ALPHA ZULU 69 MEMOIRES
Chapter 148 A Worthington Disaster
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This story is an original work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. This is a free electronic story. No part of this electronic story may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from the author. If you are not of legal age in your location to view and read adult material, please close out of this story and delete any material you have downloaded or copied to your computer.
PRIMARY CHARACTERS:
Abraham Lincoln Washington: Six Star General of the Armies Tactical Alpha Zulu 69
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
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 Federova: Highly valued Russian Scientist rescued by Special Forces
Alexander Malinois: Master Sergeant, U.S. Army Alpha Zulu 69 War Dog
Alexi Federova: Son of Alexander and Petrova Federova
Andrew & Jeremy Allen: Adopted sons of Mason Allen and Jason Vance
Anthony Caruso: Four Star General, U.S. Army (Base Commander of Fort Connor)
Ariel "Ari" Rebel: General, Israel Defense Force (Mossad Kidon)
Ariel Rebel Jr. aka JR: Son of Jacob Leib
Beauty Malinois: 1st Sergeant, U.S. Army Alpha Zulu 69 War Dog
Billy Bob Vance: Staff Sergeant, Ret., U.S. Army Alpha Zulu 69 War Dog Handler
Bob Jones: Four Star General, U.S. Army (Base Commander Fort Connor)
Caleb Afolabi: Major General (2 Star), U.S. Army Fort Connor Adjutant
Carlos Martinez: Adolescent son of Juan Martinez and Roger DeSoto
Connor Best-Mann: Adopted son of Randy Best and Adam Mann
Connor McLain: Six Star General of the Armies RET Administration Alpha Zulu 69
Connor Williams: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army Alpha Zulu 69 (Deceased lover of Doug Meat)
Dale Gordon Longdick Allman: Adopted Son of Matt Longdick and Jason Allman
Danny Henry: Four Star Brigadier U.S. Army (Base Commander Fort Connor)
Date Masamune: Five Star General of the Army, U.S. Army Protector of David Winter-Jansson
David & Donald Worthington: Adopted sons of T&T Worthington
David Leib: Five Star General, Israeli Defense Force Adopted son of Ari Rebel
David Winter-Jansson: Son of Oliver Winter and Viktor Janson
Dillion Dwight: General (4 star), U.S. Army Medical Director of Fort Connor
Doug Meat: Six Star General of the Armies U.S. Army Alpha Zulu 69
Duke Stone III: Five Star General of the Army U.S. Army Protector of Dale Gordon Longdick-Allman
Dwight Jones: Partner of Dale Gordon Strong
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
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 Alexander III: Colonel, U.S. Army Protector for the sons of John Allen Masters
Harold John Alexander-Masters: Son of Harold Alexander III & John Allen Masters
Harold Manfred, Captain: U.S. Army Protector of David Winter-Jansson
Hayao Kinugasa, Major, Ret.: U.S. Army (Aide to General Meat and General Goodman)
Hector Louise Roberto Montoya: Six Star General of the Armies Administration Alpha Zulu 69
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
Ivan Morovoza: Colonel U.S. Army Alpha Zulu 69 (Protector of Alexi Federova)
Jacob Leib: Adopted Son of Arie Rebel
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)
Jason Allman: Six Star General of the Armies, U.S. Army Alpha Zulu 69
Jason Bob Vance: (Brother of Billy Bob Vance and partner of Mason Allen)
Jax Arthur King: Colonel, U.S. Army - Security for Shawn Longdick-Allman
John Allen Masters: Colonel, U.S. Army Protector for the sons of Jimmy & Hito
John Allen Masters: Son of General John Masters and Ambassador at Large for POTUS
John Masters: Four Star General & Base Commander Fort Connor, U.S. Army Alpha Zulu 69
John Worthington: COO R&D of Worthington Industries
Juan Martinez: 5 Star General of the Army, U.S. Army Security for Mario Garcia
Juan Martinez: Colonel, U.S. Army Alpha Zulu 69 (Protector of Shawn Stone)
Juaquin "Jay" de Vαzquez: Son of Manual de Vαzquez
Lars Alison: Major General (2 Star), U.S. Army Deputy Base Command, Fort Connor
Liam McIntyre: CFO Worthington Industries & Partner of Luke Worthington
Logan Worthington: Biological Son of Luke Worthington
Lucas Daniel Fairbairn: Captain, U.S. Army Protector of Michael "Allen" Roberts
Luke Worthington: CEO of Worthington Industries
Lupo Vlcak: Alpha Zulu War Dog (Czechoslovakian Wolf German Shepherd Mix)
Magnus Savage: Colonel, U.S. Army Alpha Zulu 69 Medical Trauma Surgeon
Manuel de Vαzquez: 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
Mason Allen: Six Star General of the Armies, U.S. Army Alpha Zulu 69
Matsukaze Kumorigachi, Commanding General Alpha Zulu Program in Japan
Matt Longdick Six Star General of the Armies, U.S. Army Alpha Zulu 69
Maximillian (Max) Malinois: 1st Sergeant, U.S. Army Alpha Zulu 69 War Dog
Medvěd Vlcak: Worthington War Dog (Sired by Lupo Assigned to Roger & Jeremy Protection Detail)
