ALPHA ZULU 69 MEMOIRES
Chapter 151 A Threat to our Great Nation
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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 II: Adopted Son of Taylor and Tyler Worthington II
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 II: Adopted Son of Taylor and Tyler Worthington II
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 II: Adopted Sons of Roger and Jeremy 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, Japanese 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)
It has been ten years since Roger passed onto his eternal rest (a second time) and we miss the imp every minute of every day. The world has been at peace these past years and the need for Alpha Zulu has been questioned numerous times. General Masters is requesting retirement after over 30 years of service and as much as I will miss him, he well deserves to spend his "golden years" enjoying his children and grandchildren.
The Worthingtons are still entrenched in their corporate and social world. T&T have stepped down to an Emeritus role retaining their positions as Co-Chairmen of the Board of Directors. Luke and John ended up on the fast track to lead the Worthington Empire the minute they graduated from Harvard with their Masters Degree. Much was forced upon Luke and John as they found the actual business world was much different than what was taught in academia.
It wasn't unusual for Abe and me to be asked to a meeting at the Pentagon. Escorted into a secure conference room we were shocked to see the group assembled. POTUS at the head of the table, SecDef, the Joint Chiefs, the Directors of the FBI, CIA and DIA, military intelligence combined with the four Worthingtons I still consider my friends and allies.
John Allen Masters successfully completed his eight years as President and retired to a casual life to enjoy his children and grandchildren. John and Harold were always welcomed at Fort Connor with full Military Honors. His guidance and insight on world affairs was a resource that couldn't be matched. We were happy to see the two of them among select group of minds.
POTUS greeted us and thanked us for attending (Like we could say no? NOT!) Gentlemen, we have a situation that is a threat to our national security. In the past four months three children of our Brain Trust have been captured and when their parents refused to divulge items of security the imps were brutally killed and their body parts sent to their parents. We are dealing with an adversary the likes of which we haven't seen since Nazi Germany.
By Executive Order, I am committing the resources of every agency present to protect the families of the brain trust of the top five suppliers of our military. Before we leave this meeting, we will have a temporary solution to this problem. As the Worthington Empire already has a successful program in force ("Alpha Zulu"), SecDef and I will be meeting with them and the Alpha Zulu Generals to see what we can do to expand the program.
No suggestion is too radical to suggest, we can't have our top scientists worrying about whether their children will be abducted or killed. The fear alone will greatly reduce their productivity and frankly other than the fact of committing treason I would hate to be forced to make the choice between my family and my country.
Lunch will be served at 1300 hours and we'll meet afterward to sample some of the ideas you have. DISMISSED! As we broke into small group the Worthingtons, Abe and I gathered with POTUS. POTUS was blunt and to the point. "T&T, I want to double the capacity of Fort Connor and offer its services to any child of our brain trust in the top five suppliers for our military."
As T&T's eyes glazed over, Luke and John sat quietly in shock. I am declaring this a threat to national security and as soon as you give me the preliminary cost figures Congress will approve it as a line item in the Pentagon's "black" budget. Now the six of us need to have some idea of what needs to be done and then figure out how to get it done yesterday.
I've already forewarned the Army Corp of Engineers there would be a major project starting in the next 30 days. Manpower is available and if necessary, we will utilize active duty soldiers to assist where necessary. I refuse to let parents who are dedicated to protect this great nation worry about whether their service to this country will be at the cost of their child's life.
T&T commented: We have considered expansion of Fort Connor in the past and the only feasible way is to reclaim land from the ocean. Sea walls will need to be constructed and then fill brought from the mainland. We discarded this option due strictly to the cost. We have the technology to do this, but I sure hope Congress is ready for the bill.
We will need to double the size of the billets for the men so our HR "dream team" needs to start looking for another 200 special ops soldiers for Alpha Zulu. The imps bunker with the last refit was designed to be expanded so it is just the matter of obtaining supplies and have the Army Engineers do the work.
