Luke turned to us Generals and commented we might as well get this all over with at once. Asking OPS to put him in contact with his Regional Vice President advising him his son could reside with Alpha Zulu at Fort Connor. T&T should be arriving shortly at our Executive Airfield, they will be happy to transport you and your son to Camp Phoenix so he can return with the Generals to Fort Connor.

 

The father told us afterwards he didn't know an imp could pack a "go bag" so fast but he was ready and out the door by the time we finished our discussion. Just the security Fort Connor and Alpha Zulu offers him will greatly help in his recovery. (Little did we know the help he would provide in the recovery of his new "roomie" and best friend.

 

None of us knew of the off the book meeting POTUS was having with the Vatican Ambassador shortly after the attack on Fort Connor. Our former Cardinal Chaplain who is now the Bishop of Rome feels elevating Arch Bishop Emmanuel to become a "Prince of the Church" is now appropriate. In addition, he will be elevated to the role of a "Military Ordinary" serving all Catholics in all branches of the United States Military. As I know he will want to stay in the Army and at Fort Connor, we are asking for your consent to make this happen. POTUS knew his approval wasn't necessary or even required. It was totally a decision of the Catholic Church and the Pope. POTUS saw no problem and hoped he would be allowed to promote Fr. Emmanuel to the rank of a five star general, which had been neglected with all of the recent confusion, after his elevation to Cardinal. That would make seven Generals in residence at Fort Connor and that just isn't done in the Army. Oh, would there be a lot of bent noses at the Pentagon.

 

This was to be pure pomp and circumstance of the Catholic Church and POTUS would assist as requested. We Generals at Fort Connor drew the short straw and had to inform Arch Bishop Emmanuel of the new role he would be in the Catholic Church. Yes, our old "Cardinal Chaplain" definitely was making waves in Rome which rippled through the Catholic Church worldwide.

 

It was decided again to use the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception for the service. It could seat 6,000+ individuals and considering the Government officials, Military officials, Religious officials and members of the Ambassadorial Community and of course the political power brokers... 6,000 would be a tight squeeze to get them all in. Alpha Zulu would take the lead and work with the FBI, Marshall Service and Diplomatic Security as this project required ALL HANDS ON DECK!

 

It would be a diplomatic "black eye" if the Pope was shot, injured or killed on United States Soil. No government agency would rest easy until he was airborne and out of U.S. airspace.

 

Our immediate concern was helping two precious imps to deal with the sexual trauma they had received. The doctors may have repaired the obvious injuries but it would take our dedicated Chaplain to help them return to the loving imps their parents knew still existed "somewhere".

 

We could hear the aircraft landing at Camp Phoenix and new it was time to meet our fate and two precious imps who were in desperate need of help. As two fathers walked in with their sons, the one son came running to us, wrapped his arms around our necks and smothering us with kisses thanked us for letting him return to Fort Connor. (Looks like this is going to be one "easy" sell and one "hard" one.)

 

Our second imp which the Pope requested us to help was clutching at his father, scared of the unknown future before him. We decided just to let him relax in the beauty of Camp Phoenix and enjoy the high speed internet and kill a lot of electronic demons.

 

As the two young men battled it out with computer games, they talked "imp to imp" and our new imp got an "imp eye view" of Fort Connor and what awaited him when we arrive back in a few days. The more the imps talked, the more relaxed our new imp was becoming.

 

By the time dinner was served at 2000 hours, our two imps were fast becoming good friends. We breathed a sigh of relief as this was the first step on the road to healing for both imps. I had to smile thinking of how long it would be before the two of them would be hanging naked from the flagpole at morning assembly. It was inevitable and would definitely help them down the road to returning to being normal imps we loved.

 

After our meal. our two new imps returned to the electronic battle of killing computer demons. We fathers adjourned to the Great Room and spoke freely. Our Worthington Executive had been through this before and knew the routine. Our new guest (Compliments of the Pope) was totally in the dark about Fort Connor and Alpha Zulu. He was the President of a small manufacturing company and his money was inherited in trust from his grandparents. He and the Pope had attended Catholic Boarding School together and were good friends growing up. He apologized for using the "Pope Card" but he was out of options on how to help his son get through this trauma and return to the loving boy he was before.