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
Oliver Winter: Six Star General, U.S. Army Adjutant for Generals LongDick and Allman
Petrova Federova: Wife of Alexander Federova
Randall Masters:
Six
Star General of the Armies, U.S. Army Alpha Zulu 69
Randall Savage: Colonel, U.S. Army Alpha Zulu 69 (Protector of Steven Stone)
Randy & Robert Masamune: Adopted sons of Hito Masamune and Jimmy Yasumori
Randy Adam "RA" Worthington: Adopted son of Connor Best-Mann & John Worthington
Randy Best: Four Star General, U.S. Army Alpha Zulu 69
Randy Johnson: Captain, U.S. Army Security for Shawn LongDick-Allman
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)
Robert Masters: Major General, U.S. Army Alpha Zulu Security
Rod Jackson: Lieutenant General (3 Star), U.S. Army Base Commander of Fort Connor
Rod LittleFeather: 1st Sergeant, U.S. Army Alpha Zulu 69 War Dog Handler
Roger DeSoto: 5 Star General of the Army, U.S. Army Security for Mario Garcia
Roger Worthington: Adopted son of T&T Worthington (Former Angel)
Roi Friedman: Colonel U.S. Army Alpha Zulu 69 (Protector of "Tod" and "PJ"
Steven & Shawn Stone: Adopted sons of Dale Gordon Stone
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
Steven Robertson-Battenberg: Adopted son of William Robertson and George Battenberg
Sven Bjorn: Six Star General of the Armies RET Tactical Alpha Zulu 69
Takeda Shingen: Colonel Alpha Zulu Captain, Japanese Defense Force (Protector of Roger Worthington)
Taylor and Tyler Worthington: (aka T&T) (Adopted sons of Logan Worthington and Alex Meat-Goodman)
Uri Leib: Biological son of Ari Rebel
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
William Robertson: Six Star General of the Armies of the United States
Yonatan Netanyahu: Colonel Alpha Zulu Captain, Israel Defense Force (Protector of Roger Worthington)
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)
"George" (Name Classified): (Senior head of the Worthington Brain Trust and Top Scientist in residence)
"Tod" (Name Classified): (Teenage son of George and protectee of Alpha Zulu)
"PJ" (Name Classified): (Teenage son of POTUS and protectee of Alpha Zulu)
0100 hours and the phone at POTUS's bedside rang. (Never a good sign when his phone rings in the middle of the night.) SecDef was advising of a major explosion at the Worthington Executive Complex. Military and Civilian Fire Rescue are responding and it will be hours before we know the extent and if there are injuries or fatalities.
"Where are T&T Worthington?" An embarrassed SecDef had to answer: "UNKNOWN, we've been unable to locate them". Secure the area with all the military troops you require, heaven only knows what secure material is just laying on the ground after a major explosion.
0115 hours and OPS was advising... POTUS on an Emergency video call for you two Generals. Reading us in on everything that was currently known, he was concerned no one was able to locate T&T Worthington. Asking POTUS to be patient for a few minutes we asked OPS to put us in contact with Yuuto. Asking Yuuto if he had remote access to the surveillance satellite which they use for our locator chips... Yuuto only smiled commented there isn't anything he doesn't have access to. Yuuto turned green when we advised him of the Worthington Executive Offices being destroyed. No one is able to locate T&T and that is of grave concern to us. See if you can locate their chips.
Yuuto took a few minutes to boot his computer and after a few hundred keystrokes he had accessed the locator satellite. The chips assigned to T&T are still at the Executive Office Building. Words, POTUS never wanted to hear. The death of T&T made Roger assume the leadership role of Worthington Industries more difficult and of the utmost importance.
Roger's com went off and it was POTUS asking Roger to join him at the White House. As their Protectors released them from the Panic Room a mass of federal agents, city and state police along with their security detail proceeded to the White House.
POTUS and Harold met them at the Private Entrance and asked them to join the group assembled in the situation room. Roger, I'm the one who has to give you the bad news. The Generals at Fort Connor had Yuuto do a locator search for T&T's chips and they show them in the middle of the destruction at your Executive Office Building. It may be days to weeks before we can have full access to the site and determine if they are under the collapsed building. We have an abundance of search and rescue dogs combing through the destruction as we speak.
T&T read the Generals, Harold and I in on their wills. As of now, you own 51% of the voting stock of Worthington Enterprises. The Company is YOURS! Whatever any of us can do to help you through this traumatic time you only need ask.
