ALPHA ZULU 69 MEMOIRES
Chapter 156 – POTUS Strikes Again
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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
Amell Scholz: Aide and former lover of Cardinal Dominic
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
Johann Emmanuel: Adopted son of Cardinal Dominic
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 Vázquez: Son of Manual de Vázquez
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 Vázquez: Physicist/Engineer - Worthington Industries
Mario "Mani" Garcia: Son of the President of Mexico (Adopted son of Juan Martinez and Roger DeSoto)
Mark Roberts: Captain, U.S. Army – Security for Bobby Longdick-Allman
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
Piero "Peter" Bianchi: Son of the Grand Master of the Knights Templar
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)
We Generals were actually enjoying our command of Fort Connor. It was so peaceful and quiet, even the imps were well behaved. We haven't had any negative problems and I should bite my tongue hard for even having such thoughts. Suddenly, OPS announces: POTUS on a secure video com for you two Generals. (What was I saying about a calm and a peaceful Fort Connor.)
POTUS looked tired and exhausted as he commented we Generals have had a few months of respite but world politics have continued. The Lieb's expect you in Israel and your diplomatic passports are in a secure pouch on your flying billboard. Also, you will be stopping at the Vatican on your return trip. Tell our resident Arch Bishop to pack his bag and I suggest you have plenty of Scotch on the plane... he is going to be needing it. DISCONNECT!
Arch Bishop Dominic was in terror all during our trip to Israel. We both assured him the Lieb's were a wonderful trio of former imps and have always helped us in the past. You have nothing to fear from them.
Approaching Israel, Air Traffic Control directed us toward a secure military airfield in Israel. We were greeted by the three Leib brothers and welcomed as returning heroes. "Dinner with the Base Commander and his officers and then we have to talk business.
It was good to see Jacob as he was always so busy keeping the different sects of Jewish culture within Israel content. He had a unique role in Israel politics and accomplished more than anyone had in bringing the different factions of the Jewish Religion together to function in a single voice.
David was still head of the Israel Military and Uri held the office of President of Israel and was being groomed as the next Prime Minister of Israel. The Lieb's were a powerhouse of authority within the Israeli Government and society.
As dinner concluded and the officers started to leave David asked the Base Commander for use of his secure conference room. David started by saying: "What we discuss is beyond "Code Word Top Secret"! The fate of the world and mankind is affected.
After World War II a family of Nordic Jews immigrated to Israel and lived a very peaceful life. The daughter married and with her husband lived in a Kibbutz until their death from natural causes. Their daughter married a local man and remained in the Kibbutz after her parents death. Recently, a fact we haven't made known to the public, there was an incursion on the Kibbutz and both the mother and father died protecting their young son. The Special Forces soldiers who responded to the incursion watched in awe as this small boy lay his hands upon one of their soldiers who had been critically wounded and almost immediately his wounds were healed.
When the report of this miracles made its way to my desk, I discussed with Uri how do we handle this. We asked Jacob to convene a committee of Jewish Scholars from the major sects in Israel to investigate and advise us of their conclusion. For our major sects to agree on anything is in itself a miracles and for all of them to be in consensus this may be the Messiah promised to the chosen people of God put us all into shock.
Our relationship with the Vatican has never been greater than it is at the moment. When the Pope heard of this astonishing young man he asked if a group of Catholic Priests could meet with this unique imp. We expected them to deny any possibility of this being the promised messiah. To our SHOCK, they were in agreement this child may be the second coming of Jesus.
There has never been an imp in greater harm. Even religious zealots within our Jewish faith will attempt to harm him. And, then there are the radical conservative from around the world who would wish him harm and subversive organizations who would kidnap him for ransom.
Uri, the Pope and POTUS have negotiated for POTUS to grant asylum to him and have him reside at Fort Connor and be part of the Alpha Zulu program. POTUS has already advised your HR Dream Team to find a Protector for him YESTERDAY and I doubt if they have had little sleep these past few days.
