Felix looked at Clive quizzically, and asked, "Why do we have to do that?" He was really not particularly eager to return to the Citadel; all he could think about was returning home with Izzy. But Clive refused to give the group more details, and told them to be patient.
Alec hailed a horse drawn cab to bring the group to the Citadel, after stopping at the tavern to pick up Felix’s suitcase which he had left there the night before. He had noticed that his son’s leg was rather stiff that morning and decided to treat them all to a ride on this bitter cold day.
Clive led the group up to the door of Major Hamilton’s office, and knocked loudly on it. The foursome heard the major call out, "Enter!" and they did so. Upon seeing Clive and recognizing Izzy and Alec, he jumped out of his seat and greeted them warmly. He finished by turning to Felix, who had snapped to attention upon entering the office, and said exuberantly, "At ease, sergeant. So this is one of our country’s war heroes. It’s an honor to meet you."
Upon hearing the order, Felix saluted the major, thanked him and stood at ease, waiting to hear what the major had to say to him. "Please everyone, take seats, make yourselves comfortable," invited the major.
Once everyone was seated, the major began his explanation of why he had summoned Felix to his office. He reiterated the story he told Clive, about how an injured Felix had destroyed a machine gun nest by himself, saving an untold amount of lives and enabling his company to win the battle. Alec and Izzy gasped with amazement at the tale of Felix’s accomplishments over and above the call of duty, and Alec asked why he hadn’t said anything about it.
Felix modestly looked down and replied sheepishly that he really didn’t think it was that big of a deal. Clive interjected, "None of that, you should be very proud of yourself, young man;" a sentiment in which all others in the room concurred.
Major Hamilton ordered Felix to his feet, and took a small box from his desk. "Sergeant King, it is my privilege to grant you the Victoria Cross, this country’s highest award for bravery on the field of battle." He removed a medal from the box and pinned it to Felix’s uniform. "In addition, I have the honor of awarding you a battlefield commission to the grade of lieutenant. Congratulations!"
Felix stood there in amazement, and the rest of the group was filled with pride. He saluted the major and thanked him, but then asked curiously what he could do with the commission at this late date, as his injury would prevent him from returning to battle. Major Hamilton replied, "It should have been granted to you when you first were taken to the hospital, but as you know there was a mix up with your records. Though you can’t fight anymore and are certainly entitled to a medical discharge, I would like you to consider staying in the service to help with recruitment. All I ask is that you consider it, don’t give me your answer now."
Nobody noticed the look of sadness that crossed Izzy’s face—she didn’t want Felix to go anywhere or do anything for the army, she just wanted him to come home with her. Felix agreed to do so, and as he was eager to get home, he asked permission to be dismissed. "In a little while, but I have something for which I need you first. Would the rest of you excuse us?"
Felix and the major left the office; and as long as they were waiting Alec asked for the use of a phone to call Janet. When the call finally went through, Alec excitedly told Janet the events of the past 24 hours, and that they were bringing Felix home. Janet asked, "Are you sure he wants to come home?"
Alec replied, "Yes, we really got to hash it all out last night. I’ll talk to you about it more when we get home. I think it’s going to be alright, darling."
"I love you, Alec," Janet said with tears in her eyes.
"As do I," replied Alec.
In the background, Clive interrupted the phone call. "I hate to break up this romance," he said jokingly, "but please tell her to let Muriel know to meet us at the docks at 2:15 this afternoon." Alec laughed and asked Janet if she heard that, which she did.
Meanwhile, Major Hamilton had brought Felix to the quartermasters hut. "I don’t know if you’ve thought of this, but it is New Year’s Eve today."
Felix had totally forgotten about it what with all that had been going on, but asked the major what that had to do with anything.
Picking up an officer’s dress uniform, the major commented that he thought a new lieutenant deserved a new uniform, and that Felix might like something impressive to wear if he planned to take Izzy out for the holiday. "That’s a wonderful idea," replied Felix, and the two looked for one that would fit him.
Upon pulling together the dress uniform and all its accessories including lieutenant’s insignia, a corporal boxed it up and they returned to the major’s office. "What do you have there?" Izzy immediately asked, reaching for the box to peek inside of it.
"It’s a surprise," replied Felix mysteriously, plans for celebrating the eve filling his head.
After bidding the major farewell, the group left to catch the ferry.
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