Jeremy and I thanked POTUS for telling us himself but right now we have to meet with the leaders of the departments and figure out how we are going to run this megalith conglomerate with all our infrastructure destroyed.
POTUS offered the conference facilities at Camp David for our use and I immediately sent out a restricted CONFIDENTIAL Email to every department director demanding attendance at 1000 hours TODAY! The only acceptable excuse for being absent was DEATH!
POTUS had ramped up security at
Camp David and even I had to present my security ID for admittance. As our
administrative team gathered in the largest meeting room, I had the unpleasant
duty to advise our team of the facts as shared to me by POTUS. It may be days
or weeks before we find the bodies of T&T, but Worthington is a living
entity and they would want us to carry on. I broke the "brain trust" into
groups and assigned priorities. #1 Security #2 Facilities #3 Infrastructure #4
Public Relations #5 Funeral/Memorial Service. Assigning them two hours to come
up with their ideas we would then meet back as a group to try and finalize a
preliminary plan to resurrect our business which is crucial to the function of
the United States Military.
During our luncheon break I asked our Protectors to arrange transportation to Camp Phoenix. I refused to put civilian lives in danger at the Marriott till we know the full extent of this attack. By the end of the day we had a working plan to have a semi-functional "command and control" in place for our megalith entity. What I now needed was #1 a hot shower #2 to be held by the man I love and #3 definitely a double scotch, neat!
Landing at Camp Phoenix, security met us and verified our ID... it was weird when the commented: "Go right in, you are expected!" Entering the mansion at Camp Phoenix we were in shock to see T&T relaxing in the great room quietly enjoying the Nectar of the Gods.
YOUR DEAD! "Reports of our deaths have been greatly exaggerated!" Pour yourself a double and we'll explain what happened. As unusual as it may sound, we left the office earlier than normal last night. As our helicopter was lifting off to transport us to the Penthouse around 0100 hours this morning, as soon as we were airborne, we saw a fireball explode in the Executive Wing followed by multiple explosions decimating the complex. The shock wave from the explosion nearly caused our helicopter to crash and we were fortunate to have one fantastic Ex-Army pilot. Figuring this was again an attempt upon our lives we felt it was best to "play dead" and see what happens.
And, I know you are wondering about our locator chips. We were in immediate contact with Yuuto and had our chips ID switch for unassigned chips which had been in his desk. So, anyone who used our tracking satellite would show us buried under the rubble. Don't yell at Yuuto, he didn't lie to anyone including POTUS. He was only asked to locate the chips assigned to us and that is what he did. I'd never ask an employee to lie to the President of the United States although I imagine POTUS will be doing some heavy duty ass chewing when this all comes to light.
Considering the hour of the attack and the fact that every senior member of our administrative team knows we work till well past midnight most day... we can't rule out this being a coup d'ιtat from within Worthington itself. We had one previous incident many years ago where one of our administrative team tried to kill a senior member of the Worthington family to keep from having their embezzlement revealed. It will be interesting to see what the FBI and Army CID find when they determine the source of the explosives.
As for now, WE ARE DEAD to everyone excluding the helicopter pilot and our security here at Camp Phoenix who are sworn to secrecy with very heavy monetary inducement to keep their mouths shut.
You need to keep doing what you are doing as we still need a "command and control" for our Worthington Empire and keep it up and running immediately if not sooner. We have one or more hardened bunkers at our airfield that can be easily converted and I know Yuuto can have temporary infrastructure in place within a few days. If we can provide equipment for the military to do this in combat zones, we can do it for ourselves as well. Just trust Yuuto, you can't go wrong.
It took nearly two weeks to dig through the rubble to find the center of the blast was located within T&T office, one of the most secure places in the Worthington Complex. We had a few deaths of night maintenance and cleaning staff, but nothing compared to the devastation if this had happened during normal working hours.
When both the FBI and Army labs reported back on the explosive used, we knew it had to be an inside takeover of the company. This was a new ultra-powerful explosive we were developing that hadn't even been released to the military for testing. When the FBI and our Alpha Zulu security walked into the program directors office, he reached into his desk, took his pistol and put a 9mm round through his brain. As the FBI was serving a no-knock search warrant on his residence they found an abundance of material naming the individuals involved in this plot. The Program Director had taken meticulous notes to protect his ass in case this "coup" went south. Before the sun set that day, federal arrest warrants were issued, and every person named in the documents was either in federal custody or they took the easy way out with their personal firearm.
One of the first tasks I gave immediate attention and a high priority item was a new Executive Office Building. It would be built over the existing site and I wanted our architectural team to have a concept drawing to me for approval by the end of the week.
Taking a lesson from the construction of the Pentagon, our team proposed a hexagon building with a large center court which would shorten walking distance between departments. Each of the eight sections would be self-contained within blast proof walls. Yuuto's new security IDs would be required to open any door including the bathrooms. Every inch of the complex would be monitored by security. Yes, "big brother" would be everywhere.