We will need to increase the support staff in the mess and change over to a 24/7 mess availability. The Generals need to make the Mess Master Sergeant an offer he can't refuse AND QUICKLY. We will need to promote or obtain four new Master Sergeants for the four new squads and our current First Sergeant needs to be promoted to "Command Sergeant Major" rank and asked for an additional ten year commitment. (Abe and I looked at each other and wondered how much Scotch it would take to pull this rabbit out of our hat?)
T&T continued, I know Yuuto would come out of retirement to help us and once he knows the situation. we can have a preliminary CAD presentation done in a week. Talking to POTUS... You need to call a meeting of the administrators of our four competitors and make them aware of what we are doing and what will be shortly available to protect the children of their brain trust. I doubt if you will get any resistance from the companies who have already had this threat forced upon them. The most difficult part will be getting our four competitors to accept we are doing this with altruistic values and not trying to proselytize members of their brain trust.
POTUS assured us he'd have our four competitors in this room in seven days if he had to have them dragged in kicking and screaming by MP's wearing handcuffs and shackles. This is no time for petty rivalries. The security of our country is being threatened as well as the lives of our precious imps.
After lunch was served (The food was one step below Mickey D's in quality) we learned the agencies involved would lend the FBI enough manpower to provide security until a permanent solution to the security of the imps could be implemented. From past history and the refits of Fort Connor we hoped it could be completed within 6-8 months.
As T&T offered us the comfort of their Penthouse for the night, we started our working sessions of what needed to be done to Fort Connor to make this program happen. T&T brought up Yuuto on their wrist com and invited Yuuto and his partner to the Penthouse for a Prime Rib buffet and Raspberry Cheesecake for desert. (An offer few would even consider refusing!)
As we were walking to T&Ts Limo, John and Harold asked to talk with me for a few minutes. "Please, don't ask my father to forgo his retirement. He won't tell anyone, but he is critically ill. Doc is sworn to secrecy and you know my dad... he'll stay at his desk till he dies to protect an imp." Thanking John for the information I assured him his father would retire from active duty. Even if I had to pull in a favor and make it a Presidential directive.
T&T was correct, Yuuto and his partner would never turn down a Marriott Prime Rib dinner. "You two may want to plan on staying the night considering what we need to discuss. Sorry, but the meal isn't free this time! See you at 1900 hours." Asking our HR dream team if their schedules were open for tomorrow, we asked them to join us for lunch at Fort Connor and then a meeting afterwards tomorrow. (And, I prayed they don't retire after I give them their new assignments.)
As we sat in T&T's great room, we started our "wish list" for the expansion of Fort Connor:
· Sea walls and reclaim necessary land from the ocean.
· Four new barracks of 50 men each.
· Accommodations for one war dog and handler per squad
· 8 new war "wolf" dogs and handlers added to Alpha Zulu
· 200 additional Alpha Zulu soldiers
· 4 additional squad leaders
· Enlarge the mess so they can provide 24/7 service
· Enlarge the PE area.
· Expand the gun firing range.
· Expand Medical Facilities
· Expand the water supply
· Expand Sewage Reclamation
· Expanded Secure Conference Room
· Adapt the chapel to provide for Protestant, Catholic and Jewish services.
· Addition of two Chaplain Aides
· Housing for three chaplains in residence: Protestant, Catholic and Jewish
· Expansion/Upgrade of the Com system and locator system
As Yuuto and his partner joined us just prior to 1900 hours, we adjourned to the dining room and enjoyed the feast provided by the Marriott Chef. Relaxing in the Great Room enjoying some 20 year old single malt Scotch, Yuuto asked what was the cost for this fantastic meal. As T&T shared with Yuuto the events of today we all were shocked that Yuuto was aware of the deaths of imps within the brain trust of our competitors. (Yes, there is an imp mafia!) T&T made it simple... We need a CAD presentation of revisions to Fort Connor and it needs to be done for POTUS to present in a meeting in seven days. Yuuto only smiled and told us it would cost a refill of his Scotch and make it a "double NEAT".