 

We spent the next few hours talking frankly and honestly about Fort Connor, our program for helping injured imps, our simple rules, and even corporal punishment if deemed necessary. (This rarely occurs!) Luke assured the fathers if and when corporal punishment is given to an imp it definitely had been deserved many times previous to it actually happening. (I speak from personal experience!)

 

By Saturday night, both imps were ecstatic about Fort Connor and could hardly wait to meet the soldiers of Alpha Zulu. The new imp had been told about "skinny dipping" at the pool and the thought had him excited to the max. The two fathers consumed an urn of coffee as they spoke "father to father" over all the nuisances of Fort Connor and Alpha Zulu. The most important fact that was discussed regarded the safety of their sons. Our new father was assured every man and war dog of Alpha Zulu would protect every imp with their lives.

 

Take a walk through Fort Connor's Meditation Garden and you'll see the number of brave soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our imps. Privates to six star Generals... they all have the same dedication. Rank means nothing when it comes to protecting our imps.

 

Our new father was informed that what Doc and the Chaplain do to help your son is privileged. Not even as a parent will they divulge information on what your sons shares with them. If you want to know what is happening in his counseling session, the only way you will get any information is to ask your sons. His sessions with both imps won't even be divulged to the Generals unless it involves the safety of the imp or the security of Alpha Zulu.

 

After their second urn of coffee, both fathers decided to retire for the night and resume their discussion in the morning. Advised brunch would be at 1000 hours and please respect the fact Camp Phoenix is on "Worthington Time" and 0500 hours is for sleeping not morning flag raising.

 

Whatever you wish to do before 1000 hours, please do it quietly. Such an evil thought raced through my mind... asking our imps to run into T&T's bedroom and then Luke and John's at 0500 hours and aiming for between them so they could hug and cuddle with these great men. If I followed through on that thought I figured I'd never be offered a room at the Worthington B&B and I risked eliminating my source of Raspberry Cheesecake.

 

Finally, mid-morning on Monday we were wheels up with our two new fathers and two imps heading to Fort Connor. Asking OPS to connect me with Fr. Emmanuel we advised him of our E.T.A. and asked to meet with him soon thereafter. Fr. Emmanuel assured us he would adjust his schedule to our arrival time.

 

As we were greeted by our normal Security team upon landing the fathers were indeed impressed with base security. I asked two privates to give our fathers a tour of Fort Connor and answer any questions they may have truthfully and to the best of your abilities.

 

We walked the two imps to Doc so he could do his thing and at least he had a complete medical file on both imps. Only one imp needed to be chipped and that went flawlessly with a minimum of discomfort. Existing medical I asked our former imp to show his new good friend the Imp Bunker and choose any empty room that exists. Even we Generals were surprised when both imps decided to be "roomies".

 

Now we had to face our destiny and hoped we would survive this traumatic moment with our ultra conservative Chaplain. Knocking at his office door, he graciously asked us to enter his office and his aid served us a large beaker of coffee. (How I wish it was moonshine!)

 

"Father, you will shortly be notified the Pope will be visiting America and will be officiating at a special Mass to be celebrated at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception for the service. Your assistance has been requested by the Pope and refusal isn't an option. POTUS has already assured the Pontiff of your full cooperation.

 

Now, we suggest if you have any Single Malt or even Moonshine stored away in your office, you pour yourself a large glass before we give you the "bad news".

 

After the Chaplain had consumed a double neat Scotch (Yes, we had corrupted this man of God) we proceeded to tell him the mass is to celebrate your elevation to a Prince of the Church and Military Ordinary for the United States Military. (Father Emmanuel FAINTED!)

 

Fr. Emmanuel slowly returned to a functioning level and we figured we might as well get all the "bad" news out of the way. In addition, POTUS will be elevating you to the rank of a five star General of the Army. (Father Emmanuel FAINTED AGAIN!)