Every member of a department whose leader participated in the coup would be required to pass a lie detector test utilizing Yuuto's new version of this old technology. There were a number of resignation when this was mandated and frankly if they didn't see the need for such security I didn't want them around anyway.
Finally, it was time for T&T to return from the grave. OPS was in shock when the voice of T&T requested a video conference with POTUS. POTUS was having a hectic morning in the Oval Office when OPS advised... Mr. President, you have a video conference from beyond the grave! (Well, that's one no President has heard before!) As the video conference started POTUS was in shock to see the two smiling faces of T&T. The first comment T&T made was: "The report of our deaths were greatly exaggerated"! Join us at 2000 hours tonight in the Penthouse and we'll read you in on all the details (And bring Harold).
A shocked and exasperated POTUS only commented: "Forget that swill you call 20 year old aged single malt Scotch whiskey. Break out the 100 year old Brandy and keep the doubles coming till I can rationalize all that has happened." DISCONNECT!
Between the Fort Connor grapevine and the imp mafia it was less than an hour and we all knew T&T had survived this attempt upon their lives and upon the Worthington Empire. Roger video conferenced and invited us to the 2000 hour meeting tonight in the Penthouse and hoped we would join POTUS and SecDef and you might as well bring General Masters along also.
The Marriott Chef was in tears when he found out his two good friends survived the blast and destruction of their office complex. The prime rib was done to perfection, the ancillary dishes were gourmet treats and the Raspberry Cheesecake was in abundance. We all knew it was a labor of love when the "check" was marked: "PAID IN FULL"!
As we settled in the Great Room and T&T offered the Nectar of the Gods or 100 year old Brandy it was the most difficult decision of the day. Roger started the debriefing exonerating Yuuto and explaining the rationale behind T&T playing dead. T&T commented when they saw the explosion originate from their office, they felt it was an internal "coup". And besides, it proved the faith we had in the ability of Roger and Jeremy. A new more efficient and high tech administrative building will be operational within a year rising from the ashes of our destruction. We will provide for the families of the individuals who lost their lives in this disaster. And, Mr. President... I hope the Attorney General prosecutes the individuals who are still alive for domestic terrorism and seeks the death penalty.
We faked our death and knew the individuals involved would try to make a power play on Roger who they thought to be a young and inexperienced CEO with little experience and could easily be manipulated. They didn't know as we all know Roger is a power to be reckoned with.
T&T continued... you can all now take turns chewing on our asses, but our intent was honorable and what we did was to protect our military, our country and our Worthington Industries family. POTUS only commented T&T were to be at the White House 0900 tomorrow to shock the hell out of the White House Sharks returning from the dead.
The White House Sharks went into a feeding frenzy when POTUS walked in the Press Room with T&T Worthington. Every major media interrupted their daytime game shows and even their soap operas to announce this breaking news report.
After two hours of answering question T&T concluded the press briefing confirming the rumors that they were stepping down from running the day-to-day operations of the Worthington Empire and their son Roger has been named CEO replacing them.
Roger was ready to hang his fathers from the flag poles at Fort Conner when he and Jeremy walked into the Marriott Lobby that evening and had over 40 microphones stuck in his face amid a barrage of video cameras. As Roger and Jeremy entered the Penthouse, T&T relaxing in the oversized chairs and enjoying a large brandy snifter with them commenting: "Just in time to see us on the late news". "Dads, you may wish you were dead after we get done with you!"
T&T were impressed with the conceptual drawing of the new Executive Office and liked using the concept developed for the Pentagon. It had proved to be most efficient over the years. The new Executive Office Building rose from the ashes and Roger and Jeremy were impressed more every time they visited the building site.
The construction plan exceeded any federal, state or local building code in the United States. Within a year, the new building was dedicated and only then did T&T make a public appearance as part of Worthington Industries. POTUS, Harold, SecDef, our Cardinal Chaplain, even our five Generals of Alpha Zulu were in attendance. As our Cardinal Chaplain dedicated the new building: "To World Peace and to the protection of mankind".
Doc was even impressed with the corporate medical facility constructed. After all, he should be... he designed it! Roger had a special gift for T&T and really had to work hard to keep it from them during the design and construction. Entering the main entrance, in the lobby was a bigger than life oil painting of Mama Bear with the inscription: "Gloria Worthington... Executive, Philanthropist and Mother to all". T&T were in tears seeing the portrait and reading the inscription. They could remember Mama Bear holding them and welcoming these two flaming red head imps into the Worthington family.
Roger had a fast learning curve over his first year as CEO of Worthington Industries. Jeremy was delegated to do many important tasks and he rose to the occasion with every assignment. People throughout the Worthington World quickly learned Jeremy was truly an extension of Roger. Challenge Jeremy and the employee was usually on the unemployment line by end of day.
