ALPHA ZULU 69 MEMOIRES
Chapter 119 – A New Enemy
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PRIMARY CHARACTERS:
Aiden McIntyre-Worthington: Son of Liam McIntyre and Adopted son of Luke Worthington
Alex Meat-Goodman: Adopted Son of Doug Meat and Steven Goodman
Alexander Malinois: Master Sergeant, U.S. Army – Alpha Zulu 69 War Dog
Andrew & Jeremy Allen: Adopted sons of Mason Allen and Jason Vance
Ariel "Ari" Rebel: General, Israel Defense Force (Mossad Kidon)
Ariel Rebel Jr. aka JR: Son of Jacob Leib
Billy Bob Vance: Staff Sergeant, Ret., U.S. Army – Alpha Zulu 69 War Dog Handler
Carlos Martinez: Adolescent son of Juan Martinez and Roger DeSoto
Connor Best-Mann: Adopted son of Randy Best and Adam Mann
Dale Gordon Longdick Allman: Adopted Son of Matt Longdick and Jason Allman
David Leib: Five Star General, Israeli Defense Force – Adopted son of Ari Rebel
Date Masamune: Five Star General of the Army, U.S. Army – Protector of David Winter-Jansson
David Winter-Jansson: Son of Oliver Winter and Viktor Janson
Dillion Dwight: General (4 star), U.S. Army – Medical Director of Fort Connor
Duke Stone III: Five Star General of the Army U.S. Army – Protector of Dale Gordon Longdick-Allman
Frazer Sullivan: One Star Brigadier General, U.S. Army (Human Resources for Fort Connor Alpha Zulu 69)
George Battenberg: Six Star General of the Armies of the United States
Hayao Kinugasa, Major, Ret.: U.S. Army (Aide to General Meat and General Goodman)
Hikaru Jansson-Winter Masamune Yasumori: Son of Hito Janson-Winter Masamune and Jimmy Yasumori
Hito Jansson-Winter: Son of David Jansson-Winter and Date Masamune
Jacob, David & Uri Leib: Wards of Luke & John Worthington (Israeli Nationals)
James "Jimmy" Yasumori: Five Star General of the Army, U.S. Army – Partner of Hito Jansson-Winter
Jamie Bob Vance: Love of Aiden McIntyre
Jamison Miller: One Star Brigadier General, U.S. Army (Human Resources for Worthington Executive Security)
Jacob Leib: Adopted Son of Arie Rebel
Jason Bob Vance: (Brother of Billy Bob Vance and partner of Mason Allen)
Juan Martinez: 4 Star General, U.S. Army – Security for Mario Garcia
Juaquin "Jay" de Vázquez: Son of Manual de Vázquez
Lars Alison: Major General (2 Star), U.S. Army – Deputy Base Command, Fort Connor
Logan Worthington: Biological Son of Luke Worthington
Lucas Daniel Fairbairn: Captain, U.S. Army – Protector of Michael "Allen" Roberts
Manuel de Vázquez: Physicist/Engineer - Worthington Industries
Mario "Mani" Garcia: Son of the President of Mexico (Adopted son of Juan Martinez and Roger DeSoto)
Mark Roberts: Captain, U.S. Army – Security for Bobby Longdick-Allman
Maximillian (Max) Malinois: 1st Sergeant, U.S. Army – Alpha Zulu 69 War Dog
Matsukaze Kumorigachi, Commanding General – Alpha Zulu Program in Japan
Michael "Allen" Roberts: Adopted Son of Matt Longdick and Jason Allman
Napoleon Malinois: 1st Sergeant, U.S. Army – Alpha Zulu 69 War Dog
Noah Meat-Goodman: Adopted Son of Doug Meat and Steven Goodman
Randy Johnson: Captain, U.S. Army – Security for Shawn LongDick-Allman
Rod LittleFeather: 1st Sergeant, U.S. Army – Alpha Zulu 69 War Dog Handler
Roger DeSoto: 4 Star General, U.S. Army – Security for Mario Garcia
Steven Robertson-Battenberg: Adopted son of William Robertson and George Battenberg
Taylor and Tyler Worthington: (aka T&T) (Adopted sons of Logan Worthington and Alex Meat-Goodman)
Uri Leib: Biological son of Ari Rebel
William Robertson: Six Star General of the Armies of the United States
Yuuto Meat-Goodman Kinugasa: Adopted Son of Noah Meat-Goodman and Hayao Kinugasa
"Angus" (Name Classified): (Son of a domestic terrorist in protective custody at Fort Connor)
"Biff" Jones (Name Classified): (Son of POTUS and guest in residence at Fort Connor)
*Adam Mann: Four Star
General, U.S. Army – Alpha Zulu 69
*Adrian Johnson: Six Star General
of the Armies, U.S. Army – Alpha Zulu 69
*Anthony Caruso: Four Star
General, U.S. Army (Base Commander of Fort Connor)
*Beauty Malinois: 1st
Sergeant, U.S. Army – Alpha Zulu 69 War Dog
*Bob Jones: Four Star General,
U.S. Army (Base
Commander Fort Connor)
*Caleb Afolabi: Major General (2
Star),
U.S.