Telling Yuuto this is a national security project and your budget is open ended. This needs to be done by the most expedient manner with cost being a secondary issue. And, to give you a personal incentive: "Worthington Enterprises will give you a bonus check for $250,000.00 USD and use of the Virgin Island Penthouse for a month when this project is completed". (Yuuto just signed on as the project manager!!!)
After consuming another DOUBLE SCOTCH NEAT, T&T informed Yuuto he WAS spending the night, he could start on the CAD design at daybreak tomorrow after the men with the mallets quit pounding on his brain. (Oh, was T&T so correct!)
We recommended to Yuuto to also bring the current video presentation we have on Fort Connor that we use to help prospective parents decide on whether to have their imps placed in this program. That can be a starting point for what exists and then we can do your proposed expansion. We all know the reason other companies don't have a "Fort Connor" is the amount of cash it would require in startup monies. Mama Bear had to invest over $100,000,000.00 USD of her own personal money to get infrastructure and initial buildings at Fort Connor constructed. I don't think anyone wants to hear about the proposed final cost of this major upgrade.
Just as I was heading to the shower my wrist com goes off and OPS announces a video call from POTUS. Grabbing a robe, I headed to the big screen in T&T's great room as the smiling face of POTUS slowly appeared. "Hope I didn't ruin your day, General. I know you are meeting with your HR dream team for lunch tomorrow, but can you stop by my office on your way to Andrews... say 0930 hours. Thanks." DISCONNECT!
I finally made it to the shower and the hot water cascading over my naked body was the first time in the past 18 hours I felt relaxed. As I felt Abe join me in the shower, I knew he would provide me with all the stress management my body could endure. Putting my hands against the shower wall I felt his massive love muscle enter my body and through the pain, I was sent soaring to Nirvana. I had an immediate orgasm and knowing my loving partner, it might be the first of the night but it definitely wouldn't be the last. The next 45 minutes I lost count of how many times I reached Nirvana and how many times my balls blasted off my prime Army Baby Batter.
Finally, Abe helped to dry off my exhausted body and cuddled with me as we slumbered in bed. All too soon our 0500 hour body clock sounded off and I knew we had another day to face and some major lives to ruin.
After enjoying a way too early breakfast in the Marriott Dining Room we adjourned to T&T's great room and asked OPS if Doc was available for a video conference. Our grumpy old Doc appeared on the screen commenting "How are you two Generals going to screw up my life this time"? Advising Doc we'd do that in person when we returned to Fort Connor but for now we needed to know the Status of Generals Masters. Harold and John spilled the beans and we need to know how harmful it would be for him to continue active duty another year. We both know if he thinks he is needed he'll never step down. Doc was candid... if he stays active duty for more than a couple of months, you'll end up burying him. Thanks Doc, that is what we needed to know.
Time to face POTUS and see what problems he is going to cause us. Entering the Oval Office POTUS was chatting with SecDef and they both warmly greeted us. Advising us he was well aware we spent most of the night brainstorming with Yuuto. Any idea of the projected cost to upgrade Fort Connor. They never blinked when I told them between $250 million USD and $350 million USD. From your lack of any reaction to the price what is the projected price for individual security while this project is being done.
POTUS calmly said: "OMB (Office of Management and Budget) projects a cost of over $500 million if it takes 12 months to get Fort Connor back in operation." Tell Yuuto he has a "green light" to get with the Engineers and get the project fast tracked.
Advising POTUS we have one further item we need to discuss with you: General Masters. We all know he has asked to be placed on "inactive status" and we all know if he feels he is needed he will stay at his post for as long as necessary. None of us knew till yesterday he is critically ill. I talked with Doc this morning and ask him what would happen if General Masters stayed in charge of Fort Connor for another 12 months. Doc was equally candid the General wouldn't survive the next 60 days. The four of us may have to force General Masters to retire but we also need to find his replacement yesterday.
