It only seems like yesterday we had the Changing of Command Ceremony at Fort Connor and Xavier and Alexander replaced us as the Commanding Generals of Alpha Zulu. The death of Luke Worthington accelerated many plans of our future and we accepted being the Guardians of Tony and Thomas as a labor of love. It took a couple of months for the Worthington Board of Directors not to see us as the enemy and as the Worthington Stock stabilized on the Stock Market, they accepted the plan Luke had for the Future of Worthington Industries was indeed thorough and concise.

 

As luxurious as Worthington Actual was, that G-1000 Superliner didn't compare to our custom "Flying Billboard" we were required to gift to the new Commanding Generals of Alpha Zulu. We had an "open door" relationship with the Chancellor of Harvard and the President of MIT. Not only because of the money Worthington gives for research projects but also because of the number of imps who enroll in the school and excel to become leaders in their respective fields.

 

This year Douglas VanDyke graduated with honors, a double major in Business and Law. I know dad pulled strings and he will be clerking for the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court after he takes some vacation time. Dad wants him to start his family and he and his partner deserve a loving child to spoil and nurture.

 

Tony and Thomas are honor students at Harvard, Tony with a major in Business and Thomas in Engineering. I am definitely going to encourage them to start their family before they take over the helm of Worthington Industries. I only wish Luke could have lived to see this moment in their young lives.

 

With the cuts to the Pentagon budget, Worthington Industries, D&D Enterprises, Harriman Industries and the five major Pentagon suppliers now totally fund the operation of Fort Connor as a "Research & Development" site although the Pentagon does provide the military manpower to protect the research (and the imps). Arkyn and I have learned more than one way to get around budget cuts from Congress.

 

It was very traumatic to everyone in the Worthington extended family when Yuuto suddenly died. His body rejected his new heart and even with the powers to be finding Yuuto a 3^rd heart and rushing it to Washington and advancing Yuuto to the head of the transplant list... Yuuto refused to have the surgery when he found out a young imp with his rare blood type was in need of the heart and he refused to allow this young imp to die.

 

We all respected Yuuto for his decision and as hard as POTUS and SecDef tried to convince Yuuto his value to the nation was without equal he refused the transplant unless there were two hearts available. The look on the face of the young imp after his transplant as he hugged and kissed Yuuto knowing he was the one responsible for him getting a heart brought tears to all of us present.

 

Yuuto had a "Do Not Resuscitate" order on file and he passed on peaceably with his sons and his close friends at his side. Roger appeared and we knew Yuuto would soon be in heaven and Mama Bear would be sharing the love of the Worthington Family out of respect for the sacrifice he had made.

 

Yuuto received a funeral with full military honors including attendance by POTUS, SecDef and the Joint Chiefs. POTUS assured everyone Yuuto could be buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery. His partner approved considering all Yuuto had done for the military and our great country.

 

Tony and Thomas requested, and I have put the wheels into motion for our Worthington Research and Development center to be renamed the Yuuto Meat-Goodman Kinugasa Center for Advanced Research and Development. As soon as the new marble sign arrives, we will have a formal dedication and I'm pulling in my markers so POTUS and SecDef will be in attendance.

 

I also have an outstanding artist friend who works at the Smithsonian and does private commissions creating a wall size oil painting of our little imp besides his precious Koi tank. It will grace the lobby of our R&D center and Yuuto will never be forgotten for all he has done for Alpha Zulu, the Worthingtons and for our Country.

 

We were all shocked when we had the dedication ceremony, Hikaru attended from Japan with a young imp in his arms. As the ceremony started to quiet down, Hikaru asked if we could meet with Tokugawa and Akihiko in our secure conference room.

 

Hikaru was playing dirty and as Tokugawa and Akihiko entered the little imp went running into their arms and quietly asked if they were going to be his new daddies. It tore their hearts apart and they knew the answer. Hikaru only smiled commenting we were expected at the Worthington Foundation office this afternoon to start the formal adoption process. We all knew Yuuto was smiling down from heaven knowing his son and his partner had been blessed with a family.