Army – Fort Connor Adjutant
*Connor
Williams: Staff Sergeant,
U.S. Army – Alpha Zulu 69 (Deceased lover of Doug Meat)
*Danny Henry: Four Star
Brigadier U.S. Army (Base
Commander Fort Connor)
*Doug Meat: Six Star General
of the Armies U.S. Army – Alpha Zulu 69
*Gerald Isaac: Captain, U.S. Army
– Security for Tommy Longdick-Allman
*Gloria Worthington: aka "Mama
Bear" Board Chair of Worthington Industries (a major multi-national defense
contractor)
*Hachiman Kanmu, Colonel, U.S.
Army – Protector
of Hikaru Jansson-Winter Masamune Yasumori
*Hank Henry-Jones: Adopted Son of Bob Jones &
Danny Henry
*Harold Manfred, Captain: U.S. Army
– Protector of David Winter-Jansson
*Jason Allman: Six Star General
of the Armies, U.S. Army – Alpha Zulu 69
*Jax Arthur King: Colonel, U.S.
Army - Security for Shawn Longdick-Allman
*John Worthington: COO R&D of
Worthington Industries
*Liam McIntyre: CFO Worthington
Industries & Partner of Luke Worthington
*Luke Worthington: CEO of
Worthington Industries
*Magnus Savage: Colonel, U.S. Army
– Alpha Zulu 69 Medical Trauma Surgeon
*Mason Allen: Six Star General
of the Armies, U.S. Army – Alpha Zulu 69
*Matt Longdick Six Star General
of the Armies, U.S. Army – Alpha Zulu 69
*Oliver Winter: Six Star
General, U.S. Army – Adjutant for Generals LongDick and Allman
*Randy Adam "RA"
Worthington:
Adopted son of Connor Best-Mann & John Worthington
*Randy Best: Four Star
General, U.S. Army – Alpha Zulu 69
*Robert Allen
Gregory, Four Star
General, U.S. Army – Alpha Zulu 69
*Robert Manning, Captain: U.S. Army
(Aide
to General Meat and General Goodman)
*Randall Masters: Six Star General
of the Armies, U.S. Army – Alpha Zulu 69
*Robert Masters: Major General,
U.S. Army Alpha Zulu Security
*Rod Jackson: Lieutenant
General (3 Star), U.S. Army – Base Commander of Fort Connor
*Steven Douglas
Worthington: (aka S.D.) (Adopted
sons of Robert Allen Gregory and R.A. Worthington)
*Steven Goodman: Six Star General
of the Armies, U.S. Army – Alpha Zulu 69
*Viktor Jannson: Six Star General,
U.S. Army – Adjutant for Generals LongDick and Allman
*Wilhelm "Willy"
Rogers:
Colonel,
U.S. Army – Protector of Larry Winter-Jannson
*=Gone
but not forgotten
Our chopper made a rough landing and I thanked the pilot for not making me shoot him. I'm hoping he is also a father and knows that a father will do anything to protect his children. My action may cost me my stars but my concern is for the welfare of my son and his partner not my future at the moment.
The destruction of the chopper was severe and we could see the pilots who made a remarkable nearly uncontrollable landing paid the price with their lives as they had multiple fragments of the chopper impaled in their bodies.
Forcing open the passenger compartment we saw the carnage of our sons four protectors dead covering the unconscious bodies of our sons. Pulling away the bodies of the protectors we found our two sons unconscious but no obvious wounds. Yes, miracles do happen and I was glad it was Roger's "day off"!
