General Berrill set a new speed record in his running from the imps' bunker to Medical. Doc met him in the hallway and stopped him before he could rush into the room and be with his partner. Doc was frank and honest the news wasn't good. The hostiles were using armor piercing rounds and one round went through his flak vest, his Worthington armor, through his lung, exited through his body armor and the back of his flak vest. The trauma is massive and in addition a round which grazed his chest has left his heart bruised causing all kinds of abnormal rhythms.

 

I've sedated him and he is feeling no pain. The next 24 hours will tell if he will make it or not. Asking Doc if he could handle the injuries or did he need a specialist flown in. If a specialist was needed Doc assured him he would be on the phone to POTUS and claiming a few of the favors owed to him.

 

Doc advised General Berrill the best thing he can do is kiss your partner good night and then join your sons who must be extremely traumatized over this incident. I'll be up working all night on the minor injuries our men received so if anything serious happens with Shawn I'll be immediately at his side.

 

Now either you head back to your billet and get some sleep, or I'll sedate you and have my orderly restrain you in one of my bed. The choice is yours, choose wisely!

 

The minute Mama Bear heard of the injury to General Walsh she was on the com to Doc every 20 minutes along with POTUS wanting an update. By sunrise Doc was getting annoyed at the frequency of their calls and simply told them he would call them if the situation changed. Otherwise, let me do my job. DISCONNECT! Doc is one of the few men in the military who can hang up on POTUS and retain their rank and career. Gloria did what POTUS wanted to do and cleared her schedule, had Worthington Actual fueled and ready for a fast trip to Fort Connor. Let Doc tell her to her face how annoyed he was with her.

 

Gloria knew the perfect solution if Doc gave her a hard time. Even POTUS smiled when Gloria suggested transferring a female physician to the Medical Staff of Fort Connor if Doc didn't improve his attitude. Even Doc knew when to admit defeat and cooperated the best he could with Gloria and POTUS. The last thing Doc wanted was any female assigned to his Medical.

 

General Berrill was pacing in his quarters when OPS announced Worthington Actual requesting permission to land. He knew he would be required to authorize the landing, but Gloria was going to be pushing Doc to his limits. At least if outside help was required between Gloria and POTUS the best physician in any specialty would be airborne and flying at supersonic speed via military fighter jet to Fort Connor.

 

The one thing Doc needed immediately was BLOOD and the men of Alpha Zulu lined up to provide our resident vampire with all the blood he required. Shawn was leaking blood and Doc hoped he wouldn't have to operate to correct the problem. By noon of the following day Doc admitted he would be opening Shawn's chest to find the source of the blood loss and correct the problem. He had hoped to prevent having to do this, but Shawn's body wasn't cooperating.

 

As Gloria and I paced the floor in the waiting room we didn't know POTUS was pacing the floor in the Oval Office. The last thing he wanted to do is bury a six star General, especially one he considered a close friend.

 

When Doc cracked open Shawn's chest the injury was all too apparent. The bullet had grazed his pulmonary artery and the repair went without incident and was textbook perfect. Now with a few units of blood and a few weeks of bed rest we could start the General back on a Physical Therapy program and help him return to a normal life.

 

Doc kept the potential problem of a meandering blood clot to himself... no need to worry anyone unless it happens. As Shawn was in Medical monitored 24 hours a day with a "Crash" team instantly available... If it happened, Doc was prepared for the eventuality.

 

Aiden and Aaron were devastated at the news of the injury to their father. They were an emotional wreck. Helping them to take a long hot shower and tucking them into bed was only successful when Adela was borrowed and wedged herself between the two brothers who grasp her and needed the tactile support only a furry Wolf War Dog could provide.

 

Yes, Adela got paid an abundance of Doggie Treats by numerous men around Fort Connor. She found out there were extra miles to run to work off every Doggie Treat she consumed. Doggie Treats were fine as payment for services rendered but what she craved was another Marriott Raspberry Cheesecake regardless of how sick it made her. IT WAS DELICIOUS!!!

 

Twenty Four hours after Shawn awoke from his surgery, Doc had him up walking the halls to help prevent the formation of any blood clots. Doc was standing next to Shawn as he clasp his chest and collapsed unconscious to the floor. CPR was immediately started as a crash cart was rushed to the scene. It took numerous defib charges to get his heart back to a normal rhythm, but the immediate crisis was adverted. Doc assured everyone this was a common occurrence with the major surgery Shawn received. We were prepared for it and prevent any lethal consequences.