As "Fr. Dominic", Abe and I started to understand the uniqueness and importance of this mission we knew there would be numerous attempts upon this imp and more than one group of subversives would be attempting to do him harm.
Uri shocked us all when he asked to be the first to congratulate the newest Cardinal of the Catholic Faith. "What in the hell are you talking about?" I realize you have had a "blackout" of news while you were airborne, but the Vatican announced to the International Press that the Pope would be elevating Arch Bishop Dominic to the College of Cardinals in a special mass to be televised world wide on Sunday. (FATHER DOMINIC FAINTED!)
As we resuscitated Father Dominic, we fortified his body with a double shot of Pa Vance's moonshine. His first words were: "Tell me this was a dream, please"! Sorry, my old friend... you are now on the fast track to greatness. And, I know no one more deserving.
As we adjourned for the night and as the sunlight of a new day streamed through the window Father Dominic was already pacing the floor and had consumed enough coffee that he was having a caffeine overload. Ordering our friend to sit down and relax or I'd have one of the medics sedate him... he started to relax and we chatted as friends. This is a great honor and responsibility and all of us know it is something you will do to the fullest of your ability. You can always refuse but knowing you as I do, you would never refuse anything that would benefit your faith and the people of the world.
"All I ever wanted to be is a parish priest and minister to my flock!" Just consider your flock has enlarged from Alpha Zulu, our imps, the priests and Catholics in the United States Military to now every member of the Catholic Faith in the world. You my friend are truly destined for greatness.
As we gathered for brunch, David commented we still have some business to discuss. Our new imp will shortly arrive, and I hope he'll be in a good frame of mind. He seems to be a wonderful young man and far more mature for his age than any imp I have met before.
He will travel on an Israel Diplomatic Passport and the Vatican will also issue him a Vatican Diplomatic Passport. The American Embassy will deliver a United States Diplomatic Passport prior to you leaving for the Vatican. The Executive Order has been signed granting him political asylum and assigning him to the Alpha Zulu program.
You have but one request from the people of Israel, protect that imps at all cost. And, one last shock for our new Cardinal... the Israeli Government has granted you in loco parentis custody of this child... Congratulations "Cardinal Dominic" you have a son. (Our soon to be Cardinal fainted again!)
As we resuscitated our good friend AGAIN, we chided him "This isn't a good public image for a Prince of the Church". Our good friend only closed his eyes and asked for a double moonshine. (He forgot about the men with mallets pounding on his head the next morning.)
That evening as our good friend was starting to recover from the after effects of his encounter with Pa Vance's Moonshine, David announced our precious imp has arrived. As an armed motorcade of Israel Special Forces soldier entered the compound. Holding a special imp, the officer in charge approached David and handing him this small precious imp, saluted and returned to his unit.
David and the imp walked hand in hand into his Great Room and David proceeded to introduce us to this most unique member Alpha Zulu ever had experienced. "Dominic" was in agony from his aftereffect with moonshine and as the young imp wrapped his arms around Dominic's neck the pain miraculously disappeared.
Finally, as Dominic returned to time and space attempting not to be terrified... he introduced himself to his new charge and asked what was his name? I'm Johann Emmanuel but everyone calls me John. Dominic wrapped his arms around the little imp and I knew the two would be bonded for life.
Arriving in Rome and at the Vatican, Arch Bishop Dominic pleaded with the Pope not to ask him to become a Cardinal. I'm a humble parish priest who you have elevated well beyond my abilities as an Arch Bishop. I am not worthy to be a Prince of the Church.
The Pope spoke from his heart... your modesty makes you most worthy for this high office and especially considering the young man you now have responsibilities for. As the Pope handed "General Dominic" a copy of an Executive Order signed by the President... concurrent with his elevation to a member of the Curia he was being given his Fifth Star as a General of the Army. (Dominic fainted again!) Fortunately, the Pope had some 100 year old Brandy to help our terrified priest stiffen his resolve.