Our two pilots which we had so recently threatened harm helped us to remove our sons from their crashed chopper just in time as it burst into flames. We knew the one chopper still flying and circling had radioed for help and that POTUS would have everyone who was anyone headed our way within minutes. Airborne Rangers were the first to arrive followed shortly there after by a medical Chopper with doctors descending on ropes to evaluate and extricate our sons transporting them to the closest trauma center.
We made a fast trip to the trauma center with multiple gunships escorting us. POTUS was being POTUS and had responded to the emergency with an overpowering show of force. For once, I was glad to have such an overprotective friend. Our sons were still unconscious when we reached the trauma center and the hospital was in full blown trauma mode with every discipline of medicine waiting to provide assistance the minute our sons reached them.
Finally, getting settled into an exam room we fathers were evaluated for injuries even as we assured the doctors we hadn't been injured or had our chopper crash. (They weren't changing their procedures even for our "six stars".) Finally, I had time to ask OPS to connect me with Logan and ask him to notify Ari and Jacob that JR was unconscious with no apparent injuries. We would advise him as soon as we knew anything.
Also, admitting to Logan his pilot broke protocol and landed because I put my gun to his head and threatened to kill him if he didn't comply. Make certain he doesn't get in trouble for not following his protocol. I'll accept whatever repercussions there are for my actions.
Finally, the doctors entered the room and told us they had done a preliminary evaluation on our sons and it appears they survived the crash with a minimum of injuries. We are doing an MRI to determine if they have a head injury but it appears from our initial workup they are two lucky kids.
Why wasn't I surprised when suddenly two MPs and an officer entered our room and advised us by order of the President we were under arrest. We trust you won't attempt to escape and we will allow you to stay at the hospital until the doctors have made a complete assessment of your sons. We are then ordered to immediately transport you to the White House.
We had a full detail of MPs escorting us to the White House and the Secret Service then took charge of us and escorted us to the Situation Room. Why wasn't I surprised to see the Pilot I had threatened talking with POTUS as we entered. POTUS gave me the ass chewing of my life and I so deserved it. He told me I was one very lucky General, the Pilot had two teenage sons. He wasn't pressing charges and advised he would have done the same if the roles were reversed. You owe him a sincere apology and probably a case of your precious 20 year old aged single malt Scotch.
Yes, we would have lost both of your kids and I'd be on the hot seat with the Prime Minister of Israel trying to keep Ari and Jacob from declaring war on us. POTUS advised: "FYI... they are two fighter jets in international air space with Ari and Jacob as we speak. You might want to meet them at Andrews and escort them to the Hospital". Your "beast" and a squad of Alpha Zulu security are waiting to escort you when you leave. My mind now went from father mode to general mode and the security of our sons. Turning to POTUS: "With your permission, we need to return to the hospital and see to the security of our sons." GRANTED, DISMISSED! (I guess that bullet didn't have my name on it.)
Exiting the Situation Room the MPs which had escorted us were present and we thanked them for their professionalism and being so considerate of two traumatized fathers. The three men Saluted and said they were fathers also.
I dropped my partner off at the hospital with the majority of our Alpha Zulu security and proceeded to Andrews to wait for Ari and Jacob to land. Damn, those jets came in hot and I'd have to remind the base administration they both had diplomatic immunity. This isn't the day to give a terrified father any grief.
Ari and Jacob deplaned their jets and raced for our Limo. Their pilots would be transported to the Penthouse as Logan and Alex were waiting to provide them with creature comforts. Jimmy and Hito were keeping the kids busy spoiling them with a Christmas feast and Yukon and Napoleon have them worn out to the point of exhaustion being on "puppy duty".
The doctors were waiting for our arrival before giving a briefing on the status of our sons. Introducing Ari and Jacob as the parents of JR and our future in-laws we settled into a conference room and received the best news possible. They did a full body scan and it appears your sons escaped any major injury. The men who sacrificed themselves and used their bodies as a barrier against any foreign objects were successful. We expect them to be conscious sometime in the next 24 hours with the headache of all headaches.
T&T walked into the conference room as the doctors were finishing and as the doctors exited the room those two imps "double teamed" us and gave me the ass chewing worse than POTUS had. "You are so lucky that pilot has two teenage sons or you would be in confinement with charges pending." I admitted to my pair of adult imps they were totally correct and if I had it to do over again I'd do the same thing. If we hadn't landed and removed our sons from the chopper they would have burned to death when it exploded. Right now, I need COFFEE, a long hot shower, a clean uniform, a meal and the love of my partner in that order.