 

Omoikane and Junior understood how upset the Generals were when POTUS approved their marriage thinking someone at Fort Connor had gone outside of the Chain of Command. Both imps felt they still need to seek the approval of their Commanding General to be married at Fort Connor. As they approached General Berrill, they understood the necessity of the Chain of Command and if he felt he couldn't approve their marriage at Fort Connor they would arrange to have it off base. They would never circumvent his authority. Please let us know if we need to make other arrangements for our wedding ceremony.

 

Two imps were nearly in tears as they left the General's office. They wanted to be married with their friends of Alpha Zulu present. The last thing they wanted to do is to cause any dissension between POTUS and our Commanding Generals. A harmoniously functioning Fort Connor is more important to the protection of their fellow imps vs us being married at Fort Connor.

 

General Berrill sat in shock behind his desk and was amazed at the maturity of the two imps who just left his office. If he had any reservations about a 16 year old imp being married it no longer existed in his mind. Asking OPS to have the two imps return to his office, they were in major panic mode as they knocked at the door and requested admittance.

 

As the General asked them to enter and be comfortable. He admitted his first reaction when you two requested permission to be married was to refuse it because of the age of Junior. Then when POTUS overruled me and approve it without my input I was truly upset and pissed. But the maturity you two imps just showed me had to make me admit I was wrong. If you will accept the apology of an old out-of-touch General I would be proud to approve your wedding at Fort Connor. Now come here and give me a hug... I am so proud of you two imps right now... don't do something dumb for a few days to ruin your image. DISMISSED.

 

The fathers were amazed the General would admit he was wrong and agreed to approve the wedding at Fort Connor. POTUS now had to face his major adversary... the Secret Service. They weren't happy about him wanting to attend anything at Fort Connor with the hostile incursions occurring all too frequently. It took SecDef outlining the military precautions he was taking to make Fort Connor more secure than the White House. "Yes, any defense can be breeched but even the White House can be penetrated given a committed hostile adversary." Considering we will have a dedicated Satellite, an AWAC airborne command center, a carrier battle group, a Littoral Combat Ship to patrol the shallow water between the island and the mainland, two nuclear submarines each with a full complement of Navy Seals, the Air Force fighter jets flying high cover and a backup of the 101^st Airborne Rangers in reserve if necessary. FORT CONNER WILL BE SAFE FOR POTUS!!!

 

Omoikane and Junior were crushed when Ricardo announced that Rod WOULD NOT be jumping out of the wedding cake only wearing his birthday suit. The imps informed Ricardo he was an old wet blanket and if he hadn't already received his invitation they would have second thoughts about inviting him. "But, then... who would give away the groom?" The imps spent the next five minutes listing men who would volunteer for the job if the father backed out.

 

Tokugawa and Akihiko truly enjoyed the machismo and excessive testosterone which filled the air of the bachelor party for their sons. Eventually Ricardo and Rod got into the festive mood and accept this was a once in a lifetime experience for their son and the last thing they wanted to do is ruin it for them. Alas, the soldier who exited the wedding cake ala natural wasn't as impressive as Rod but then he didn't have a lover who wanted him all to his self. Ricardo was possessive and wasn't prepared to share any part of Rod with anyone.

 

General Walsh had recovered from his injuries enough that Doc paroled him from Medical for the night but with a "NO ALCOHOL" protocol and the assurance that every man of Alpha Zulu would enforce his dictum. The highlight of the bachelor party was when Adela helped to clean up all the dirty plates enjoying her feast before she went on guard duty at the VIP suite for the night. It is said the Army functions on its stomach, but our Wolf War Dogs seem to function on their sweet fangs. They were in sugar overload with all the butter cream frosting they consumed. Unfortunately, Adela had to go on sick call before her duty shift was over and Doc showed no mercy to the young lady who knew she shouldn't consume so many sweets. Adela was even more unhappy when Doc gave her a large injection of prochlorperazine to help her stomach return to normal. The other option Doc had was to use rectal suppositories and that wasn't an option even our infamous Doc wanted to attempt with one of our Wolf War Dogs even if they were muzzled. COWARD!!!