 

Arkyn and I refused to work the long hours that were so common for Luke. 15+ hour days were the norm for Luke and frankly why he didn't burn out is truly a miracle. We had no objection to our 0500 hour start to the day but 1800 hours we definitely wanted to be relaxing at home and enjoying our extended Worthington family.

 

The contracts Luke gave us left us with more money than we would ever use. From our Salary, Bonuses, Profit Sharing, Stock Options. deferred income and matching 401k contribution, when we finally turned over the helm to Tony and Thomas we would be able to retire in comfort. Our goal still remained to make Worthington Industries contribute to the security of our country and the safety of our men in uniform.

 

We did make a visit to Fort Connor to kick a Command Master Sergeant in the ass when we learned he turned down the promotion to Sergeant Major of the Army. We could understand his reluctance but encouraged him to look at all the good he could do for enlisted men throughout the Army. He would have the ear of everyone in the Pentagon and could be a force for change and enlightenment... to bring the Army into the 21^st century.

 

Of course, we require you to find your replacement if you expect the Generals to sign off on your promotion and transfer. Get with our HR Dream team and find another YOU in the United States Army.

 

It was the senior year at Harvard for Tony and Thomas and they shocked the hell out of the family when we got together to celebrate the holiday they advised Arkyn and me we would be living at Camp Phoenix as they were having the Penthouse renovated. If we had only known the complete story, we might actually have been upset with them.

 

The adjoining penthouse had been purchased by the Worthington and the renovation was to combine the two and provide for a permanent residence for us when we stepped down and turned over the reins of Worthington Industries to Tony and Thomas.

 

It wasn't so much a renovation as a transition to the décor of Mama Bear from the Gothic masculine setting of the second Penthouse. The transition the architects proposed was indeed outstanding and now the private elevator would open onto a massive Penthouse Lobby with security reviewing who was in the elevator before they would allow the doors to open. If an intruder attempted to breech the penthouse, they would be locked in the elevator waiting for the police and SWAT to arrive.

 

Tony and Thomas valued what we were doing to keep Worthington Industries on the cutting edge and to them we were their "dads" and we never got tired of hearing them call us DAD!

 

It was a family conspiracy when graduation time from Harvard rolled around for Tony and Thomas. They had twisted our arms and we approved of them being bound with their partners the summer prior to their senior year. We all conspired to give them a month in our Virgin Island Penthouse after graduation provided they select an imp to adopt and to give him a family.

 

Tony and Thomas knew they wanted to start a family and Caleb and OK definitely kept trying to "knock them up" from the reports I received from the Castle. The two couples received seven folders of imps needing a forever home. Their stories of abuse and neglect would tear your heart apart and they were so deserving to have loving fathers.

 

Our graduation celebration in the Penthouse consumed far too much "Single Malt" but it was the only way we could deal with the horror stories we were reading. Physical abuse, sexual abuse, abandonment, sexual slavery... more than any child should ever be exposed to let alone be required to participate in.

 

We were so proud when each of the pair decided to adopt older children, two brothers who had a most difficult time being considered for adoption considering the horror they experienced growing up. When Tony and OK met with the two imps they wanted to adopt, the older boy was adamant he didn't want two gay men to raise his little brother. "I've protected him all my life and if you try to touch him or abuse him I'll cut your cock off."

 

Tony smiled and commented his partner was a real Japanese Samurai Warrior. He has black belts in five different martial arts disciplines and frankly if anyone touched either of you, they would cease to be a man and incapable of ever abusing another child.

 

Thomas had a similar discussion with the two brothers he and Caleb wanted to adopt and he assured them his partner was a crack shot with a handgun or rifle and anyone attempting to hurt either imp... well as POTUS once said, shoot low and remove them from the gene pool.

 

The imps were hesitant, but they knew anyone wanting to adopt two brothers, especially an older boy was truly a miracle. Babies are the big ticket item in the adoption business. Asking the imps to give them 90 days to show their sincerity in wanting them as part of their family. As the four adults and four imps walked to the administrator's office they would start down a road and a life they could never imagine.

 

The armed security detail shocked them somewhat but when our Wolf War Dogs were given the command to be on puppy duty in the limousine the imps relaxed and started to open up and accept a new and wonderful future.