Why wasn't I surprised to see media trucks as far as one could see surrounding the Marriott and the lobby full of reporters with outstretched arms holding microphones. The stock answer of NO COMMENT wasn't going to satisfy them but until the preliminary investigation was done we don't know what caused the chopper to crash. The one thing all the investigators agreed upon was the fantastic landing by the Pilots who sacrificed themselves to protect their passengers. We knew we had six funerals to attend and six grieving families to console. I knew the perks of Worthington Industries would more than provide for the families monetarily, but no amount of money can replace a husband and a father in the life of their family.
We four fathers slept for over 12 hours from the sheer stress and exhaustion of what we had experienced. Logan and Alex had a brunch ready when we emerged to face the day and security was ready to transport us back to the hospital. Our sons were starting to become conscious as we entered the room and we fathers were happy when they opened their eyes and actually talked with us. Seeing their future partner in the adjoining bed we assured both of them the doctors claim you both will survive. I smiled at our son and told him to reach between his legs to make sure everything was present and functional. Anything else doesn't matter. Asking about the pilots and their security detail we were forced to tell them the truth. The pilots died on impact and your security detail died protecting you. Both young men cried without shame and had a new respect for the men who had so often curtailed their lives.
The doctors kept our sons in the hospital for five days and when the initial assessment of the crash came back as sabotage we all were in shock. Worthington Executive Security immediately implemented the two person team of men working on or around any aircraft and their aircraft became a no warning kill zone for any individual found alone. The same procedure was implemented for work done on all Worthington vehicles. We all were lucky when upon inspection there were bombs found in the remaining two choppers. Someone was "head hunting" for Alpha Zulu and we now had a new unknown adversary in our lives. Only the "Grace of God" kept the remaining bombs from exploding and decimating our family.
To say our kids were apprehensive about getting into a chopper and flying to Camp Phoenix for a late Christmas celebration would be an understatement. T&T assured them the chopper had all been inspected and bomb sniffing dogs completed the inspection just minutes before we arrived. Only with us fathers joining them did they agree to fly to Camp Phoenix. Frankly, they were terrified and the had sound rationale for being so.
At least the exuberance of the young children brought out the Christmas spirit in our family. The kids were made to wait until we returned to open their Christmas presents. I swear it is more fun to watch kids rip open the Christmas wrappings then it is to get a Christmas present myself. I had already been given the best present possible... my wonderful and loving two sons.
Ari and Jacob asked where was the "Captain Midnight" they had been told so much about. "The Captain is confined to base for the holiday." When we put up the big tall Christmas tree in the mess area the men found Captain Midnight at the top of the tree causing the tree to almost crash to the ground. After maintenance got the electric "bucket" and extracted the Captain from the tree he immediately proceeded to return to the top of the tree. Finally, maintenance welded an eye bold to the ceiling girders and tied the tree to the ceiling. Captain Midnight cried all through the meal for someone to get him down. Finally, Yukon and Napoleon went over to the tree, barked at their charge and he came scampering down the tree branches onto the back of Yukon and off to PT for the morning. The entire base was shocked that Captain Midnight minded anyone but I guess his adopted fathers have the final word in his life. With his history, we felt Captain Midnight would destroy the Christmas tree in Camp Phoenix's Great Room.
Upset that our Christmas present was destroyed when their chopper crashed, we held our sons and told them the best present you could give us is to let the Chaplain help heal you on your road to recovery. Our sons cried knowing how much we loved them. When our sons found out from the Chaplain how we had put our stars in jeopardy when we forced our pilot to land his chopper we got another royal ass chewing from our sons. (Ok, OK! We were wrong! But, we'd do it again if necessary... live with it!)
It wasn't surprising that Ari and Jacob walked JR to their bedroom and made a cuddle sandwich out of him all night and my partner and I did the same for Steven. We wanted both sons to know how much they were loved and would always be loved and protected. It was no surprise to anyone both of our sons disappeared for a few hours after brunch returning doing the walk of shame with a big smile on both of their faces. The younger kids were concerned our Sons might have an injury the doctors missed and they assured the kids they had just overexerted and would be fine in a few hours.