 

The next weekend it was time for Aiden and Aaron to tie the knot and having the previous weekend as their "dress rehearsal" it went flawlessly. The only complaints were from the Navy with their men being at sea for over 21 days because of nuptials at Fort Connor. POTUS smiled when he heard the comment from the Navy Chief of Staff and told him to advise his men he could arrange a training mission to the Artic if they felt they were underutilized with their current assignment. (Nothing more was heard out of the Navy!)

 

Aiden and Aaron were nearly virgins on their wedding night, and it was no surprise to anyone when they hobbled into Medical at sunrise the next morning. Doc had a big smile as he commented: "Over did it, huh?" Exam Room one, who wants the stirrups first?

 

Neither young man was in the mood for a comedian Doctor this morning. But they knew they needed his TLC as their asses were sore and felt like the fires of hell. Doc only smiled at the two imps as he sprayed them as deep as possible and alleviated the majority of pain. "You are learning the hard way too much lube may be messy, but it definitely helps to prevent you from a repeat performance in Medical." "Now I have to give you the bad news... NO ANAL SEX FOR 14 DAYS! That just means your mouths will be working overtime." DISMISSED!

 

The third weekend it was time for Ricardo and Rod to tie the knot and be bound as partners for eternity. By now the men had learned how much alcohol they could consume and still be functional the next day. No matter who was chosen to jump out of their cake it in no way can compare to what would be awaiting Ricardo in his wedding bed the next night. The wedding service had the chapel pack to capacity, and it was so beautiful with the fragrant flowers and our Cardinal Chaplain in his full regalia. This was a moment he wanted both fathers to remember and cherish. Yes, the Chaplain wanted every religious service at Fort Connor to be special but considering Ricardo had lost his wife and then his gay lover he deserved to have a special man in his life and to be bound for all eternity.

 

The imps got even for all the tricks their fathers pulled on them with their bachelor party and the events leading up to their marriage ceremony. When their fathers were opening their wedding gifts, the gift from their sons was a book that made their fathers blush RED! "101 Ways for a Gay Man to enjoy his Wedding Night"... The men of Alpha Zulu exploded in laughter and the imps knew they best stay out of arms reach of their fathers for a few days... but then that depends upon if their fathers can walk after their wedding night. (Yes, imps can be so evil at times.)

 

As Ricardo and Rod had been sexually active for a few months prior to their wedding... they survived their wedding night with a minimum of discomfort using plenty of Doc's Super Lube. Yes, Ricardo was mighty tender, but Rod was a patient and understanding lover. Rod wanted Ricardo to enjoy his wedding night and have wonderful memories to last their lifetime. Considering the first night Rod and Ricardo enjoyed anal sex months before their wedding... Ricardo had vivid memories of losing his second cherry he never knew he had and some of the most horrid pain his body had ever received. The only reason he would agree to a continued physical relationship with Rod was he loved this man with every fiber of his being even if his body was in agony for days after each encounter.

 

Omoikane shared with Junior the facts and dimensions of what his father was enjoying every night and Junior was both shocked and impressed that his father could enjoy such a monster. Junior was in for a shock as one night Omoikane was sending him to Nirvana with his talented mouth... his well lubed fingers slipped up his ass with such a sucking action that his entire hand slipped inside. Omoikane wasn't going to miss the opportunity to send Junior back to Nirvana and as his small hand made a fist Junior learned how intense an orgasm can be with direct prostate stimulation. The only thing that kept Junior from screaming down the imp's bunker was the ball gag in his mouth. When Omoikane finally finished Junior had five major full body spasm orgasms. Junior held Omoikane and admitted if he could move he'd fuck Omoikane till his ass couldn't take it again for a week. Omoikane only smiled and commented to Junior the bed side stand was well stocked with lube and super lube so do his "worst". Both imps lost it in laughter.

 

Aiden and Aaron were the only two responsible newlyweds and even their fathers commented they were the most in control lovers who were ever married at Fort Connor. The Generals felt the Castle could easily survive their sons and as for Ricardo and Rod the Generals just advised the Castle they may want to assign them one of the soundproof bedrooms that existed. (Sound move! [Pun intended!!!]) As for Omoikane and Junior... well someone has to keep the Castle well supplied with erotic moments and these two indeed lived up to their reputation.