We greeted our old friend as he returned to the American Embassy and congratulated him on his promotion. That fifth star will look mighty fantastic on your uniform. Quietly, Abe and I talked with him and commented you will need an aide. The demands upon your time and abilities will be beyond your comprehension. If you have anyone in mind, let us know or we can have our HR Dream Team "shake the trees" and see what can be found to help you out.
Asking the American Ambassador for a secure phone line he needed to make a private and confidential call. Contacting an old friend from Seminary who was now a priest in a small local parish, his old friend was astonished to be contacted at this moment in Dominic's Life.
"Congratulations, my old friend... a Prince of the Church... we all knew you were destined for greatness!" OK, quit pumping my ass full of sunshine, we need to get serious. Do you still hold your commission as a Chaplain in the Army Reserves? YES. Would you be interested in being my aide with the rank of a full bird colonel? HELL YES! The Vatican will notify your Bishop of your reassignment to active duty with the Army and transportation will be immediately available for you to fly to Washington. Trust me when I say I'll need a friend as much as an aide.
Asking the Embassy operator to connect him with the Vatican Liaison, Arch Bishop Dominic asked to have the Arch Bishop of New Orleans advised Father Amell Scholz is being returned to active duty with the United States Army and to provide immediate transportation for him to Washington D.C.
Knocking at the door of our Bedroom, Dominic apologized for interrupting us at this late hour but he needed a big favor. "Of course my friend, what can we do to help?" Would you contact T&T and ask them to host Father Amell Scholz as their guest at the Penthouse until we can return to Washington. He has accepted becoming my aide and he is a man I can trust with my life. Father Scholz can be reached through the Arch Diocese of New Orleans. Also, I need SecDef to agree to Father Scholz being given the rank of a Bird Colonel. "I doubt if anyone in the military or politics would refuse you anything at the moment." CONSIDER IT DONE!
Now my good friend, go get some sleep. You have a big day ahead of you tomorrow. The only decision you have left is when you want to take your new Commissioning Oath. Can we please do it among our friends at Fort Connor. I doubt if I'll get much sleep, if you want me, you'll find me in the Embassy Chapel.
The Vatican had even more pomp and circumstance in the service elevating Arch Bishop Dominic to a member of the Princes of the Church. Few people noticed the five stars on his new liturgical stole, but it looked damn great on our good friend.
After the service, the pontiff quietly asked our new Cardinal if he, Johann and the Generals would join him for a lite dinner at 1900 hours tonight at the Vatican. (Answering NO wasn't an option for any of us.)
The meal was "spartan" by Embassy standards but nourishing and delicious. The Pope was impressed with the manners of our small young imp and asked if he could bless him. Laying his hands upon John's head he blessed him in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. The stress of being the head of the Catholic Church was indeed more taxing than meetimg POTUS. It was showing on the face and in the health of our good friend.
Johann wrapped his arms around the Pope and whispered to him: "God will not desert you. You will have a long life and bring his faith to the people of the world." The Pope never told us what he had been told but he thanked Johann and hoped to see him soon in the future.
Returning to the United States Embassy we relaxed as the Ambassador tried to make points with the new Cardinal. Dominic was smart enough to know this was only the first of many people in his future that would try to use his influence to benefit themselves. Excusing himself for the evening, he had a young imp to get into a shower and then to bed.
"Breakfast at 0600 hours and wheels up by 0900 hours. Plan accordingly!" Our motorcade raced through Rome and within the hour we were airborne. The Fighter Jets on our wings gave us all some assurance we'd make it home in one piece. We had no idea what hostile actions we would face in the future, but we all realized this imp was so high risk, hostile incursions would be a fact of life.