The kids really got this quizzical look when we fathers returned a few hours later also doing the walk of shame. We assured them we were just trying to keep up with our sons and we weren't as young as we thought we were. We were all smiling when security walked in holding two large boxes addressed to our sons. Opening the boxes their eyes bulged as they found two computer backpacks and in the second box two state of the art gaming laptops already programed with WiFi access for Camp Phoenix, the Penthouse and Fort Connor. At least we knew the kids would have better things to do with their time than to ask us about our funny walk. It was so much fun to watch four kids on laptop battling it out online. I sure hope POTUS didn't want a video conference because the kids had claimed the majority of bandwidth at Camp Phoenix.
Ari and Jacob spent two weeks with their kids and finally the Israeli Minister of Defense insisted they return. Our sons assured them they would visit in a few weeks and Ari assured JR he would be interviewing replacements for his security detail the minute he returned to Israel. (Jacob's HR staff had already prepared the "short list".)
We were so proud of our sons when they asked us to make certain the men who gave their lives for them at least received a Silver Star in addition to their purple heart and they wanted to be the ones to present them to their parents. We saw no problem with the pilots and their protectors but felt the Legion of Merit and Purple Heart was more appropriate for our deceased Israeli soldiers.
Arriving at the family compound Ari and Jacob spent the night with their partner and not much sleep was on their agenda. They all knew the life they chose put them in constant danger and they accepted it as their commitment to their great nation and the people they serve. Both Ari and Jacob knew the task they now faced would be most difficult... asking two soldiers to put their lives on the line to protect their son and his partner.
When we Generals settled into our office arriving back at Fort Connor it was no surprise our HR Dream Team had packets on six men for us to consider to replace our sons protectors that had been killed. We knew Ari and Jacob were facing the same challenge we were... asking two soldiers to put their lives in harms way to protect our son(s). (This job never seems to get easier!)
My partner and I decided to keep the initial interviews strictly professional as we would for any position at Fort Connor. Only after we had made the determination on the man (or men) we wanted as our 1st choice would we share with them the real risk they were taking accepting this posting. From reading the files of the men our HR team had selected we truly doubted if any man would walk away due to any concern for his safety. These men had all received awards for "running toward the gun fire", not retreating from a fight.
To no ones surprise a betting pool was quickly established as to which of the potential candidates would be selected. The Worthington Foundation made a "mint" off that betting pool and the men with the lowest odds of winning were actually the ones we selected. (Our adjutants were kinda miffed we didn't give them the inside scoop on our selection so they could have cleaned up on the betting pool.) We just reminded our good friends they should never bet more than they can afford to lose.
It was really traumatic for our sons to attend the funeral for the four Americans that lost their life protecting them. When they asked the parents of the two pilots if they would meet with them privately they broke protocol and told them the complete story of how their sons died protecting them. A medal is an inadequate replacement for your sons but I hope you will accept it as our small way of acknowledging the sacrifice they made for us. All eight parents were in tears along with our sons. I was never prouder than I was of the men my sons were becoming. Yes, JR wasn't my son yet but today he was in my heart and I knew these two young men had a bond that would never be broken.
Our HR Dream Team had done an admiral job selecting candidates to replace our deceased protectors. We were honest with the six candidates the men you are replacing died protecting our sons. Alpha Zulu may be a prestigious posting in the Army but your life will be in more danger than a front line unit in the middle east.
We finally passed the buck to our two kids and after having them give our candidates the grand tour of Fort Connor they spent the evening challenging them to arcade games in the rec hall. (Quarters well spent getting to know the men who would be protecting their lives.) With the recommendation of Steven and JR we made the initial cut and offered the men we didn't select the option of joining one of the Squads of Alpha Zulu. The two men selected headed off to medical to face our "mad doctor" who they claimed was a vampire after all the blood he wanted. Both men were rubbing their hip when they returned and I apologized for not warning them Doc is terrible at giving shots. Our two newbies also commented: "That man has damn long fingers" which had us all roaring and holding our sides. (We could all relate.)
We sent them off to Washington to spend a few days with David, Date, Logan and Alex so they could get fitted for their new uniforms. Returning to Fort Connor we made it an urgent priority they qualify with their firearms because as soon as they qualify you will be escorting our sons to Israel. Your diplomatic passports arrived in my secure mail this morning and Ari is constantly video conferencing wanting his grandson to visit. If he doesn't visit soon I fear Mossad agents may invade Fort Connor and kidnap him.