 

Love was more alive at the Castle than it had ever been. It seemed like at least once a week the commanding officer received a request for approval of a marriage. He just smiled and knew there were two more soldiers that would be renewing their contracts when the time arrives. Yes, duty assignments in Alpha Zulu had risks but what was known for years: "LOVE CONQUERS ALL"!

 

Our older love birds, Luke & Daan, John and Melech seem to have adjusted well to the news shared by their mother. John and Melech are still planning on being married as soon as they graduate from Harvard with Luke and Daan questioning if they can last that long. Luke is planning on visiting Daan's home in Brussels over spring break and it won't surprise me if he asks permission for he and Daan to be married. (As if Daan's father isn't expecting the event... Dah... he may be old, but he is far from dead.) Daan's father is very open minded and all he wants is his children to be happy in life. Daan's older brother has rampant hormones so none of the family have any doubts as to the family heritage continuing. The only question that remains if the next generation will exist before or after Daan's brothers' wedding ceremony.

 

Both couples have talked extensively about children and Luke and John have assured their partner Mama Bear will find us a child to spoil and give a FOREVER HOME! It was no surprise to anyone in the Worthington Group or Alpha Zulu that Omoikane completed his master's degree at Harvard in only three years. Then onto MIT for a dual Doctorate. Besides his schoolwork that would have anyone else spending 20+ hours a day studying... Omoikane managed to keep Junior's ass well satisfied and helped dozens of soldiers and imps at the Castle with their Science and Math homework when they just couldn't understand the material. Omoikane would turn out to be a two legged walking computer in addition to a sex machine that kept Junior walking bowlegged most morning.

 

Ricardo and Rod tried not to comment on the bedroom antics of their son and his partner. The only problem Ricardo has is that Rod kept trying to keep up with Omoikane and Ricardo was doing the WALK OF SHAME far too many mornings.

 

It was difficult for Omoikane to have a true "college experience" with Ricardo escorting him to every class and social event accompanied by two armed bodyguards. It was all Junior could do some nights to convince Omoikane that his father's job was to protect the little imp and that he does it out of love and upon the direct order of POTUS. Junior begged Omoikane to accept his father because it was the only way he could cope with Omoikane facing the potential danger. Not only would kidnapping you put undue pressure upon your fathers to commit treason... but your loss would result in thousands of deaths of American Soldiers. Plus, I wouldn't want to live if anything happened to you. Now quit bitching about my father and take me to bed and destroy my ass. I might be standing through my lecture classes tomorrow, but I'll be thinking about you every minute of it.

 

When Junior arrived back at the Castle from his afternoon classes... Rod was waiting for Ricardo to return with Omoikane. As Junior and Rod sat casually talking Rod was intuitive enough to know Junior had a problem. "OK, out with it!" Omoikane is ready to break out of captivity and ditch Ricardo. The only thing that has prevented it so far is Omoikane being exhausted working over my ass every night. Frankly, that little imp is a two legged sex machine that I love as much as I love life. But frankly... I don't know how much more my ass can take without a break. I never thought I'd ever complain about TOO MUCH SEX, but I'm close to dropping out and moving back to Fort Connor. Rod held Junior and told him Ricardo and I had a similar problem when we started a sex life. He was in such pain some mornings he seriously thought of resigning his commission. What got us through was talking frankly about our sex lives and how our bodies were reaching their tolerance levels. Talk with Omoikane and make him aware that your body can't handle much more. I know he loves you and I do believe you'll find that little imp loves you more than he does the thought of escaping from Ricardo.

 

Right on que, Ricardo and Omoikane returned to the Castle from afternoon classes. Junior took Omoikane's hand and the two walked to their bedroom. Ricardo sat with Rod and quietly asked if Junior was having a problem. Rod smiled and simply commented nothing more than you and I did when we became lovers. We survived and I know they will.

 

A week later Ricardo was walking Omoikane between his morning classes and the pair were ambushed by two gunmen. Ricardo threw Omoikane to the ground and covered him with his body. Ricardo was struck repeatedly as their escort neutralized the gunman with a barrage of automatic Uzi fire killing them. As they rolled Ricardo off of Omoikane it was apparent he was seriously injured. Medical assistance arrived within minutes and Ricardo was immediately transported to the nearest trauma center. Rod, hearing of the injury to Ricardo, stayed at his post... notifying POTUS, Omoikane's fathers, Gloria and the Alpha Zulu Generals. Finally, his normal replacement arrived early hearing of the injury to Ricardo and told Rod to get his ass to the hospital and be with his partner.