Arriving at Andrews the Base General had security equal to that provided for POTUS. Our young imp would receive the full protection of the United States Military. Transported to the Marriott Penthouse we were enthusiastically met by Luke, John and T&T. Congratulating our new Cardinal, they welcomed Johann to their home telling him he would always be welcome.
As Father Scholz finally could be with Cardinal Dominic it was instant passion. They shared a kiss that left no doubt both men were in love. So long as they were discrete, I had no problem with these two men being in love. My only concern was the paparazzi and the harm a photograph of an indiscretion in the media could cause these two men. I knew Fort Connor, Camp Phoenix and the Penthouse were secure and whatever they did as consenting adults, who was I to judge?
As our two lovers excused themselves commenting they had much to discuss about their new responsibilities. (Ya, right... we weren't born yesterday!) Luke and John, true to form, presented Johann with a new state of the art Laptop specially configured by Yuuto. Luke and John advised Yuuto's home retrofit was almost completed and with the new security protocols he could be released from Camp Phoenix within the month. Yuuto wasn't coping well in "LOCKDOWN".
Time to hit the Worthingtons up for something that money can't buy... two Wolf War Dogs. Commenting, I need two wolf war dogs, one for Peter's detail and one for Johann's. Luke and John only commented just send us the men as soon as possible and we'll get them in training to work with the War Dogs. (That just saved the U.S. Army over $250,000.00 USD in cost.)
As the door chime sounded, T&T invited in an Army Colonel who we knew was an aide for POTUS. "With the compliments of the President, you are invited for lunch in the residence at 1300 hours tomorrow. Please bring Cardinal Dominic and our newest imp Johann with you." A snappy salute and he was gone before we even realize he had left.
T&T suggested that Johann change into something more comfortable and they would send his dress clothes out for cleaning and pressing so he was ready to meet the President tomorrow. As we got Johann settled into bed, Abe spent an hour polishing Johann's shoes till they shined like patent leather. With "Mama Bear" on patrol all night, we all slept soundly knowing we had the ultimate in protection.
Lunch with POTUS was casual and was more relaxing than our new Cardinal could ever imagine. POTUS lauded the decision of the Vatican and commented no man was more worthy of this high office. He pledged his support to assist the Cardinal within the confines permitted by him being President.
I know SecDef is ready to give Father Scholz his commissioning oath as a Colonel so let him know as soon as the Father has his new Alpha Zulu uniform. SecDef needs a reason to meet both Father Scholz and our new Cardinal. Hell, all of Washington wants to meet our new Cardinal. Be ready for invitations to every social event held this year.
I smiled at my good friend and reminded him of the miles he would be running for every calorie he consumed at these parties. MODERATION!
Dominic seemed more at peace and was coping better with the recent events. Most of us privately figured his new aide was well versed in stress management. Abe and I only hoped the two remaining chaplains at Fort Connor could accept Dominic back and work with him as they had in the past. I hoped and prayed I wouldn't have to intervene and dictate conduct with men who represented God.
As our friendly tailor put a "rush" on Father Scholz new uniform we arranged with SecDef for an informal lunch at the Pentagon to "mingle" with all the "Brass" and introduce our new five star Cardinal to the men who run our military. Johann was astonished at the respect given to his new "father" and the Generals who were accompanying him.
As we all stood in support, the Secretary of Defense gave Father Scholz his commissioning oath as a full Colonel in the United States Army and assigned him as the aide to our Cardinal Chaplain at Fort Connor. "Protect him with your life!" SecDef was a man of few words.
Our Command Master Sergeant was showing us how proactive and efficient he was. By the time Cardinal Dominic arrived at Fort Connor the Chaplain's office had been rearranged and accommodations for a third Chaplain Aide made possible.
Housing was a different problem and it would be difficult to find our new Colonel his own housing till it was time for our next refit. The Cardinal commented they were old friend and had lived together while going to Seminary. Just put his personal items in the Cardinal's billet. (Now, why didn't that surprise us Generals!)