Our newly minted Captain were impressed flying "First Class" from Washington to Tele Avi with our sons. An impressive Israeli security detail met them upon arrival and YES grandpa Ari was being overprotective. Our sons were smart enough to give their new protectors the "Who's Who" of JR's family and the power they held in the Israeli military and government. Once you break through Ari's gruff over-protective exterior he really is a great guy... one you definitely want to have on your side.
Unpacking and settling into the Family Compound we enjoyed a great meal together. When we adjourned to the Great Room I quietly asked Ari to arrange for Steven and I to meet the parents of the two soldiers that died protecting us. Ari knew we needed to meet these people so we could have closure over the death of their protectors. He would arrange it by weeks end.
Jacob insisted Steven and I join him the next day so he could introduce his son and soon to be son-in-law to the headquarter staff of HIS Israel Defense Force. As two strikingly handsome young Captains joined us for the tour it didn't take a college degree to know these were the two men that Ari and Jacob had selected for our additional protection. When we returned to the Family Compound Ari apologized for running out of bedrooms and hoped our protectors didn't mind sharing a bed for a few nights. From the sounds emanating from their rooms all night little resistance would be shown making these sleeping arrangements permanent.
Little did we know the only bedroom which was soundproofed was the one in which we were sleeping. We made good use of the knowledge when we returned from our trip the next day.
Ari & Jacob had arranged for our protector to get a full tour of the Israeli equivalent of Fort Connor. Even we senior imps were impressed. When our new Israeli protectors challenged our Alpha Zulu protectors to a shooting match we were astonished at the competency all four men had with firearms. Our Alpha Zulu protectors weren't used to shooting with "bullpups" but it only took them a short time to become proficient. In the handgun competition all four men were dead accurate and we truly felt protected around them.
At dinner Ari told Steven and I he had arranged for us to meet the parents of the deceased soldiers the next day. They had been relocated to a secure kibbutz and I begged Ari not to get carried away with our security detail. We wanted this to be as low keyed as possible. (I guess for Ari 20 men with automatic weapons and two top mounted mini guns was low keyed. I'd hate to see what Ari considers a major show of force.)
The parents were gracious hosts offering us tea and home made cookies which were delicious. We broke protocol and told the parents their sons died protecting us. We wouldn't be alive today if it wasn't for their sacrifice. We pledge our lives they didn't die in vain. After we graduate from college we will be designing systems to protect our men in uniform. Their deaths will prevent many Israeli and United States soldiers from dying in the future. Presenting their parents with the Legion of Merit and Purple Hearts awarded to their sons we presented them on behalf of a grateful nation, grateful parents and two grateful kids. We all were crying by the time we were done. Our only salvation was when the mothers went to the kitchen and returned with more tea and cookies.
As our motorcade was returning to the Family Compound our four protectors commented they were impressed with the sincerity we showed the families at the loss of their sons. Steven and I knew our American Protectors which died had few living family but we would visit them at Arlington on our next trip to Washington. We needed to tell them how grateful we are and their sacrifice would contribute to the safety of soldiers in the armed forces of the United States.
We two seniors Imps tackled our remaining school work with vigor which astonished even our fathers. We never complained about the assignments we received and always had glowing compliments on the research papers we submitted. We two imps were dedicated to not letting our protectors to have died in vain. We had to show our commitment to the sacrifice they made.
After returning to Fort Connor even the Chaplain was impressed how well adjusted we were to accepting the deaths involved in our chopper crash. Yes, we had survivor guilt but we also knew with the education we would receive we would be able to help so many soldiers in the future. Our immediate goal was graduating from high school and our pending nuptials. Yes, it was difficult some nights when I wanted to drag my partner off to the bedroom and destroy his ass all night but here we two are studying for an exam. The dedication to our education and future impressed our fathers and our protectors. We had four great study partners and the envy of our peers. Yes, these were four hot hunks that followed us around campus and nearly every one of our female friends wanted us to introduce them. Our protectors threatened us they would start wearing signs on their backs stating: "I'M GAY"! Please quit introducing your lady friends to us. Before we graduated from Harvard our protectors were bound in the eyes of God as partners in this life and the next. We were proud to be their best men even if we had to have a respectable bachelor party for them. We wanted a male stripper to jump out of a cake at their bachelor party but Juan and Roger nixed the idea... they wanted to keep the four stars on their shoulders and our dads would have their head if they allowed it. We had to remember this was the Castle and not a gay bar. It had to be a dignified bachelor party.