 

Asking his aid to have the mess brew a STRONG urn of black coffee, the Father needs some assistance to return to reality and accept his fate.

 

Leaving the Father in the care of his aide, we adjourned to our office to catch up on the paperwork that had accumulated during our absence. Two imps came running into our office and stopped abruptly and knocked at the door requesting admittance. Yes, our two new additions were learning respect. I was seeing a total change in the demeanor of our two new imp and knew Doc and the Chaplain would have an easier time than expected to help them on the road to recovery.

 

The imps wanted to thank us for allowing them to stay at Fort Connor. The soldiers we have met have been wonderful and every squad invited us to eat dinner with them. "Did they tell you about the mandatory P.E. program we have... every calory you eat you'll pay for in sweat and aching muscles." (Why should I be concerned that the only aching muscle they were concerned about was between their legs.)

 

The imps would be spending the first few days being tested and then curriculum developed to challenge their abilities. Yes, School comes first at Fort Connor and even when we are "locked down" you can do your homework remotely on your tablet or Lap-Top.

 

The planning meetings for the Pope's visit to the United States seem unending. Security was impossible for all the individuals attending and it would be a "Perfect Storm" for any paid assassin to access the power men of the free world.

 

It took the Office of Protocol weeks working with the Vatican Embassy Protocol Office to design a seating chart for the 6,000+ invited guests. Yes, the "high and mighty" get a "bent nose" easy when they don't get the right seating. These are behind the camera events that no one ever realizes. Combined with the fact this was being televised LIVE by every major media group in the world... it had to be seamless and with no flaws.

 

I knew it was show time when the Marine Band struck up "Hail to the Chief" and the Pope and Arch Bishop Emmanuel escorted POTUS down the aisle to the front pew. It was now SHOW TIME!

 

The homily given by the Pope was based upon Psalm 33:12, "Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD".

 

At the conclusion of the Homily, we were all asked to stand and join in the Star Spangled Banner as the Pope and Arch-Bishop Emmanuel quietly went to a side room and the Arch-Bishop returned in the scarlet robes of a Prince of the Catholic Church. As Johann knelt in respect and obedience to the Pontiff, our old Cardinal Chaplain blessed Johann and introduced him to everyone as Cardinal Johann Emmanuel, Prince of the Church and Military Ordinary for the United States Military.

 

All the guest present rose in applause to the great recognition bestowed on this simple man of God who was so deserving. As the Pontiff nodded to POTUS he knew it was now his "Show Time".

 

Joining the Pope with Cardinal Emmanuel, POTUS commented our new Cardinal was indeed worthy of this high recognition. He has tirelessly contributed to the welfare of our men in uniform and the citizens of this great nation. Much of what Cardinal Emmanuel has accomplished is classified and unfortunately cannot be shared with the public. I assured you as President of the United States, Cardinal Emmanuel is worthy of the recognition I can now bestow upon him. Cardinal Emmanuel has been awarded the rank of five star General of the Army.

 

POTUS then ask Cardinal Emmanuel to take his Oath of Commission: "I General of the Army Cardinal Juan Emmanuel, Prince of the Church and Military Ordinary for the United States Military do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God!

 

The Pope had made a duplicate of his five star stole which was now bestowed upon Father Emmanuel as the Marine Band played the "Generals March".

 

The Mass has ended, go in peace!

 

It was a beautiful summer day and for once the weather forecasters had it correct. The Church had arranged for a beautiful outside reception and Cardinal Emmanuel was going into "shock" from all the people wanting access to him. The Pope quietly slipped away and ask us Generals if he could have a moment of our time. "By now you know how special Cardinal Emmanuel is. I only ask you to protect him with your lives!"

 

We knelt and kissed the papal ring as a sign of respect and assured our old friend this was a commitment we make freely and with no reservation.

 

To say our new Cardinal was exhausted by the end of the day as he collapsed in the Great Room of T&Ts Penthouse and quietly asked for a double shot of the Vance's Moonshine. At least when the alcohol took effect our Cardinal seemed to recover from the shock of the day. Little did he know the future he faced with his new responsibilities.