 

Arriving at the Worthington Air Field, they transferred to their armored limousine and with their security detail headed to the Marriott Penthouse. The imps were astonished at the size of the limousine and in shock when they entered the new renovated Penthouse.

 

Introducing the Generals as their "adopted" fathers, we had imps hanging from our necks smothering us with kisses. We advised the family dinner would be in an hour so go clean up and take a nap if you are tired.

 

I ordered a seafood buffet for the adults and mega hamburgers with homemade jumbo fries for the imps. (The way to an imps heart is definitely through his stomach!) Four over stuffed imps asked to be excused and headed to their bedroom. Advising them to take their shower and get ready for bed. We'd be in to kiss them goodnight shortly.

 

The two younger imps had no problem with their fathers and grandfathers tucking them in and kissing them goodnight. The two older boys frankly told us they weren't gay and they weren't into kissing men. We advised them it had nothing to do with sexuality. It was something our fathers did for us and it was something we would continue to do for our sons to assure them they were loved forever.

 

Tony and Thomas were smart enough to borrow a couple of Wolf War Dogs from our security detail and assign them for overnight puppy duty. (Making sure a box of doggie treats was on each nightstand.)

 

Even the older boys couldn't say NO to a furry mutt licking your face and working his way into bed to cuddle for the night. It didn't take a mental genius to know why the doggie treats were on the nightstand.

 

We took the following day off of work as we needed to take care of some family matter. The major one being flying to Fort Connor and having Doc check out our "grandsons" and update their shot record and chipping them wasn't optional.

 

We held the hands of the younger imps and Doc was a pussy cat making it virtually painless for them. The older boys asked for their fathers to leave the room and Doc asked us to leave. They bent over the table and within minutes were chipped with virtually no discomfort. Of all the doctors who had examined their bodies lately, this one is damn good.

 

The men of Alpha Zulu greeted and spoiled our imps. The mess staff outdid themselves with an impromptu feast and the imps were just starting to learn the value of Alpha Zulu in their lives and future.

 

One major change I immediately notice in OK and Caleb, they started wearing dual shoulder holsters in addition to their ankle Berretta. They were never far from their secure brief case with their Bull Pup and extra ammo. They were taking the protection of their partner and their sons with extreme amount of seriousness. Anyone who threatened their partner or their sons would have to go through them.

 

Tony and Thomas always wore their ankle holster with a 9mm Berretta except when they were in the shower or sleeping. They refused to be totally dependent upon their partner and/or security detail. If anyone attempted to harm their family, they would go down fighting and both men shot expert.

 

We convinced Hikaru to take a few weeks of vacation and go to our Virgin Island get-a-way with Tony, Thomas and their sons. (What's one more imp for our security detail.) POTUS went ballistic when he heard of Hikaru taking off for the U.S. Virgin Islands. Have you any idea of the political fallout if anything happened to that little imp while he is on U.S. soil. Japan and the United States would be at DefCon 2!

 

When the family returned from their holiday get-a-way I kiddingly asked the imps if they had "tan lines"? The two older imps turned multiple shades of red so I had my answer without having to make a physical inspection. YUP, they were normal teenagers with over active hormones. At least we have two imps who are still young enough to be considered "sweet and innocent". Frankly, I doubted if the two older imps could think of doing anything that Arkyn and I didn't do growing up. Oh, the fun of youth!

 

Oh, was it an interesting summer with our extended family. Tony, Thomas, Caleb, OK, Douglas and Jamie all were approached to audition for the "Young Business Hunks" calendar for Charity this year. When the final twelve couples were selected, they had to admit to us what they had done. Considering Worthingtons had done this before for Charity and even Dale did prior to being elected President... they were in fine company although I wondered how Caleb was going to contain all he was packing in the skimpy speedo's they wear.

 

Finally, the day arrived when the "Allen" show was announcing the twelve finalists and I sent out a memo to all the office staff that we would be streaming the show live as the money earned would be donated to the Worthington Foundation.

 

We were all kinda shocked when POTUS joined "Allen" on stage to announce the finalists and as they strutted their stuff, I was waiting for this show to be rated "X" when Caleb burst out of his skimpy bikini confinement.