Perhaps we didn't get the full college experience but we did get a superior education graduating at the top of our class and our fathers discretely praised us as they were the commencement speakers. We were so proud to wear their six stars at graduation. We were ready to start our committed life and career with Worthington Industries. We had our interview next week with Logan, Alex and T&T as to how we could contribute to Worthington Industries and hopefully we can be assigned to their Israeli Division.
Suddenly, our protectors rushed in and rushed us off to lockdown at the Castle. There had been an assassination attempt at the VIP reception after graduation. It was unknown who the intended target was but it was known there were multiple casualties. We prayed our fathers weren't among the injured and we were constantly demanding Juan and Roger find out the status of our dads. Considering the number of high ranking government and business officials in attendance we knew it had to be a "zoo" and a jurisdictional nightmare. We sons really started to panic when we requested OPS to connect us with our fathers and they were unable to raise them on their coms. We went into full blown panic mode!
Finally, our coms went off and we knew our fathers were alive and well. General Battenberg was shot as he provided cover so SecDef could escape. Other than two blood soaked ruined uniforms both fathers would make a complete recovery. It was a "through and through" and other than a lot of pain we will survive. "We have been down this road before." This is not the graduation we had planned. It was a somber mood at our graduation party but we had to full fill our responsibilities and be smiling happy guests after all the planning and work the men had done for us. Our dads would kick our asses up to our shoulders if we ruined the party after all the work the men had done.
Our fathers security detail finally advised they had been admitted to the hospital and were resting comfortably. The entire floor of the hospital had been secured. We could visit in the morning so get some sleep and be cheerful sons when you arrive. Tonight was a night I had planned on riding my partner all night and sharing more orgasms than he dreamed possible. In reality, we held each other, cuddle and cried ourselves to sleep. Our fathers had willingly accepted this life and this destiny... we had to be supportive sons even if the events they often faced terrified us.
Our fathers were complaining about the food when we walked in so they must be feeling better. General Robertson ended up getting admitted to the hospital because his blood pressure spiked dangerously high when he went to "Emergency" with his partner. Doc went ballistic when he read the medical reports on our two Generals and demanded they be transported to HIS medical immediately upon arriving at Fort Connor. The Generals knew what to expect and it wasn't going to be enjoyable. Doc rules and not even POTUS will make him change his mind.
We were pleased to read the intelligence reports and have our fathers confirm the shooters were after a middle-eastern crown prince and everyone else was collateral damage. There is no consideration of pain and "cruel and unreasonable punishment" in courts in many lands and the assassins killed themselves rather than allow themselves to be captured and tried in a foreign court. They knew if they failed they were dead. The men who hired them would have them killed or if they were successful and apprehended the family of the men they killed would have them face a public trial and execution. They had played a dangerous game and they lost.
After being grilled by our four old family friends we wondered if they actually were going to offer us employment or they had just been "jerking our chain" all these years. Finally, after four terrifying hours of being interviewed they told us to go back to Fort Connor and be with our fathers and our intake process would start after our fathers had been released by Doc.
We couldn't believe the mountain of paperwork and even a polygraph exam during the intake process. Finally, six weeks later we were asked to join T&T in their office and they admitted our interview, review and intake had been more stringent than ever given to any prospective employee in the past. There had been no shortcuts and they could justify our working on any governmental project due to our ability and not because of our family relations.
You two can start your orientation here and it will last approximately six months. You can then tell your overprotective father in Israel he can finally have you back and you will be working with our top secret military design team in Tele Avi. And, if it needs to be said: "Welcome to the Worthington Family".
Logan and Alex congratulated us and informed us the family was gathering this evening in our honor. Your presence is required or you may face the wrath of your new employer. When David, Date, Jimmy and Hito showed up we knew it truly was a family gathering. David commented when we got tired of hanging out with the old fogies we were welcome to move on down and enjoy the atmosphere of a true business executive. (The comments then made are classified and definitely without any socially redeeming value.)
A new President was elected in the fall and his inauguration held before we planned to leave for Israel. It was impressive to see our fathers sitting with the Joint Chiefs when the President took his Oath of Office. It was even more shocking when our fathers returned to the Penthouse and joined us for our evening meal. POTUS was asking for a meeting with David and Date first thing in the morning. How was he now going to screw with our lives.