 

As the Cardinal returned to Fort Connor with us the next day, he looked mighty sharp in his dress uniform with FIVE stars shining on his shoulders. The men greeted their old friend and assured him POTUS finally did something right. And, it sure took him long enough!

 

Fort Connor returned to business as usual and our new five star Chaplain returned to his workload which seemed endless. Johann always put the imps first and the men respected him for this. He was shocked when an endless stream of invitation to Washington Social and Ambassadorial events started flooding his Email. His assistant had no idea of which to accept and which to decline. The last thing he wanted to do in life is to start an international incident.

 

Johann made it clear, any invitation from the Swiss, Japan or Israel was to be given priority. And, as assumed, POTUS, SecDef or the Secretary of State. If there is a conflict between these five, let him know and he'd figure out a solution.

 

Johann was working miracles with our two imps and it was now time for our newest imp to face the inevitable with Doc. Talking with his best buddy and roomie he asked candidly what did Doc intend to do. Sharing with his friend in frank language that an imp can comprehend, he was assured other than "Shitting your brains out" you'll be unconscious for anything that would be uncomfortable. And, be assured, I'll be there holding your hand when you awake from the procedure. Our newest imp was starting to trust again.

 

The procedure went flawlessly and Doc privately assured our imp he was 99.9% back to normal physically. If and when you ever want to try anal sex again, make certain the person is super special because it will be as uncomfortable as when you lost your virginity last time. What you experienced before isn't love, it is rape. Love between two men or a man and woman is beautiful when the individuals are committed to pleasuring each other. One sided sex where one is only interested is ones own gratification is without any measure of love, caring or honor. Just make certain the person you offer your new "cherry" ass to is special because you will remember him the rest of your life.

 

Our new imp knew exactly who he would be offering his cherry ass to as soon as the discomfort in his throat and ass subsided from Doc's procedure. His roomie would indeed be a fortunate imp.

 

The Chaplain wasn't surprised when both imps asked to have their counseling sessions combined because they had developed an intense and close friendship. They wanted to be totally open and honest with each other. The Chaplain only smiled and knew before these two imps left Fort Connor they would be bound as partners for eternity.

 

After nine months of peace and quiet at Fort Connor we Generals knew we would inevitably have to face POTUS and pay the price for these six stars on our shoulders. POTUS wanted to show the military and the world we Generals would never retreat from any adversary.

 

We knew we had to face reality when OPS announced "POTUS on video com for both of you Generals"... Bring him on, time to face the music and accept our fate.

 

"Generals, you've had a nice respite at Fort Connor and have done an amazing job of helping two imps recover from their traumatic ordeal. Now it is time to get you out and about and for you two to earn those six stars on your shoulder. We'll start with a week at each of the four military academies, then a tour of all fifty states to encourage enlistment and a career in our military. Then, if you've done a good job... a long deserved vacation of your choice to anywhere but Hawaii. Once you have been rejuvenated... it is time for an around the world junket as my Ambassadors at Large and reconnect with the politicians and the military leaders of the major power players in the international community."

 

Giving us a week to get our administrative team and the members of Alpha Zulu prepared for our prolonged absence, we assured everyone we were as close as our coms if they ever needed assistance or guidance.

 

The first couple of months was a leisurely schedule of the four military academies. We asked to start with West Point, Air Force, Coast Guard and finish with Annapolis. We would be spending 7-10 days at each academy as "guest lecturers" for the Graduating Class. We would also be making a presentation to the full academy sometime during our stay. The one thing we demanded was a first year "cadet" be assigned to us to escort us around their campus. It is the same as we do for guest at Fort Connor. We wanted to be assured we got the facts and not what the officers and instructors wanted us to hear. It would take a few hours for the first year cadet to get over the shock of being our guide, then we could really talk freely and learn the facts of the academy.

 

Once Luke heard of our Military Academy junkets he was immediately on the com and wasn't taking NO for an answer. Our R&D has a new prototype ballistic armor which can be worn under your ceramic armor material of your uniform. Hopefully, this will even prevent penetration with armor piercing ammunition, at least it does in lab tests. "You will wear these or I'll be kicking your ass up to your shoulders when you return to Fort Connor!" We have had numerous incidents in the past where our Generals have had attempted assassinations when being guests at our military academies. Seeing the obvious concern in his face and in the tone of his voice we both knew we had no option but to answer: "YES SIR"!