 

A week later Thomas and Caleb made the centerfold with a near record for donations received. Douglas and Jamie came in second and Tony and OK third. (At least I knew the Yakuza didn't rig the ballot box.) I have to remember to send OK's Dad the video file and let him know the hunk he has for a son and how much Tony is in love with him. I had to smile ear to ear wondering if Arkyn and I would have had the guts when we were the age Tony and Thomas are to "bare it all for Charity"?

 

When Tony and Thomas started their internship with Arkyn and me, they blushed every time they saw a copy of the special edition magazine on an employee's desk. They were the "hunk du jour" of Worthington Industries.

 

I knew the men of Alpha Zulu always made a sizeable contribution when the recipient was the Worthington Foundation, but I was rolling on the floor holding my ribs when Arkyn told me Cardinal Emmanuel had a copy of the magazine discretely stored in his center desk drawer. (Perhaps we should send a courtesy copy to Fr. Dominic and the Pope.)

 

Although, we no longer had the responsibility for Alpha Zulu and Fort Connor we still got concerned when it was so dead and quiet for any long period of time. We still had no idea of who or why we were still under attack and until we did, we had to take every precaution.

 

Our two new Commanding Generals needed their baptism by fire just so they felt comfortable leading this band of brothers.

 

None of us were aware of the counseling sessions Doc was having with the Chaplain. Both men had five stars and that meant they were "Army" for as long as they lived. Doc admitted to the Chaplain in a counseling session he was showing the early signs of Alzheimer's and so far it wasn't effecting his ability to provide medical care. It was only a matter of time and he would have to step down and that meant being proactive and finding his replacement.

 

Doc was leaning toward the young man who had saved his life as a paramedic and that he had mentored, trained as a physician's assistant and encouraged him to attend med school and become an Army Doctor. He would be the perfect replacement if he and his partner would accept.

 

Doc asked the Chaplain to take a mid-week off base junket and meet with these two men and see if they had any interest. The Chaplain knew Doc needed the moral support and how hard a decision it was for him to even consider stepping down.

 

Doc contacted his protégé and ask if he had an evening free as Doc would be in his city on Wednesday. Encouraging Doc to join him and his partner for a home cooked meal, he'd love to see his mentor again. Advising there would be two of us as Cardinal Emmanuel will also be joining us.

 

After an enjoyable dinner and relaxing with their mutual vice of 20 year old single malt Scotch Whiskey... Doc admitted he was somewhat deceptive in asking to visit. I have a confession to make and the Cardinal is here to give me the moral support to make it.

 

"I'm in the early stages of Alzheimer's!" So far it isn't affecting my ability to provide medical care but we both know it is only a matter of time. I'm looking for the best person to replace me as the Chief Medical Officer of Alpha Zulu and you are that man. If you are interested and will accept the position... it comes with four stars and I'll guarantee you, your partner will be posted to Fort Connor also.

 

Both POTUS and SecDef owe me many times over and I doubt if either would refused a request from a holder of the Medal of Honor. I might as well get some milage out of this award I didn't want anyway.

 

We both need to get back to Fort Connor tonight so please talk it over and give me an answer by the end of the week. And, no one knows why the Chaplain and I are really here tonight and won't unless you accept my invitation.

 

As Doc left, he wrapped his arms around his good friend and assured him regardless of his decision he would always love him as a son.

 

Friday morning when Doc opened his Email he had a short message from his protégé which simply said: "We both are honored to accept".

 

After the morning staff meeting, Doc asked the Chaplain, Base Commander and Commanding Generals to remain, PLEASE! Asking OPS to see if POTUS, SecDef, Arkyn and me were available, please video conference them to our conference room screen. As our concerned faces appeared on the screen, we were concerned at the people attending this meeting.

 

Doc started... It is my responsibility as the Chief Medical Officer of Alpha Zulu to advise the people present, I have the early stages of Alzheimer's. So far it hasn't affected my ability to provide medical care. I have been proactive and with the assistance of the Chaplain, we approached my former protégé and his partner to see if he was interested in assuming my role as Chief Medical Officer when the time arrives, I can no longer do this job.

 

I would expect both he and his partner receive the rank of a bird colonel and for him to receive my four stars once he takes over my role as Chief Medical Officer. Frankly, there is no one in the Army I would trust more to provide medical care to my friends here at Fort Connor.