The Worthington Wolf Dog breeding program reached the program goal and now had Wolf Dogs pups for military security to utilize with their own training program. There were enough Wolf Dogs that over 50% of the roving security of the Worthington Complex were accompanied by a Wolf Dog. Most employees learned quickly a jar of doggie treats on their desk made for a great working relationship with most Wolf Dogs.
Roger had one last learning experience before T&T were ready to completely go into retirement: The Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors. Even holding 51% of the voting stock it can get challenging at times and the last thing anyone wanted was a hostile takeover.
Roger was still on a "honeymoon" after his efforts of rebuilding Worthington Industries literally and figuratively. His leadership ability had shown he truly was a Worthington. Roger knew without Jeremy at his side none of this would be possible. The other irreplaceable person he could never live without is Yuuto. Yuuto assured Roger he had an apprentice in training, a MIT graduate, that was even smarter than he was. High praise coming from Yuuto. There was little Roger could do to upset his Board of Directors as they looked forward to a long and productive relationship with this the now public image of the Worthington Clan.
What Roger was most proud of was the underground Operations Center built under the Worthington Complex. It had a security blast door equal to that of the imps bunker at Fort Connor and the entire OPS center was encased in 10 feet of reinforced concrete. It not only took an Executive Key Card but also a palm print, iris scan and DNA profile to gain entrance. As Roger walked T&T through their OPS they were greatly impressed. Even the Board of Directors were impressed when after the Insurance Company paid for the clean-up for the demolished building and the money received from the building being destroyed it took under $15,000,000.00 USD to complete the new building.
The employees when they moved into the new complex loved it and even the smallest of recommendations were given careful consideration and implemented where feasible. After all a happy employee will last a lot longer than an unhappy one. Roger wanted employees of Worthington to hang around and stay till they were ready to retire. Young energetic brain power is great but nothing is better than experience. When you combine the two you have what makes Worthington Industries GREAT!
Finally, back at the Penthouse after an extremely exhausting day dedicating the new Worthington Industries International Headquarters Roger was exhausted. Jeremy took his hand and told Roger they had spent two many exhaustive nights just sleeping, tonight was a night for love and passion and whether we go into the office tomorrow depends upon if you can get out of bed.
Our young mountain stud gave Roger the "stress management" of his life and his ass was so sore even blinking his eyes caused his ass to throb. Both men held each other and cuddle knowing if they went into the office today it would be late afternoon. Fortunately, Jeremy made certain to have plenty of Doc's super lube in the nightstand. He wanted Roger relaxed, not in agony.
As Roger had spent the majority of the year dealing with rebuilding their administrative headquarters, he was needed to be visible throughout their international operations. Roger's new administrative team was ever proactive and realized this new "leader of industry" required his own "flying palace" fitting his role as leader of the largest military supply company in the United States. Roger and Jeremy were surprised to see a new Worthington Corporate Jet with the call sign of "Worthington Actual" for them to board on their multi-nation excursion. Not only did it have all the bells and whistles of the finest private jets made it also had the most economical fuel burning engines on the market today. Combined with the fact the designers insisted upon "VTOL" (Vertical Take Off and Landing) technology... both men were mighty impressed. They already had the two best pilots in the Air Force assigned to them so they sat back and relaxed on a wonderful trip together.
Every Worthington operation they visited greeted them warmly even if the food couldn't start to compare to the Marriot Chef or the food at Fort Connor. (They suffered in silence.) The warmth and sincerity of the employees was sincere and everyone was elated the death of T&T had been premature.
Worthington Industries had a record low profit and a small dividend for stock holders this year. Everyone knew why and that the company would bounce back from this disaster. Their Board of Directors were never stronger supporting Roger. Roger beamed with pride after any Board meeting knowing the true support and "brain trust" he had behind him if needed.
Yuuto asked for time to meet with Roger and Roger only commented whenever Yuuto was free he'd make time. Sharing with Roger a few design concepts he had approached the Pentagon to see if there was any interest... here are the ones that interested them the most. Roger gave Yuuto "carte blanche" to develop a prototype to show to the Pentagon brass.
Now, Yuuto had to accept the actions of him being the center of the Worthington Brain Trust. Roger demanded Yuuto and his partner have a security detail 24/7. With the recent disaster it has become evident to individuals within and outside of the Worthington family the value you are to us and to the United States Military. This isn't optional and it begins the minute you leave my office. It won't take long and they'll just be like a piece of old furniture taken for granted. Trust them and obey them because they will protect you with their lives.
Yuuto only hoped his partner had a good day at work when this "bombshell" was dropped on him tonight. It would take an immense amount of "stress management" for him to accept a security detail as part of his everyday life.