 

Once T&T heard of our academy junkets they went ballistic. They were all over POTUS telling him how stupid can a President be? Only T&T would have the balls to call POTUS stupid. (And POTUS let them get away with it.)

 

Our first day at West Point was a media frenzy... something we Generals were fast adjusting to in our lives. Finally, by our evening meal, we asked the academy superintendent to assign us a first year cadet at random to give us a tour of the campus. A terrified first year cadet approached the superintendent table and snapped to attention. He nearly fainted when he was given his assignment for the week. We indeed had a rookie who would give us the facts and not just the public rhetoric.

 

As we were touring campus the next day, a well dress civilian guest approached us and we were somewhat shocked as he pulled a gun from his suit coat and fired three rounds at us Generals. The first round struck me, and the next two rounds struck our cadet guide who died in my arms. A number of cadets subdued the shooter and campus went into lockdown. When it was learned of the cadets death, every member of the first year cadet class volunteered to be our guide.

 

POTUS was livid when OPS announced POTUS on video com and he is looking for blood. "Can't you two Generals do anything but get shot?" This isn't a good start to your junket. How bad are you injured, do we need to adjust your schedule? I want you returning to Fort Connor in better shape than you are at the moment.

 

I advised POTUS that other than a broken rib and a lot of pain I would be fine. BUT, we will be adjusting our schedule so I can attend the funeral of this brave soldier and I want to do it with a Silver Star and a Purple Heart in our hands. Keep us abreast of the families wishes and I hope they will allow us to attend and meet with them.

 

The entire Cadet Corps assembled as an honor guard and pall bearers of first year cadets joined us on Alpha Zulu Actual for this brave young mans final trip. We knew Roger had been on duty and he was with his brothers-in-arms in heaven. Local, State and National Media packed the airport as our behemoth landed and the Honor Guard and Pall Bearers deplaned with the coffin. We generals and every member of our Alpha Zulu security detail snapped to attention and saluted. We Generals had committed our lives to the United States Army but was it fair for innocent soldiers to die protecting us. We would be needing some intense counseling sessions with the Chaplain when we returned to Fort Connor.

 

Little did we know our new Cardinal Emmanuel had contacted the parents and offered to celebrate the funeral mass for their son. They respectfully declined as they wanted it to be a small friends and family funeral in their parish church. Alpha Zulu and a number of Wolf War Dogs would assure the family their wishes would be honored.

 

We were in shock the day of the funeral OPS announced POTUS will be crashing the funeral. He is flying in on a small private jet with minimal security. This is not a media event for him but to honor this brave soldier. POTUS knew the risk he was taking, and I thought the head of the Secret Service would have a heart attack when he was informed of the decision.

 

The one thing we Generals did which we deeply regretted was wearing concealed side arms to the funeral. If there was an attack on POTUS we wanted to be ready to address the incident.

 

Alpha Zulu secured all the entrances to the Church and did a complete sweep for any intruders or explosive devices. The mass was simple, beautiful and befitting this brave man. As we were exiting the church, a three star military aide to POTUS handed us his Silver Star and Purple Heart. We would present them to the family quietly at the funeral reception. Yes, the media inundated the funeral and to the best of our ability we kept them at bay out of respect both for the family and the fallen soldier.

 

No one realized POTUS was in attendance until the family days later read the guest book. He was attending to honor the man not to make this a media event.

 

POTUS immediately informed the Superintendents of the remaining military academies their campuses would be CLOSED during the visit of our six star Generals. If additional security forces were required, just advise SecDef.

 

We returned to West Point and completed our schedule of presentations. The Superintendent had to hold a lottery to select the 1^st year cadet to be our tour guide. We never informed anyone that we now had concealed side arms under our dress uniforms. We would not let another cadet die protecting us.