 

POTUS thanked Doc for his candor and SecDef commented he'd have the transfer orders cut by the end of the day. Whatever either could do, Doc only need ask. Arkyn and I concurred with that statement.

 

As the video conference was terminated Doc commented he in no way had any intention of being disrespectful to our new Commanding Generals but he felt his medical judgement and decision would be respected when this was announced. The last thing I want is people treating me like an old sick man... I still have plenty of talent left to provide for Alpha Zulu.

 

By noon the camp grapevine and the imp mafia had the news announced throughout the military. It was no surprise when the transfer order arrived signed by SecDef and POTUS ordering an immediate transfer with military priority. Their current base commander knew he had no appeal of the decision to transfer the two men.

 

Saturday late morning, two Captains walked down the supply plane ramp and submitted their credential to Security. Advised they were to report to the office of our Commanding Generals, transportation will be provided.

 

General Sanchez warmly welcomed the two and informed them he regretted the circumstances under which they were meeting. Anything any of us can do to help Doc, you only need ask. That goes for our complete administrative staff, POTUS, SecDef and anyone who is anyone in the Worthington world.

 

Once we get you settled and all the paperwork completed, your firearm skills certified, we'll sit down with the base commander and see where your partner can best be utilized. We want you two to have a long and rewarding tenure with Alpha Zulu. My door is always open if you have any questions.

 

Now, there is a man in Medical who wants your blood and gives one nasty shot. I hope you didn't learn all of his bad skills sets.

 

The political battles of Washington are never ending. This is something we didn't have to be concerned about when we were the Commanding Generals of Alpha Zulu but as the CEO and COO of Worthington Industries, it definitely is of interest to us and effects our company.

 

POTUS had served his two terms and he had every intention of having the party nominate his Vice President to run for President in the next election. The question remained who to nominate as his running mate. We "Worthingtons", D&D and the Harrimans knew one person who would do a fantastic job and be worthy to inherit the role of President in eight years. MICHAEL "ALLEN" ROBERTS! Now we just needed to persuade him to take the job.

 

Time for a get-a-way to Camp Phoenix and spoil all of our imps and get us adults wasted on good Single Malt Scotch and then break the news to Allen about his nomination. It means D&D will have to go back to running their conglomerate and we knew they would do it knowing what Allen can contribute to our great country. Besides, convincing Allen results in a stable government for the next 16 years. Definitely good for any business model.

 

Sunday morning when Allen walked in for brunch holding his head he only commented he hoped he didn't do anything to embarrass himself. "Like agreeing to run for Vice President!" We have you on our security camera so know everyone here will back you. Yes, we set you up!

 

Now I suggest you warn your son and his partner so they don't chew on your ass hearing it last. Feel free to use my study. I have a feeling we'll be having a lot of conference calls over the next 16 years.

 

Allen looked at the two of us and only commented if he gets elected as Vice President you can bet those horrible Ambassador Uniforms, you'll be wearing them far more than you want. (Damn, he doesn't get mad, he gets even!)

 

Allen was indeed impressed... within a week Robert and Allen Harriman (Self appointed fund raisers for Allen) informed him they had commitments for over $250,000,000.00 USD pledged provided he was the running mate for Vice President. Allen demanded no favors for funds... and the Harrimans assured Allen he was only obligated to serve the people of the United States.

 

The state primary elections were hostile and at times bloody. Tempers raged that a young upstart could challenge the established members of the party. Allen only reminded everyone it is up to the people we serve if we have the honor to run for these high offices.

 

In the Presidential televised debates, the democrats won the polls and in the Vice Presidential Debates the polls showed Allen won by an overwhelming 98% of all voters of both major parties. The democrats may fight for who they nominate as the Presidential Candidate but only a fool would run anyone other than Allen for the Vice President of the United States.

 

In the week preceding the national election for President and Vice President... Tony, Thomas, Caleb and OK were having a quiet evening with Allen hypothesizing on what could be done to improve the quality of life for all citizens and especially the soldiers of our military.