 

As Rod arrived at the hospital it was all too apparent as to the importance of this patient. Boston SWAT were guarding the surgical suite and when the Chief of Surgery exited to inform Rod of the injuries Ricardo had received. He also commented he understood the significance of this Patient. It isn't normal for me to receive a call from the President of the United States telling me anything I needed to call the White House switchboard and I would have immediate access to him.

 

Ricardo had a number of "through and though" wounds but what was of importance is the bruising his heart had received. Yes, his bullet resistance material he was wearing saved him from many of the bullets entering his body, but the impacts had severely bruised his heart. The next few hours would be crucial, and we'll have our trauma team on standby just in case. None of us are leaving the hospital until Ricardo is out of the woods.

 

As Rod asked the duty Nurse for directions to the Chapel, he knelt in prayer to God to help his partner and that God's will be done. Rod barely notice a person joining him in prayer but as a hand touched his and they both continued in prayer he realized that Gloria Worthington was at his side. As the head of her security detail advised Ms. Worthington the Chief of Surgery wanted to talk with Rod. Advising Rod, Ricardo's heart had stopped and considering the injury he received it wasn't unexpected. Our trauma team has restarted his heart and we'll be on standby for however long it takes.

 

Gloria introduced herself and reinforced the comment made by POTUS. Whatever assistance was needed the individual or equipment would be on a military jet with priority military clearance to Boston. "Don't be conservative, be PROACTIVE!"

 

The Doctor turned to Gloria and only commented the hospital is getting dangerously low on Ricardo's blood type. Anything you can do to find us some additional blood would be greatly appreciated. Within the hour a line of service men and women were lining up at the hospital to donate blood. Yes, the request may have come from their Commander in Chief, but it is a willing gift they would share with any "brother" in need. They all realized it could just as well be them next time.

 

As Gloria was repeatedly thanked for the influx of Blood, they confirmed it could easily make the difference in Ricardo surviving. Ricardo was growing stronger by the hour and Gloria was making certain that Junior was getting regular updates and had additional guards posted so he wouldn't try a breakout and head to the hospital.

 

To say Omoikane was traumatized would be an understatement. It is one thing to talk about protecting his life it is totally different when two men are trying to kill him. Tokugawa and Akihiko walked in unexpectedly and wrapping their arms around the two imps they loved. The minute POTUS heard Mama Bear had Tokugawa and Akihiko aboard Worthington Actual he was livid. In immediate contact with the Alpha Zulu Generals, he ordered Alpha Zulu to assume protection of the individuals involved and to be in the air headed to Boston within the hour.

 

As General Walsh wasn't yet strong enough to lead a security detail, General Berrill took the leadership role and privately admitted to the Command Master Sergeant to let him know if he was doing something wrong or if something else needed to be done. General Walsh was the tactical expert, my expertise is administration.

 

To say the hospital administration and the nursing teams were happy when 100 armed Alpha Zulu soldiers invaded their hospital and started dictating security measures would be the furthest thing from the truth. They were simply advised Alpha Zulu was there under direct orders of the President with authorization to use lethal force. Don't force us to prove our commitment to protect our injured brother-in-arms.

 

Ricardo ended up having to return to surgery twice again to control internal bleeding. Finally, five days after the injury the surgical team felt confident to change Ricardo's status to STABLE and advise everyone concerned without further complications he should make a full recovery. As Doc had been following every minute of the medical and hospital procedures he advised POTUS in confidence the emergency is over now Ricardo has to face a painful rehab.

 

Omoikane and Junior asked and were granted a semester leave from Harvard. Accompanying Ricardo to Fort Connor they candidly advised their father to remember: DOC RULES AND HE HAS 400+ SOLDIERS TO INFORCE HIS RULES! Besides, Rod whispered into his ear... the faster you rehab the faster you can enjoy this black python between my legs. (Talk about a motivated patient to participate in rehab.) Doc asked Rod what his secret was for motivating Ricardo? Rod only smiled at Doc and commented he didn't really want to know.