Roger wasn't without mercy and dropped in on Yuuto and his partner unannounced that evening. Explaining to his partner not only how valuable Yuuto is to Worthington, you both are my friends and I never want to see you harmed. Yuuto has just received so much publicity he no longer can fly under the radar and can easily be the next target of opportunity for anyone trying to cripple the Worthington Empire.
Yuuto thanked Roger and Jeremy for visiting their humble abode as he escorted them to the door. Almost immediately as the door opened for Roger and Jeremy to exit a sniper round struck one of their security detail and all hell broke loose. It would take days to determine if the attack was meant to kill Roger or Yuuto. Yuuto's partner gladly accepted the security detail if it meant protecting the man he loved from harm.
Within days, Worthington's had received a code variance and started construction on a secure underground panic room at Yuuto's residence. Completed in record time even Yuuto was impressed his meditation garden was flawlessly replaced knowing there was a secure bomb proof bunker under it.
Worthington Security and military security started an immediate search for who and why the attack occurred. Once the ordinance was recovered from the home of Yuuto, the unique caliber of the round was only used by one assassin in the world and he never considered a "contract" for less than One Million US Dollars. We knew who but we still didn't know who he was after and why. Roger doubled Yuuto's security but in private told Yuuto we can make it more difficult for any assassin to reach you or your partner but nothing is foolproof. Make certain both of your wills and advanced directives are updated and on file with personnel.
Yuuto told his partner to go home to his parents in Japan until this threat was eliminated. Yuuto was told emphatically the only way his partner would leave his side would be to be killed. Yuuto loved this man and seeing Yuuto limp through the office complex the next day we all smiled knowing how loved our little Yuuto was.
We were just concluding a staff meeting at Fort Connor when OPS announced SecDef on a video call for the Generals. As SecDef's smiling face (NOT!) appeared upon the screen he warmly greeted us and had to inform us of a serious threat. There is a rogue assassin on the loose after Roger and/or Yuuto and your two faces could also be on bullseyes for him. Be proactive and keep as low a profile as possible. These are direct orders from POTUS but due it because you know we love you. DISCONNECT!
Roger was again on a world junket only this time with Jeremy at his side. They were always welcomed by dignitaries regardless of what city they entered because they were such an important facet in the economy of many countries.
Special importance was in Tele Aviv and Tokyo. David welcomed them as returning heroes and the feast with the Leib family was outstanding. They were truly welcomed as family and the men of their security detail as brothers-in-arms of Israeli Special Forces assigned to the Leib's. We sent Yonatan off to spend some time with his parents as we enjoyed the company with the Leib's. Between our security and the Leib's security we were indeed protected.
Visiting our China operations the Chinese Minister of Defense threw a lavish banquet in their honor and little did Roger realize the importance some of the officials he met would be in the future both to Worthington Industries and the United States of America.
Tokyo was a reunion with Hikaru and Roger actually met and had dinner with the Emperor. Jeremy was so terrified he would do something wrong and disgrace the United States. Hikaru only whispered in his ear: "Be yourself, my grandfather is most progressive."
More precious than dinner with the Emperor was meeting Takeda's parents and having a simple meal with them. They had a small but impressive home in the suburbs of Tokyo and an outstanding garden in which they took great pride.
Before we returned to the United States I asked Hikaru if he could arrange a favor for me. We had a Jewish Priest officiate at the marriage ceremony for Yonatan and Takeda. Could you arrange for a blessing of their bonding at a Shinto Shrine. I know it would mean much to Takeda and especially his parents. CONSIDER IT DONE! (No one would refuse a request from a member of the Imperial Family.)
It was a massive show of force as security was Hikaru's first concern. No Worthington would die on Japanese soil. Little known to Hikaru the head of the Yakuza made it known throughout the underworld any attempt on any member of the Worthington delegation, the individual would be shark chum before the next sunrise.
It was a short but simple ceremony but meant much both to Takeda and to his parents. They thanked Jeremy and me and we only commented that little imp over there is the one you need to thank. Never expecting they would ever meet a member of the Imperial Family in their life they bowed humbly and thanked Hikaru for his assistance in making this joyous moment possible.
We relaxed comfortably in the Penthouse of the Tokyo Marriott and looked over this beautiful and massive city. It was lit up like a tree at Christmas and was as beautiful as it was massive. Without warning, there was a huge explosion out over the sea and within minutes our coms went off announcing POTUS requesting a secure video conference with Roger.
"That explosion you just watched was a rocket launched from North Korea. I need you back in the air "Mr. Ambassador" and meet with the Chinese and Russian officials to stop this aggressive posturing on the part of North Korea. Your diplomatic credential will be in our Japanese Ambassadors overnight secure mail. Good luck and God speed!"
Apologizing to Hikaru for leaving so abruptly he knew why when we told him we were headed back to Beijing and than onto Moscow. Yes, our Security Detail would be earning their money and I only hoped none of them ended up paying the ultimate price for our safety.