When I meet with our HR dream team this afternoon, I'll have them make it their top priority. If either of you have anyone you want to be considered, please let me know in the next few days. We'll have Congressional support no matter who we choose, we just need to choose the right person.
POTUS went to the door and asked his secretary if he could have a few aspirins and a glass of water. (As if the leader of the free world didn't have enough problems.)
Advising us we needed to get to Andrews and back to Fort Connor so we didn't miss our meeting with our HR Dream Team. If they even consider retiring you can threaten them with a presidential directive preventing them from separating from the Army. Hopefully, they will see how much they are needed and excel as they have all these years. Just tell them a grateful President would be honored to give them their Commissioning Oath as a member of the General Staff of the United States Army.
We arrived at Fort Connor shortly before noon and the first objective was to follow our noses to the mess and consume a large mug of hot black coffee. Our HR dream team was already seated enjoying their meal and we joined them in casual banter. The chided us commented their separation papers were in their secure briefcase so don't ruin our day too much. They turned green when I told them a presidential directive had been issued denying your separation from the Army. On the bright side there are "stars" in your immediate future if you pull this rabbit out of your collective hats.
Finally, the men had gone through the chow line and it was time for Abe and me to see what food was left for us to enjoy. We ate what the men ate and nothing special was done for us. The food was always enjoyable and the two of us just had to find the time to work out and not develop a paunch.
Settling into our secure conference room I went right to the major problem. You need to find a replacement for General Masters and it needs to be done YESTERDAY! Before you leave Fort Connor today you will process his separation on Medical Grounds you can get from Doc effective this Friday. That gives him four days to bring his adjutant up to speed, pack his personal item and I know Harold and John will welcome him into their home with open arms.
Unfortunately, that was the good news... The bad news is you need to recruit another 200 Alpha Zulu soldiers and four additional squad leaders. They may be sleeping in tents on the parade field until the new barracks are completed but when you find a qualified soldier get him on board immediately.
Asking OPS to have General Masters join our meeting he quickly entered the conference room. "John, I love you like a brother but I'm firing you as of Friday. Bring your adjutant up to speed, pack your personal belongings and Harold and John want your remaining days to be spent with your family." Please don't make me have POTUS fire you! Our HR dream team will process your separation papers today and I'll announce to the men at evening formation of your departure on Friday.
I could barely control the tears at losing a man I trust with my life and that I considered my brother. How do you replace the irreplaceable? I knew John would stay if asked even if it cost him his life. Whoever was selected as his replacement would have mighty big shoes to fill and there would be high expectations from the men of Alpha Zulu.
As our HR dream team escorted General Masters to his office to complete his separation papers, Abe and I walked to medical to ruin the day of our "demonic doctor". Knocking at his office door we requested permission to enter. I prefaced my remarks don't even think about retirement. POTUS has frozen your separating from Fort Connor and Alpha Zulu. We will be adding 200 additional soldiers and a countless number of imps this next year. I need your "wish list" on what expansion you need and what new equipment you desire as well as any additional staff. I would seriously recommend you add two or three additional trauma surgeons so you can have some free time and a personal life. You always have the residency program for backup when needed. And, to ruin your day I need your wish list by breakfast in the morning. The budget is "open ended" so this is you chance to go "carte blanche".
And, FYI... I just fired General Masters on grounds of health. Give our HR dream team the information they need to process his separation. I love the man too much for him to spend his last few months giving his life to the Army when he should be spending it with his family. Abe and I thanked doc for his assistance and we quickly left before I burst into tears.
Asking the 1st Sergeant to join Abe and me in my office I asked him to take a seat as we would probably be ruining his day. The decision has been made to expand Fort Connor with an additional 200 soldiers and 4 additional squad leaders. I currently have no idea where we are billeting them until the engineers get new barracks built. But, you 1st Sergeant are out of a job. As soon as I can process the paperwork you will have the rank of a Command Master Sergeant. CONGRATULATIONS! The poor man was in shock and couldn't speak. It took a few minutes for his brain to register the comment. He then slowly rose, saluted smartly and thanked us greatly. (At least we brought happiness to one person today.)