POTUS was far too jovial for his first day on the job. Turning to David he commented you were the first choice for this job and turned it down so you have no one to blame but yourself for what happens now. General of the Army Date Masamune, I want you to serve as my Secretary of Defense. Our friend at the Pentagon is retiring due to health issues and has agreed to stay on to help you get up and running. I trust you more than any man in the world to keep our military strong and to protect our men. Your country needs you... I need you as part of my team.
Asking for 24 hours to discuss this important decision with his family and also with the Worthingtons, POTUS understood but this was a vital member of his cabinet and a cornerstone of the legacy he wanted to leave to our country. "I pray that you will accept."
Asking Alex, Logan and T&T to join David and him for lunch they all smiled when they thought of Date as the new Secretary of Defense. You know I'll have to be tougher on you than any other contractor the Defense Department has and your hiring Steven and JR is definitely going to be asked in the Senate hearing and/or by the Press. We may not be related by blood but we are one family in our hearts. I don't want to do anything to jeopardize the friendship we have shared all these years.
Logan, Alex and T&T rose to toast Date Masamune the next Secretary of Defense and the most honorable of Samurais they were proud to call their friend. Now to face his family at Fort Connor.
The grapevine was buzzing with multiple speculations of why POTUS wanted Date at the White House his first day in office. Security verified their credentials and then escorted them to headquarters. Meeting with the Commanding Generals (Who Doc had finally released from Medical Purgatory) they had big smiles when Date shared with them the essence of his meeting this morning with POTUS. They only harassed Date not to play the "SecDef" card too many times when they got us out of bed in the middle of the night. Does your partner realize how many nights he will be spending in his bed alone. "Yup, we've discussed it and he isn't a `happy camper'!" I'm buying him an assortment of battery operated vibrators with my first extra paycheck which had everyone doubling up in laughter.
Jimmy, Hito and the two grandsons were added to the mix and Date shared with them the offer made by POTUS this morning. I realize the decision will be made by David and myself but I also realize that security constraints on you four will be greatly increased. Telling his grandsons their protectors would still head their security but the size of their security detail would be greatly increased. It is a four year commitment and possibly eight years if POTUS gets reelected. I won't agree to accept this honor unless you all are with me.
The grandkids rushed to hug Date and David and tell them how proud they were to be part of this family. Jimmy and Hito figured their security couldn't be much worse than it currently is and oh how wrong they would be. (They needed to file a request with their security an hour in advance to have a latrine break... just kidding... but security wouldn't be overruled when it came to the safety of our General and his family.) Their stars would never overrule their safety when it came to their security detail. Jimmy and Hito asked to be excused as they needed to tell Hikaru and Matsukaze before the media got wind of the offer or the grapevine informed them.
Asking our Commanding Generals to announce it to the men at our evening meal Date and David asked Jimmy if they could borrow their conference room to have a chat with POTUS. As the room was locked down to security mode Date turned to David and gave him one last chance to say NO! "I love you Date Massamune and I have since the day you came into my life these many years ago. You are a honorable Samurai and don't ever change". Just don't plan on getting much sleep the first night you get back from any long trip. And, to keep the family happy I'll buy an electric blanket for our bed to keep me warm those nights you are away.
Asking OPS to connect us with POTUS a smiling POTUS only commented he hoped he would be hearing good news as he looked upon David and Date in a passionate embrace. Date stated both his family, his Worthington family and his Alpha Zulu family was behind him in making this monumental decision that will impact his life, the life of his partner, the lives of our friends, our family and the many lives of our dedicated soldiers.
Date concluded: "To honor my ancestors, I pledge my sacred honor as a Samurai to serve our great country and fulfill my destiny!" Thank you for allowing me the privilege to serve in this high office. We are announcing my decision to the men of Alpha Zulu at our evening meal so don't be surprised if it leaks to the media.
POTUS concluded: Your senate confirmation hearing starts at 1000 hours on Monday. I suggest you spend as much time as possible at the Pentagon this week and get up to speed with all the nuances. SecDef is there to help you and make the transition as easy as possible.
The men of Alpha Zulu were roaring their approval of Date being their new boss. Date had always been a fair and honorable base commander and always had the respect and admiration of the men stationed at Fort Connor. The First Sergeant was in no hurry to issue the command: "AS YOUR WERE!" and even Captain Midnight jumped into Dates arms and purred his approval. David whispered in Date's ear: "These men would march through hell and lay down their lives for you!" Date responded: "I hope I never have to issue that order!"
TO BE CONTINUED...
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