We all felt Johann was too young to be left alone with the imps in their bunker. Until our HR Dream Team found a protector, he would be living either with the Base General or with Abe and me. Either way, we knew we'd be spoiling him.
Within days our HR Dream Team contacted us stating they had finally pulled this rabbit out of their hats... You make it much more difficult for us and we will retire! I reminded them of the Presidential Executive Order prohibiting them from retiring from the Army. You two are stuck here until you reach retirement age and I imagine POTUS will except you from retiring even then.
Sending us the file on our proposed Protector, we did agree he appeared qualified on paper. He held a teaching degree and a Masters degree in Education. There has to be a story as to how he ended up a combat soldier. Three purple hearts and two silver stars so he was more than just a pretty face. Reading the review given him by both his soldiers and his commanding officers they did everything but nominate him for God. Time for the "Shock and Awe" of an interview with us six star Generals and the four top Executives of the Worthington Empire.
Little did we know the Secret Service met his plane at Andrews and transported him to the White House. Our Captain was in shock to be escorted to the Oval Office and the President's Secretary commented: "Go right in, he is expecting you."
A terrified Captain snapped to attention and introduced himself to POTUS. "AT EASE CAPTAIN", this is a meeting among friends. I know the Alpha Zulu HR team has scoured the military before recruiting you for this posting. I need to impress upon you the importance of this assignment. You will be asked to be the primary protection for a little imp which could start us on the road to World War III if any harm comes to him. Your decorations clearly show you aren't a man to run from a fight so I hope you'll accept this posting and trust me when I say you will be responsible for saving thousands of your fellow soldiers lives.
The Secret Service will transport you to the Worthington Penthouse and you'll be their guests while you are in Washington and completing the intake process. T&T video conferenced with us later that afternoon and commented POTUS preempted us and approved our new addition as the protector of Johann. He is resting at the Penthouse so we might as well meet here and do an informal evaluation to see if any potential problems exist that could give us rationale to dispute the decision made by POTUS.
Brunch is served at 1100 hours tomorrow, DON'T BE LATE. I'll make certain Luke and John are present. We sure hope POTUS made the right decision because it appears it is a decision we'll all have to live with.
Abe and I walked down to the Chaplain's billet and knocked requesting admittance. We were kind shocked to find both men in uniform considering their interaction at the Penthouse. We advised our new Cardinal POTUS had preempted us and selected a protector for Johann. We will be meeting with him and the Worthingtons tomorrow to see if we can detect any potential problems. You are more than welcome to join us considering he is your "son". Wheels up at 0900 hours, don't be late. "You two play safe now!" As we quickly left their billet.
The entire senior staff was surprised both men were walking normally as they joined us for flag raising the next morning. I guess they had a lot of talking and soul searching to do figuring out how to make this unique relationship work, especially considering the impact they would have on Johann. The Cardinal was a better man than I... Father Scholz was one hot stud and I sure wouldn't kick him out of bed for eating crackers. Abe read my thoughts and I got one hard punch in my ribs from my "Partner in crime". "Clean up your mind, they are both men of God." I turned to my lover and only commented "They are both men with all the normal equipment which is totally functional".
As we walked Johann through the chow line, he joined us at our table for breakfast. Asking the Command Master Sergeant to introduce him to the squads and then give him the grand tour of Fort Connors. Requesting the Command Master Sergeant to take care of our young imp as we had to be in Washington the majority of the day. If we don't return this evening our new Base Commander has volunteered to "imp sit" till we return. I'm certain out of 8 war dogs one can be allocated for "puppy duty" today.
Our new Cardinal joined us at our breakfast table in full dress uniform wearing a scarlet Zucchetto (Skull Cap). Advising him we'd be leaving directly from our morning staff meeting he might want to tell Johann you'll be off base and kiss him goodbye.
As Father Dominic never wore jewelry, we were astonished to see a huge ruby ring on the hand of our now Cardinal Dominic. Everyone at our table commented on how beautiful it was and Dominic shared it was a gift from the Pope. It was the ring he wore when the Pope was a Cardinal. I will cherish it forever.