Yuuto had the "hangover from hell" from consuming too much Scotch last night. His partner was driving and Yuuto asked to be taken to the Worthington Executive Offices. Walking into the R&D complex, security was shocked to see their old friend and boss. As his security clearance still was valid, he entered and walked directly to his protιgι office. Knocking and asking permission to enter he smiled at his friend and only comment: "Just when you thought you got rid of me". I have been ask to work on a high security project for POTUS and WE have carte blanche. Yuuto was reclaiming his new (old) office till this project was done. I suggest you verify this project with Luke and John so there is no questions as to its priority. This is a national security project and divulging it to anyone will be considered an act of treason.
One last life to impact yet today and Abe and I would do it after our evening meal. It was a mass of emotions at our evening formation when I announced the retirement of General Masters. I knew our ever proactive mess staff would have a celebratory banquet for him before he departed on Friday. I'd wait till after General Masters departed to announce the 1st Sergeants promotion and hopefully the promotion of our mess Master Sergeant.
As Abe and I were walking out of the mess I commented to the Mess Master Sergeant what a fantastic meal he served but then he always serves fantastic meals. Asking if he had any plans for the evening, I ask him to meet with us in our quarters when he had finished for the night. The look of terror was on his face and I told him to relax... this was social and we needed his help.
Around 1900 hours the Master Sergeant knocked at our door requesting admission. Abe and I warmly greeted him and offered him some "Nectar of the Gods". As the Master Sergeant relaxed, we casually discussed the revelations which occurred today. There was a major expansion of Fort Connor being immediately implemented and it would have a direct impact upon him and his staff. An additional 200+ soldiers and an unknown number of additional imps. And, before you even start to consider a separation and retirement, POTUS won't let you. I need to know what you require to make the mess open and food available 24/7. And, I need it by breakfast tomorrow. As an incentive for your hard work in making this program function, you'll receive the rank of 1st Sergeant. Now, go make love to your partner and explain to him why you'll be up all night working on what you need to expand your mess instead of making love to that wonderful man. DISMISSED!
One last life to impact at Fort Connor as I asked OPS to see if the Chaplain was available. He was immediately on my wrist com asking how he could be of service. Asking him to join me in my quarters it was only a few minutes and security announced his arrival. Be comfortable Chaplain, we need to socialize more so you don't feel so threatened when you are asked to join us. There is a major refit being planned for Fort Connor and I'll share the specifics with you as I receive them. I do know we will be adding 200+ additional soldiers and an unknown number of additional imps. I've already advised POTUS and SecDef my request for two additional chaplains and 2 chaplain aids. Yuuto will be redesigning Fort Connor to make this program functional. I need your thoughts as what needs to be done to make the chaplain program function with a protestant chaplain, catholic chaplain and jewish chaplain in residence. And, unfortunately I need it by breakfast in the morning. You have an open ended budget so please tell us what you need and make it your dream wish list. Christmas is early this year for you. DISMISSED!
Finally, my day was starting to wind down and I could enjoy a hot shower and the love of my partner in life. Just as the hot water started to massage my aching muscles and Abe was getting me in a super horny romantic mood OPS sounds the ominous ALERT, ALERT... (Talk about ruining the mood!)
Asking OPS what triggered the ALERT, I was advised an imp of the Worthington Brain Trust had been abducted. POTUS vowed not one more child would die on his watch. Yuuto came online with the coordinates of the imps locator chips and within four minutes our jet was airborne to meet up with attack helicopters for support. Once the imp was in our hands the kidnappers could either surrender or we would notify their next of kin by their DNA samples.
The imp was found to be hanging from the beams in a large garage behind a non-descript home in the suburbs. Using Worthingtons satellite we determined the exact location of the hostiles and four snipers concurrently neutralized them right through the side of the building. One terrified imp rescued and one POTUS who now had a first hand experience of the value of Alpha Zulu. As traumatized as the imp was, at least we rescued him before the hostiles could harm him or gang rape him as had been done in the past. The men of Alpha Zulu showed no mercy on anyone who would attempt to harm an imp.