 

Our Cardinal Chaplain had a major task ahead counseling Omoikane that it wasn't his fault Ricardo had been shot. Ricardo had volunteered to protect the little imp and every man at Fort Connor was a volunteer and committed to protecting every imp on base. This is something we freely commit to with the believe the life of every imp is precious.

 

Ricardo had mix emotions when the day arrived Doc informed him he had to walk to the Mess Hall at least one meal a day. Rod was right there at his side as was Omoikane and Junior. All the men of Alpha Zulu applauded Rod as he entered and the mess line "broke" allowing all the family access to the food. By the time Ricardo returned to Medical after the meal he was exhausted. He didn't realize how much strength he lost during his hospital stay and now his recovery. Doc assured him he would make a complete recovery but take it at Doc's pace. I know you want to get back to normal but none of us want you to injure yourself further during the process.

 

We all were in conspiratorial mode as Rod wheeled Ricardo from Medical for a formal retreat requested by the men of Alpha Zulu. As the Generals ordered Colonel Ricardo Mendez FRONT AND CENTER! Rod wheeled him forward accompanied by Omoikane and Junior. On behalf of the President of the United States, the Secretary of Defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff it is my privilege to present you with the Purple Heart and the Silver Star for your act of heroism. Little did anyone know if it hadn't been for his injury POTUS was gnawing at the bit to present him with the Medal of Honor for his act of heroism in the classified op which proceeded him accepting his posting to Alpha Zulu.

 

The question that remained in the minds of everyone was who wanted to abduct or kill Omoikane? This was a question POTUS wanted answered YESTERDAY! Military Intelligence, Worthington Intelligence, and the complete assortment of alphabet soup agencies in Washington were advised this was their top priorities and to work cooperatively or face a 1 on 1 with POTUS in the Oval Office which would be a career ending event for someone.

 

When a week later the consortium of intelligence agencies met with POTUS and advised they were unable to verify the source of the information, but it appears North Korea is again trying to either steal or incapacitate our Military Brain Trust. POTUS authorized Worthington Security to double the security detail on Tokugawa and Akihiko and for SecDef to bury the cost in his black budget. Omoikane needed to return to Harvard to finish his degree and then take an accelerated program at MIT to complete his doctorate. After graduation, POTUS, Gloria and his fathers met with the couple and gave them a choice... they could either live with their parents in their secure residence or reside with Gloria in her secure Penthouse. We regret to inform you there is no way either of you will ever live a normal life, but we'll try to make it as obtrusive as possible.

 

The Worthington Architects were already at work demolishing the walls between Omoikane's room and one of the homes guest bedrooms so it would provide a place for the young love birds to call their own. Once in residence with their fathers, Ricardo would still oversee the protection detail for Omoikane and coordinate the protection details of Worthington Security and Alpha Zulu.

 

We knew we would only get the cooperation of Omoikane when Doc finally gave Ricardo a full release from Medical and Omoikane jumped into his arms and smothered him with hugs and kisses. "You are my hero... I'll never question anything you want again." The fathers silently hoped Omoikane could live up to that statement but only time and more attempts on this young man and the future of Worthington Industries would determine the outcome.

 

It was a mass conspiracy of everyone at Fort Connor to honor a deserving member of their tight knit family. Gloria as part of the conspiracy invited Ricardo and Rod to join her on a trip to Fort Connor to honor the Generals (well, a little white lie)... full dress uniforms and be prepared to leave at 1400 hours tomorrow. Ricardo was welcomed back by the men of Alpha Zulu as Omoikane and Junior proceeded to the Rec Arcade to see what new electronic challenges had been added. Gloria quietly asked when the balance of the conspirators would be arriving. ETA for Air Force One was 1700 hours so we have time to relax if you would join us Generals in our private quarters.

 

Ricardo and Rod were enjoying themselves visiting with old friend and it would take an ALERT to drag the imps away from their electronic battles. Finally, OPS announced "Air Force One on final approach, requesting permission to land". General Berrill authorized the landing and the Generals and Gloria adjourned to the landing strip to welcome our dignitaries.

 

POTUS was really in Presidential Mode... accompanying POTUS was his partner and Vice-President, the Secretary of Defense, the Joint Chiefs of Staff and not to be left out the Commanding General of United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM).