The Chinese Secretary of State met with us immediately and knew why we were in Beijing. We would be meeting with him and their Secretary of Defense this afternoon and hopefully we can defuse this situation before it escalates. China was put on notice any hostile act of aggression by North Korea toward any country would result in United States involvement and the next war North Korea fought would be with rocks and clubs. Use your influence with this rogue nation to see the error of its way. Hostile unwarranted actions by any nation will no longer be tolerated.
By the time we reached Moscow the world media had guessed why we had returned to Beijing and now Moscow. Meeting with the Russian Minister of Defense we again expressed our concern about the aggressive nature of their "partner" nation. Use your influence to control them or the United States will use every resource at its disposal to assist any nation attacked.
Concurrent with our visits to Beijing and Moscow our Ambassador at the United Nations called an emergency meeting of the Security Council and even we thought restrictions on North Korea couldn't get any more restrictive, THEY WERE! Even China and Russia signed onto a multi-nation military force to invade North Korea if necessary. If the leaders of this rogue nation didn't see the handwriting on the wall they had to be blind. The battle was lost either peacefully or by military force. ACCEPT IT!
Returning to the United States by the most secure route we suddenly were thrown around the cabin of our plane as our pilots attempt to avoid incoming ground to air missiles. As we were over water and considering the recent events it became obvious North Korea had a more sophisticated Submarine program than previous reported by our intelligence. Our chafe neutralized two missiles, our fighter escort blew one out of the air but unfortunately one pilot paid the ultimate price as he put his jet between the last missile and our plane.
It was a sad and somber mood the rest of the way back into U.S. airspace. Landing back in Washington I immediately asked SecDef for the name and city of the pilot who had died. I would be attending the funeral and extending my sympathy to the family. (Also, unknown to anyone I would make an anonymous monetary gift that would guarantee his children the best education possible.)
Debriefing POTUS, SecDef and our Cardinal Chaplain Secretary of State I assured them both Beijing and Moscow would support us if military action was required. They would use all the political pressure they could on the leadership of North Korea and we could only hope the Military saw the "handwriting on the wall" combined with the suffering of their people to have a "coup d'ιtat". As much as I hated knowing the suffering the average person in North Korea was enduring it was far less than the Nuclear Winter if "all hell broke loose".
We knew we were accomplishing much good in the world when there was another assassination attempt upon the life of Jeremy and myself. Our highly trained security detail protected us and neutralized the Assassin who would never threaten another person again. Known as a "hit man" for North Korea we accepted our recent "junket" had been most successful. We had a couple of our security detail wounded but fortunately none killed.
We warned T&T and their Security Detail of the assassination attempt and they assured us being removed from the day to day operations in the "Worthington World" they weren't worth the price of a paid assassin. "Please, don't let down your guard and listen to your detail!" I need your experience and guidance to operate this megalith conglomerate.
We knew we were in for a long "siege" when the Russian and Chinese Ambassadors were ordered to leave North Korea. North Korea now had few "friends" in the world and none of the major power brokers. As we saw asset after asset of North Korea being turned into "hard cash" it became evident the ruling family would be making a run for it. Again, the United States warned every country if they harbored these fugitives, they would be considered complicit in the actions of North Korea and subject to the same sanctions by the United Nations.
When North Korea again fired a rocket over Japan which exploded mid-air attempting to intimidate the people of Japan and the United Nations Collation it had a disastrous effect. POTUS took unilateral action. With our Worthington satellite determining the majority of missile launching sites in North Korea, our nuclear submarines off the coast of North Korea launched cruise missiles destroying all but a few command and control sites. The military leaders quickly learned this was no longer a "talking war".
Determining the five redundant "Command and Control" centers for the North Korean Military POTUS authorized five B2 Stealth Bombers each only able to contain one MOAB (Mother of all Bombs) which was their maximum load capacity to strike each of the known Command and Control centers hoping at least one would contain the autocratic leadership of North Korea. Worthington Industries was working 24/7 to replace the MOAB's used as more might be needed shortly.
Unknown to any Intelligent Agency, the leadership of North Korea had liquidated their assets into cash to put a $10,000,000.00 USD dollar "open contract" hit out on any Worthington any assassin could kill. The easiest Worthington would be T&T who thought they were no longer in any danger.
As T&T were enjoying a quiet evening out dining with close friends, two armed intruders entered the restaurant and amidst a blaze of automatic gun fire killed T&T, their guest, their security detail and twenty innocent guests of the restaurant and every staff member who happened to be present. Before they exited the restaurant they shot both T&T in the head guaranteeing the assassination attempt was successful. No such assassination had been done since the St. Valentine's Day Massacre in Chicago a half century ago.
Washington hadn't seen such a lockdown since the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. Every means of egress was blocked and the airports immediately stopped all planes from entering or leaving the city. This was not only a Washington area manhunt, every police agency in the United States had images captured on numerous video cameras giving multiple pictures of the assassins.