As long as we were all up, awake and our adrenalin levels peaked we asked Luke and John to pick us up at Andrews and join Abe and me at T&T's penthouse. I asked our pilot for Abe and me to be deposited at Andrews, Luke and John were waiting and I joined them in their Range Rover for the trip to the Penthouse.
Offering us breakfast, I passed stating it is too late for dinner and too early for breakfast but a pot of strong HOT black coffee would be much appreciated. I do want to bounce something off of your brains. What do you think about moving the imps to Camp Phoenix when the time comes the construction might endanger them. For the moment, if we find any imp in danger regardless of which brain trust is involved, they are welcome to live in the imp bunker at Fort Connor. We'll make this offer to the four other major defense contractors at the meeting on Monday. Since this is your "get-a-way" sanctuary you four have to be onboard to make this a reality.
The Worthingtons were unified in their answer... if we could put our lives on the line for these imps, they could make the sacrifice of Camp Phoenix during the refit construction of Fort Connor. Now, if Abe and I can borrow a bed and a pillow we might as well stay over and meet with Yuuto tomorrow morning. I'll send out an Email to Doc, Chaplain and Mess Sergeant asking them to Email me their requested changes and additions for Yuuto to review. I turned to Luke and John commenting make certain our security card turns the reader GREEN when we walk into Yuuto's research lab, PLEASE! The last thing I need in my life at the moment is Doc putting stitches in my ass from an encounter with a "WOLF DOG"
Luke and John were chuckling as Abe and I meandered off to our bedroom. Arriving at Yuuto's new state of the art R&D Lab Security processed us without incident and Yuuto welcomed us to his "home away from home". Showing us his preliminary concept that he would be tweaking for weeks but it would give the executives a realistic idea of what we were proposing. I'll add the specific request of your staff as I receive them today. That is the beauty of CAD... once the "bones" of the project are finalized the tweaking is usually just a matter of a few clicks.
Inviting Yuuto and his partner to spend the weekend at Fort Connor and share with our Administrative Team his preliminary design, he could have a weekend of R&R and the best food in the Army. Yuuto guaranteed he and his partner would arrive before our evening meal on Friday.
Our HR Dream Team wanted to get down and kiss Yuuto's feet for the program he wrote to sort through applicants for Alpha Zulu. Once they went through the 50,000 applications they had received from active duty soldiers interested in Alpha Zulu... They then started through searching the Pentagon data base for prospective individuals to replace General Masters. They limited their search to Captains, Majors, Lt. Colonels and Colonels. They wanted a man with combat experience and fantastic interpersonal relation skills. A born leader who can think "out of the box" when necessary. A plain and simple comparison would be a clone of General Masters. Now, if one only existed.
After a week, our HR Dream Team admitted: To find someone of General Masters quality wasn't possible. He was one of a kind. It seemed like the higher in rank they reviewed the less flattering the exit interview of their subordinates were toward the individual. POTUS had no luck in being able to place any officer in consideration and even SecDef and the Joint Chiefs couldn't recommend in conscious any officer who they felt was a good match.
I made a command decision and I hoped I wouldn't have it bite me in the ass down the road. I was giving General Masters adjutant the posting of acting base commander and putting a new person in as his adjutant. Inviting the young Colonel to my office I asked Abe to join us and for the Colonel to be relaxed.
I smiled at the Colonel as I commented I was asking him to accept the posting as "Interim Base Commander" with the understanding in six months we would review his performance to make the posting permanent. The permanent posting comes with four stars on your shoulders, GENERAL! (The poor man nearly fainted.) We will announce your new posting after General Masters departs on Friday. Do you have anyone who you would like to be considered as your adjutant? As the smile creeped over his face, I knew our HR Dream Team had one less person to find to fill vacancies at Fort Connor.