 

Without warning, gunfire erupted in the hallway of the hotel and hostiles burst forth guns blazing. Without any question of their own safety, Tony and Thomas grabbed Allen pulling him to the floor and covering him with their bodies. OK and Caleb drew both of their sidearms and in a matter of seconds eliminated the hostiles with extreme prejudice.

 

Advising Alpha Zulu OPS to notify the Secret Service they had men down and required medical attention. Allen was fine and they would remain vigilant until a new security detail arrived. POTUS went ballistic and in an immediate conversation with SecDef both the Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates would have Alpha Zulu protection round the clock.

 

Their opponents were offered the same but refused. A mistake they would regret as the election became more turbulent and hostile. Four days before the national election, the opponent candidate for President was assassinated and the only rationale any of us could determine was his party wanting to run someone else who polled higher and had a chance of beating our team.

 

Election night was a nail biter and it wasn't till way after the polls closed in Hawaii that the media announced a Democratic win of the White House and a clean sweep of both houses of Congress. That meant support for all of our programs. The staff party went on till sunrise and frankly Allen wanted to crash in his bed and destress from all of the campaigning of the past months. Even Allen was wise enough to know a loving Wolf War Dog cuddling in bed with him would not only protect him but would help in his facing a new day and the new challenges he now faced.

 

I was so proud of Tony and Thomas as they gave an elaborate inauguration party in the Washington Marriott Ball Room to thank all the volunteers who worked thousands of hours to make this election a reality. Yes, Arkyn and I were watching our "sons" growing into the leaders of industry and we knew soon we would have to hand over Worthington Industries to the true Heirs Apparent to face their destiny.

 

Allen's son and his partner weren't happy about having round the clock Secret Service protection. Finally the "dads" were able to broker a deal and their sons would agree to this intrusion into their young lives provided the men protecting them were gay also. Oh, was Allen going to have a hard sell to the head of the Secret Service.

 

Allen soon found out his role in the Senate was far from just ceremonial. POTUS expected him to have members of their party support their programs without having their nose in the trough for some federal program to provide money for their home district. Allen had thought the Military was cliquish when he was the SecDef but nothing compared to the halls of Congress. The reining members of Congress had impunity to anything they didn't want to approve. No rationale was necessary other than letting them know what was in it for them or their district.

 

Yes, reform was necessary but what motivation is there to reform something that provides a "golden parachute" to the elected officials and assures their reelection.

 

When and if Allen ended up in the Oval Office one of the first items he would push through Congress was the establishment of an independent Office of Professional Ethics... answerable only to the people of the United States. The "old boys club" policing the "old boys club" accomplishes nothing in its current form. Allen wanted an independent agency with subpoena power and the ability to file criminal charges. We all warned him as honorable as his intentions were not to breathe this to a soul until after he was sworn in for his second term.

 

At our annual Christmas bash at Camp Phoenix, Tony and Thomas were indeed the ultimate of hosts and planned a wonderful event especially for the little imps we all enjoyed watching tearing open their presents.

 

As the imps left to battle their electronic demons, we adults enjoyed our casual friendship in the Great Room. General Sanchez rose and commented he had to share some bad news with our group. Doc had advised him of his retirement from Active Duty. He would celebrate his 50^th Anniversary in the United States Army on July 4^th and would then step down to inactive status and start to accept many of the invitations he had from Medical Associations to be their guest speaker.

 

The group now gathered at Camp Phoenix would assure that Doc would have the Celebration of the Century on July 4^th and this great nation would know all of what he has contributed to benefit his fellow man both civilian and soldier.

 

Why wasn't I surprised when the group voted Arkyn and me as Co-Chair of the Celebration Committee. We sure hoped Doc would forgive us as he always hated to be in the spotlight and we would have every media organization in the world shining the spotlight on his accomplishments.

 

Suddenly, words we hadn't heard in months: "ALERT, ALERT... NORAD ADVISES A MISSILE SUDDENLY APPEARED COMING OVER THE ARTIC ICECAP AT MACH 3.5. TRAJECTORY INDICATES A HIGH PROBABILITY OF IMPACTING FORT CONNOR. ALL IMPS TO THEIR BUNKER, ALL MEN TO THEIR DUTY STATION. THIS IS NOT A DRILL, I REPEAT THIS IS NOT A DRILL!!!