 

The flagpoles of Fort Connor were ablaze with the flags representing the guests. An early retreat was planned at the request of POTUS and his demanding schedule. As all of Alpha Zulu and its guests assembled... General Berrill issued the command: "Colonel Ricardo Mendez FRONT AND CENTER!" Recovering from the shock, Ricardo only wondered what was happening.

 

As General Berrill turned the ceremony over to POTUS... POTUS was in one of his rare congenial moods... This is one of the greatest parts of being President of the United States... Honoring our brave men and women who serve our country and exceed beyond all expectations. Colonel, after a long and exhaustive review, on the recommendation of the Secretary of Defense, the Joint Chiefs and your Commanding General of USSOCOM... Congress has awarded you the Medal of Honor. Ricardo was beyond shock... even he had no recollection of any event that would make him worthy of such a high honor. POTUS continued: As the events of your action are "code word classified" no proper certificate can be presented until this action has been declassified. The certificate you will receive today in no way reflects the heroic action you performed. Needless to say, the lives of your complete team were saved by your conduct.

 

As POTUS draped the Medal of Honor around the neck of Ricardo the Officers snapped to attention in recognition of the honor given to their good friend. The greatest honor was when Rod wrapped his arms around the man he loved and kissed him in front of all the guests present. Even POTUS commented he couldn't compete with that. (Rod quietly whispered in Ricardo's ear Doc has given you a full medical release and tonight I will honor the brave man I call my lover and partner.) Fortunately, outside with a gentle wind blowing it was difficult to smell the cum Ricardo deposited in his boxers at Rods comment.

 

As the aroma of the Mess Hall summoned all present... retreat was completed, and Ricardo and his family were escorted by POTUS and the dignitaries to enjoy a delicious Prime Rib of Buffalo the specialty of Fort Connor.

 

After the meal was completed and POTUS beat everyone to grab a large corner section of the cake prepared by the mess staff... (POTUS never realized how fortunate he was not to be facing a snarling Wolf War Dog who wanted their fair share of cake.) As everyone was enjoying cake and ice cream POTUS rose to make one last announcement.

 

Colonel Ricardo Mendez... would you please join me FRONT AND CENTER! Now that I no longer have to fight the aroma of the Fort Connor Mess Hall... if your family would like to join you the Secretary of Defense and the Joint Chiefs have one last honor to bestow upon such a deserving member of the United States Army.

 

By act of Congress (in closed door session) Colonel Ricardo Mendez is hereby promoted to the rank of Brigadier (One Star) General. General Mendez are you prepared to take your Oath of Commission. (The words barely registered in his brain until his partner nudged him and he meekly squeaked the word YES. (Which had the men of Alpha Zulu snickering.)

 

As the imps held the family bible, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff administered the commissioning oath:

 

"I Brigadier General Ricardo Mendez, 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."

 

Ricardo kissed the family bible and gave a snappy salute to POTUS and the Officers Present as his partner swapped his Silver Eagles for the Silver Star of a Brigadier General. The men of Alpha Zulu erupted in praise for this great man and it seemed to take forever for the Command Master Sergeant to issue the order: "AS YOU WERE"!

 

As Ricardo turned to Rod and commented this day just can't get any better... Rod only smiled and commented it depends upon if you can get out of bed in the morning.

 

POTUS begged the forgiveness of the Generals as he and his guest had to return to the battles of Washington. His last order he gave before leaving was to General Mendez advising him he was assigned to Fort Connor for the next two weeks to enjoy quality time with his family and extended family.

 

The memoires of General Mendez doesn't state his physical condition the next morning other than the comment the General was smiling from ear to ear when he left his billet for Flag Raising. Tokugawa and Akihiko returned to Worthington Industries with Mama Bear on Worthington Actual after enjoying a delicious breakfast in the Fort Connor mess. Omoikane and Junior had to smile and make some less than age-appropriate comments, when Ricardo and Rod finally emerged from their bedroom after spending the following two days renewing the love they shared.

 

As Doc was grumbling at the morning staff meeting about being overworked all day and all night because of our resident lovebirds and the mood they were setting for the rest of the men... the Generals only commented love was alive and well at Fort Connor. Just consider it "Job Security"!