I asked the Colonel to Video Conference with his friend tonight and if he was interested, I'd have his transfer orders cut and him on a plane within hours. PERMISSION TO BE EXCUSED SIRS? GRANTED!
The base grapevine was in overdrive with the news of the Colonel replacing General Masters as Base Commander. General Masters knocked at my office door and asked permission to enter. I frowned at him as he knew he was always welcome. You really made the day for my adjutant and frankly I couldn't recommend a better man for the job. Those stars will look mighty fine on his shoulder and if God allows me to be on this earth I'd appreciate being invited back for his commissioning.
I lost it! The emotions of the past few days burst forth and the thought of losing such a good friend was impossible to bear. I hugged my good friend and advised him to spoil his grandchildren all he can so they will have wonderful memories of him. My only regret is not knowing you were so sick because we both know I would have fired you immediately and made you step down to spend your last days with your family. I love you as a brother and I'll miss your wisdom and wise counsel.
Noon the next day and the Colonel was racing to the air strip hoping his friend would be arriving. A sharp studly Army Captain (Right off the Army recruiting poster) walked down the plane ramp and security verified his identification. As the Colonel greeted his friend their arms entwined and the shared the most passionate kiss seen at Fort Connor since the last wedding. The Colonel thanked the 1st Sergeant and advised he would escort the Captain to the Generals office. As they walked to the Generals office the Colonel advised his friend the kiss served two purposes. #1 I miss you and crave your mind and body and #2 it lets the men of Alpha Zulu know "HANDS OFF"! This man is the property of the new Base Commander.
General Montoya warmly greeted the new Captain and explained he was chosen by the new Base Commander to be his adjutant if he would accept the position. From what I hear of your greeting at the air strip there is little doubt as to your interest to accept this posting. (I didn't think either man could turn so many diverse shades of RED.) I'll share the same option I do with every new soldier to Fort Connor. Try us for six months and if you then feel it isn't a good match, I'll do everything I can to get you the posting in the Army you desire. Now, let's go enjoy some great Fort Connor food and the Colonel can introduce you to the men.
As Abe and I walked in with the Colonel and the new Captain all four squads started the chant: GET A ROOM, GET A ROOM, GET A ROOM! The Captain turned beet red and we all assured him this was the mens way to showing their acceptance. Congratulations, you are officially a part of Fort Connor.
As the Colonel introduced the new Captain as his adjutant he assured the men they would GET A ROOM, it just hadn't been decided upon which one or ones. All the men present erupted in praise and a few "cat calls" but it showed the acceptance of both men. The 1st Sergeant was in no hurry to issue the command: AS YOU WERE!
Friday arrived all too soon and it was a tearful GOOD-BYE to General Masters and both of us hoped he would be able to attend the commissioning ceremony for his former adjutant in six months. We offered General Masters the comfort of our flying billboard and assured him Harold and John would be waiting with open arms for him at Andrews.
We spent the majority of the weekend locked away with Yuuto and Senior Staff going over Yuuto's preliminary concept plans and tweaking with suggestions provided by staff. Assuring Abe General Masters had trained the Colonel well and our leaving him in command only shows our support of his leadership abilities. Time for Yuuto and the two of us to face POTUS and the Pentagon Brass and see how many of the Worthington competitors day we could ruin.
I had to chuckle with Abe when we heard of the immense difficulty the Colonel had putting his legs together and walking to formation for flag raising the next morning. Yes, the Captain was definitely a good fit for the men of Alpha Zulu.
Yuuto had done a fantastic job with a preliminary concept CAD presentation of the revision proposed to Fort Connor. The Engineers assured everyone with the available manpower this could be done within a six month window so if we moved the imps to Camp Phoenix prior to the end of school we might be able to have them back in residence by the start of the new school year.
