're welcome. You better go now, I think the
Admiral wanted those files right away. Good-bye,
Harriet. Please give my best to Bud".
"Thank you, Mr.... thank you, Clay." Webb saw a tear
run down Harriet's face.
Webb quickly walked away. He had to get to his car
before anyone could see the tear that threaten to run
down his face.
The End.