We three had an uneventful trip to Washington and landing at Andrews our armored limousine awaited us and an armed Executive Security detail accompanied us on our fast trip to the Worthington Penthouse. The Worthingtons, all devout Catholics, welcomed us back into their humble homes. We all hope the Cardinal will consider this his sanctuary from the stress of his assignments and visit frequently. That offer also includes Camp Phoenix.
Now to business... we were introduced to the young Captain and filled him in on the unique assignment we were asking him to accept. This is a high risk imp and you will be putting your life at risk. When you walk through our memorial garden at Fort Connor you'll see the names of Alpha Zulu soldiers that made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our precious imps. As POTUS told you, this imp is special as the fate of the world may hang in his life. Everyone of the men at Fort Connor, including us six star Generals, would lay down our life for any imp. We would never ask you to do more than what we are willing to do also.
You'll have a six month probation and if at any time you feel this isn't an assignment you desire we'll do all we can within the military to get you the assignment you desire. We have two special imps now in residence at Fort Connor and you'll be the second protector to join us of late. If you elect to stay after your six month probation you will receive the rank of a bird colonel.
Luke was totally out of character when he boldly asked the Captain what was his sexual preference? Not even shocked he commented: I'm gay and I'm a proud member of the United State Army. John only commented every man in Alpha Zulu is gay and so are the four Worthingtons with you in this room.
Our new Captain had lost his parents in a house fire while he was deployed. It was a loss that still causes him much distress. Thank you for giving me a reason to look forward to a rewarding future.
We commented, this imp is most unique as he holds diplomatic passports from Israel, the Vatican and the United States.
We spent the balance of the afternoon talking with the Captain and finally T&T commented: "Enough talk... time for a break"! Dinner will be served at 1900 hours. There are plenty of bedrooms, go take a nap and get some rest. The past few days have been hectic for all of us.
We continued our informal discussion with the Captain after our evening dinner and concluded POTUS had made a good decision. We welcomed the young man to Fort Connor and Alpha Zulu. Advising him he still had a mountain of paperwork to do for our HR Dream Team and they would be starting as soon as he returned from our Friendly Tailor in the morning.
Asking the Cardinal if he wanted to return to Fort Connor tonight or if waiting till the morning was more amenable to him. The Cardinal only smiled and commented what was a few more miles to run off considering these wonderful meals the Marriott serves. Tomorrow morning would be just fine.
Our new Chaplain Aide was on a fast learning curve and was in shock when he opened his secure Email to find over fifty invitations for the Cardinal to attend Washington social events. He was going to need much guidance from his old friend as to how much authority was being delegated to him. The last thing he wanted to do is offend anyone and cause a diplomatic insult.
We reminded the Cardinal if he didn't have a Mess Dress Tux he might as well accompany the Captain to our Friendly tailor in the morning and get fitted for one because he would be wearing it all too often. We would hold off returning to Fort Connor until he returned from the Tailor. Just make our friend know this was a one fitting ONLY and to send your uniform to Fort Connor when he has it finished.
The next morning as our new Captain and Cardinal left for the Tailor, OPS advised POTUS on a secure com for either of you Generals. Accepting the call from my Commander in Chief he commented the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court had pulled in a favor and wanted to administer the Oath of Office to our new Five Star Cardinal. Let us know the time of the Mass he will celebrate on Sunday and we'll arrive in time to participate. Plan on SecDef, the Joint Chiefs, the Chief Justice and me. None of us are leaving until we enjoy another fantastic Fort Connor feast.
Finally, after a fast paced trip around Washington and handing much minutia, we were "wheels down" at Fort Connor. Security processed us back on base and we headed off to medical to give our blood to Doc who has a reputation for being a vampire.