Now, the biggest challenge of the project... convincing the four Worthington Competitors the value of utilizing the program vs having POTUS dictate they use the program. With the recent death of three imps and the abduction and rescue of a fourth the value of the program should be obvious. I really saw a new side to POTUS and his bargaining skills. By the end of our meeting all four companies had signed on and Yuuto, Abe and I would be making presentations to the brain trusts of each of the four defense contractors. Although, I have to admit the thought of 400 soldiers and 100+ imps does scare me at times. I may have to add a few additional flag poles to the design so we have enough available to run the imps up when they get into mischief.
It was a thunderous roar of approval when I announced the promotion of the 1st Sergeant to a Command Master Sergeant. And advancing the Mess Master Sergeant to the rank of 1st Sergeant brought forth the same approval. Both men were well appreciated by the soldiers of Fort Connor. (At least now we were down to four Generals for the next few months so we Generals wouldn't be fighting for the corners of the cakes celebrating the promotions.)
The Worthington Architects and the Army Corp of Engineers approved the final plans and the building began at a record pace. The first project was to reclaim land from the sea and barge after barge of fill was brought from the mainland to create new space for our use. This would provide the area for part of the additional barracks for the new 200 soldiers.
The next priority our HR Dream Team had was to find 8 men who were dog lovers and wanted to go to War Dog School. It was easier than expected and after I interviewed each man and believed them to be a good fit, they were off for 4-5 months of formal war dog training. Even they were surprised to see a Shephard/Wolf hybrid. In most cases it was love at first sight.
The Chaplain worked with Yuuto for hours to design the Chapel facilities that would show equality to the three major denominations which it represented. We actually had Jacob Leib video conference numerous times to help us design the Jewish elements of the Chapel. The Chapel was enlarged with a balcony over the St. George Chapel to provide for extra seating. Everyone was careful not to endanger any part of the One Million Dollar Bell Tower donated by Aiden Worthington.
The Chaplains office was enlarged and two additional matching offices created as well as the reception area which could accommodate work space for two Chaplain's aides. Their living accommodation were adjacent to the Chapel and again created equal for all three Chaplains. The billet for the Chaplain Aides was with the support staff.
The enhancements to the Mess provided for a more efficient flow of work and of food. The prep area was increased as well as storage for refrigeration and frozen foods. I couldn't believe how many sides of beef we butchered every week.
The imps bunker was the last major project and it had been preordained since the original structure was completed. We all knew the time would arrive when we would be required to enlarge it. We Generals were just aghast that it took the lives of three imps to make this a sanctuary for them.
Our friendly tailor didn't get a summer vacation, he had more work than he could handle and even with his son helping he had to add a couple of his friends from the tailor's guild to complete the requirements for new uniforms for the new Alpha Zulu soldiers and the Vests for our eight War Dogs.
Three days before the start of the new school years imp started to inundate Fort Connor. It was a love/hate relationship but eventually every imp learned to accept the restrictions placed upon them and the men who would protect them with their lives. I was surprised the imps took to skinny dipping without much modesty. There were a few hold outs but caved into the demands of their peers within the first few weeks. Of course, having 8 war dogs on puppy duty helped many a broken heart. Who can say NO to a cold nose and wet tongue. (Ask Abe!)
The re-dedication of Fort Connor was a military spectacle. POTUS, SecDef, Joint Chiefs, Generals, Admirals seemed to be coming out of the woodwork. We received rave reviews from T&T, Luke, John and the head of their four competitors on such a fantastic job within such a short time frame. T&T privately cornered Yuuto... "Your bonus has been transferred to your account and here are two first class tickets to the U.S. Virgin Island. The resort manager is expecting you and has been told to offer you "carte blanche" service. JOB WELL DONE!"
Finally, after all the VIP guests had departed and the base returned to a normal state of confusion... Abe and I meandered off to our quarters for a night of deserved sleep. Our wrist coms sound off and OPS announces SecDef on a secure video call for you two Generals. SEND HIM THROUGH!
"Generals, glad I caught you before you adjourned for the night. I need you at the Pentagon for a 0800 hour security briefing tomorrow morning. Many thanks! DISCONNECT!
(So much for sleep, it is highly overrated anyway!)
TO BE CONTINUED...
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