POTUS on a secure emergency call for Mr. Worthington as our Security Detail asked us to take it in our flying office. Roger, this time it is no pretense, T&T were assassinated 60 minutes ago and are currently on their way to the morgue for Autopsy. Their security detail and every guest of the restaurant were also killed. We have a national manhunt underway for the assassins and I guarantee you every agency in the United States will find these men or I will declare Martial Law.
I assured POTUS he best find them before my resources do. I won't worry about due process and they can expect the most painful death I can make for them. You may have restrictions if they make it to a foreign country, but I don't. There is no place on earth they will be able to hide and enjoy their ill-gotten bounty.
POTUS asked if Jeremy and I planned on landing and going to the Penthouse or Camp Phoenix. Until we can finalize the funeral arrangements we will be staying at the Penthouse. POTUS went into overkill. Armed military troops blocked off all streets to the Marriott and guests had to walk the final blocks and go through a search of themselves and their luggage plus go through a metal detector before they were allowed entrance into the lobby. The Washington Marriott was as safe as the White House during this national emergency.
POTUS was emotional as he addressed the nation at the loss to the country and to him personally of his two great friends. POTUS assured the American people the individuals responsible will be brought to justice. (Privately, he hoped they resisted and went down in a blaze of gunfire.) The Secretary of Defense and the Attorney General made it known not to endanger any life. Eliminate any threat with extreme prejudice.
The only air traffic over Washington was Police and Military helicopters. Jeremy and I landed at a secure military base in Virginia and were transported by Military helicopter with Apache Gunships providing protection. As we landed on the lawn of the White House the Secret Service surrounded us until we entered the "bubble". POTUS has asked that you two join him in the situation room.
Jeremy and I now had an idea of what would happen in the event of an unprovoked attack upon the United States and that is just how POTUS was treating this assassination. It was obvious POTUS had been crying when he greeted us. When we asked when we could see T&T, POTUS calmly commented we may not want to see them depending upon how the morticians could reconstruct their faces. For now, let the Secret Service take you and your Protector to the Penthouse in the Beast and just relax and engage in some intense stress management. There is little any of us can do but wait.
We no more than had arrived at the Penthouse and there was a knock on the door. Opening the door was Generals Masters, Montoya and Washington. Asking them to enter and to be comfortable they advised that Alpha Zulu was backing up the military and Executive Services in protecting the Marriott. Asking them to arrange for the Worthington Director of Security to get through the security lines as I needed him in the Penthouse expediently. Not asking for any further information they arranged for military transport for this indispensable man.
I met with him privately in my study and I assured Jeremy it wasn't a matter of trust. I didn't want any of my action to reflect upon him. I simply told the Worthington Director of Security whatever it takes, whatever it costs, I want the two men dead and not one centimeter of their body ever found. I don't want to know how you do it just get it done. DISMISSED!
I returned to being the host for my guests and suggested it had been a long and exhaustive day for all of us and the next few days were sure to be more challenging. Getting everyone into a room for the night I advised brunch would be served at 1000 hours. SLEEP WELL!
Asking the Generals to arrange for my armored limousine to have access through the military barricades and would you three please assist Jeremy and me as we meet with the mortuary and make final arrangements for T&T. We insisted upon the best facial reconstruction specialist available hoping we could have an open casket funeral.
POTUS insisted upon a nationally televised funeral service held at the National Cathedral officiated by our Cardinal Chaplain. The Cardinal would be honored to officiate the service for two such great men and POTUS would deliver the eulogy. The mortuary we chose was well versed in providing for the needs in such a high profile funeral. We would also have a small private graveside service for family and close friends. For the first time in my existence I felt God had left me all alone to face this challenge.
The words of our Cardinal Chaplain resounded through my brain as I sat holding Jeremy's hand during the funeral service: "God provides for every need, you only have to turn to him in prayer". It wasn't God failing me it was me failing God. After all he had done for me throughout the years how could I turn my back on him now.
I asked the Generals if Jeremy and I could visit Fort Connor. We need to decompress and just being among the imps and the men we loved would help greatly. Arriving at Fort Connor we deplaned, had our security verified and Jeremy and I walked to the Chapel and knelt in prayer. We then went to the memorial garden and sat in peaceful contemplation of our lives and future together. The death of T&T had some positive effects. Jeremy never questioned the need for his security or ever tried to ditch them. We were bound as partners in love till the day we died and we both knew we would be partners for all eternity.
Finally, when life started to return to normal, I received a call from Dale Gordon Strong. Would Jeremy and I be their guests for dinner on Friday night at their townhouse. Barring any unforeseen emergency or POTUS screwing with our lives we would be honored. Thanks for thinking of us.
Friday night would be a night that would change our lives forever!
TO BE CONTINUED...
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