Cardinal Dominic went first and then excused himself as he wanted to meet with his aide and see what had transpired in his absence... (Ya, right... if anyone believes that I have some prime swamp land to sell to them!)
After Doc took blood from Abe and me he quietly commented: "My office NOW!"! Closing his office door after we entered, he was demanding answers. "What are you two six star "fuck up's" pulling this time?"
While you three were off enjoying the luxury of T&T's Penthouse and the Marriott Cuisine those of us stuck at Fort Connor were still working our asses off. "Peter and John" were playing soccer with the men and sometime during the fun our Command Master Sergeant got hit hard and went down fracturing his ankle.
Putting the Xray of the fracture in his light box it was evident even to the untrained eye the bone was broken. Now tell me why an hour later when this Xray was taken no fracture was present? The only thing that happened during that hour was "Peter and John" visiting the Command Master Sergeant to tell him how sorry they were he was injured. GIVE!!! What in the hell is going on around here?
I apologized to Doc but what is happening is "Code Word Top Secret" and I can't divulge it even to you. To say it is crucial to the peace of the world is an understatement. I am giving you a direct order... You are to delete any record of the Command Master Sergeant fractured leg and if anyone askes, you misinterpreted the original Xray. "THIS ISN'T A REQUEST, IT IS A DIRECT ORDER!" (Doc was not a happy camper!)
Before we could continue any further discussion OPS announces: ALERT, ALERT... INCOMMING MISSILES! THIS IS NOT A DRILL, I REPEAT THIS IS NOT A DRILL. Doc immediately commented: "We'll continue this discussion later as he quickly exited the office to make certain Medical was prepared for any incoming soldier that were wounded.
Yuuto's new program showing the imps location around camp was invaluable. Finally, we could have instant proof all the imps were in their bunker and we could secure the blast door. Multiple explosions rocked the base and I had 200+ terrified imps fearing the worse. The screams of the wounded men could be heard even in the imps bunker. I was praying Abe wasn't one of the soldiers injured.
As soon as OPS gave the ALL CLEAR, Doc was on my com tell me to get my ass to Medical pronto... Abe had been critically injured. My mind was filled with terror as I raced to Medical. Doc had Abe on total life support and to say I was devastated was an understatement.
In the middle of the confusion our Cardinal Chaplain walked into Abe's room holding the hand of Johann. Asking if we could pray for the soul of Abe, as Johann touched his body all the monitors came alive and within minutes Abe was his normal self.
Doc was beyond himself... Abe had been brain dead from a mortar concussion. Most of his internal organs had been liquified. "I put Abe on life support to make it easier for you to accept his death." "Now either tell me what is going on or I'm resigning my commission and on the next plane out of here."
"OK, Doc... You win! When you are done with the injured soldiers, join the Cardinal and me in our Great Room and I'll read you in." I doubt if you will believe us but what we will tell you is the truth.
As Doc sat nursing a "Double 20 year old Nectar of the Gods, Neat" he couldn't believe what he was hearing. There was no known medical reason for Abe to be alive, YET HE IS! I advised Doc I had just committed TREASON and I had no reason to deceive him. No record of what is happening can be made EVER!
Asking for refill and make it a double. He was putting himself OFF DUTY till morning formation and trying to assimilate what we had shared with him. Saying "Good Night", I had security escort him back to medical and see he makes it into his bed. Post a guard at his door so he isn't disturbed. Doc isn't under arrest, he just needs some undisturbed rest. Make certain the medical staff knows not to bother Doc the rest of the night. One of the other physicians can cover for him.
As the Chaplain remained in my Great Room I turned to him and asked: "Did I do the right thing"? Johann was just helping a friend who was injured protecting him. I can't fault the imp for his actions but with a Ghost and Roger rumors floating around camp, to have speculation as to our new precious imp... I don't know if we can keep this from the Pentagon.
The Chaplain took my hand and commented: "God will provide for our needs"!
TO BE CONTINUED...
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