 

Our next stop was at the Coast Guard Academy and we were happy to meet Admiral M. McLain Mattson as she greeted us with the Academy Superintendent upon our arrival. We told her we agreed with POTUS and he had indeed chosen the right officer to lead the Coast Guard into the 21^st Century. And, besides, those Alpha Zulu colors look mighty fine on your uniform.

 

Admiral Mattson only commented she hoped history doesn't repeat itself. Excusing herself after our formal reception, she needed to return to Coast Guard Headquarters and continue to shake up the "old boys club". She assured us of her availability and any assistance we require. Thanking us for taking time to meet with her Cadets, she saluted and left to return to her duties.

 

After adjourning from our evening meal, we asked the superintendent to assign us a 1^st year cadet to be our tour guide while we are on campus. A few hours later, a very nervous first year cadet knocked at our door and after the formalities announced he had been asked to be our tour guide while we were here at the academy.

 

Yes, the question about gays in the military always surfaced sometime during each of our visits to the military academies. At least no one got upset at our answers and attempted to shoot us. We did ask each guide we had appointed as we visited each academy if he was aware of what had happened while we were at West Point. If he felt at all reluctant because of the attempted assassination, we would understand if he recused himself. Not one cadet asked to be recused.

 

We immensely enjoyed our junket with the cadets at the Air Force Academy and lauded the number of times the Air Force had been of assistance to us and unfortunately the number of pilots who had made the ultimate sacrifice. Yes, the military is wrought with dangers but as Thomas Jefferson said: "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants."

 

Three academies down and one to go... Annapolis and then we can return to Fort Connor for a respite before we start a whirlwind tour of the United States. The only problem we Generals had at Annapolis is that we continuously called "midshipmen" CADETS! We were politely informed of our Faux Pas.

 

If we Generals had known what the Pentagon Public Relations department had now planned, we would have been court martialed for refusing a Presidential Directive.

 

There was no way we could sneak into any town considering the size of our "flying Army billboard" of a plane. Yes, Alpha Zulu Actual was truly a fantastic home away from home but it attracts media like a magnet. We made certain to rotate squads for security during our 50 state junket and we demanded POTUS schedule Alaska during the warm summer months. (Warm in Alaska is anything above freezing.)

 

We knew exactly why POTUS and the Pentagon scheduled Hawaii and Texas last on our schedule. The history with these two states had been less than optimal. Especially, Texas and the Assassination of two of our Six Star Generals of the Armies. There was no discussion with POTUS or SecDef... we would have more security than if POTUS was in residence.

 

We met a lot of good people and many of the parents of our Alpha Zulu soldiers. They were so proud of their sons serving with us and all the good we were doing. There sons would never breach security and provide any details but just from the enthusiasm of talking about Alpha Zulu they knew their sons were accomplishing much good for the Army and our country.

 

After a few stops and many positive comments from parents of Alpha Zulu soldiers I knew what I had to do. I asked for a video conference with Luke and asked a favor of him. Will you have your advertising department to a concept drawing for an Alpha Zulu broach for mothers and a lapel pin for fathers. The broach saying: "I am the proud mother of an Alpha Zulu soldier" and the lapel pin saying: "I am the proud father of an Alpha Zulu soldier". Send us the proof and then pressure the supplier to a fast production time. Send us a couple of thousand to use as we meet parents during our junket and send a thousand to the Chaplains at Fort Connor. I'll advise the Chaplains to expect them and to disperse as needed to the soldiers at Fort Connor.

 

Luke only commented it would be his extreme pleasure. He was happy we were meeting such enthusiastic parents. The Citizens of the United States needed to appreciate and recognize Alpha Zulu for all the good it does. The Worthingtons will always support Alpha Zulu out of a lasting respect for Mama Bear. If people only knew all that has been done by Alpha Zulu over the years Alpha Zulu would be the epitome of the United States Military.

 

As I was concluding my discussion with Luke... OPS was announcing: ALERT, ALERT... MULTIPLE ATTACKS ON THE WHITE HOUSE AND PENTAGON. CONTINUNITY OF GOVERNMENT PROTOCOL IS IN EFFECT!