ALPHA ZULU 69 MEMOIRES
Chapter 238 – A Grateful Nation Thanks You
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This story is an original work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. This is a free electronic story. No part of this electronic story may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from the author. If you are not of legal age in your location to view and read adult material, please close out of this story and delete any material you have downloaded or copied to your computer.
PRIMARY CHARACTERS:
Aaron Munro – Ward of Shawn Walsh and Roberrt Berrill
Aiden Walsh-Johnston – Adopted son of Shawn Walsh and Stephen Johnston
Akihiko Ito – Lover and future partner of Tokugawa Kinugasa
Bhanubhakta Gurung – AKA "BG" Gurkha on assignment to Fort Connor by the British Ministry of Defense
Billy Landry-Mendez – Adopted son of Ricardo Mendez and Rod Landry
Caleb King – Partner and lover of Thomas Worthington
Daiki – Crown Prince and Heir to the Chrysanthemum Throne
Enos Worthington – Adopted son of Gloria Worthington and biological cousin of Caleb Worthington
Gloria Angelus Worthington – Biological daughter of John Worthington III
Hikaru Jansson-Winter Masamune Yasumori - Son of Hito Janson-Winter Masamune and Jimmy Yasumori
Johann Emmanuel - Adopted son of Cardinal Dominic
John Michael Worthington – Biological Son of Gloria Angelus Worthington
John Landry-Mendez – Adopted son of Ricardo Mendez and Rod Landry
Kichōna Mono Hashimoto – Grandson of the head of the Japanese Yakuza
Luke Michael Worthington – Biological Son of Gloria Angelus Worthington
Melech Leib – Adopted son of Uri Leib and younger brother of Michael Leib
Omoikane Kinugasa Ito – Adopted son of Tokugawa Kinugasa and Akihiko Ito
Omoikane Ryujin Hashimoto – Partner and lover of Tony Worthington
Ricardo Mendez – Six Star General, U.S. Army – Alpha Zulu Administration
Ricardo Mendez, Jr. (Junior) – Son of Colonel Ricardo Mendez
Rod Landry – Six Star General, U.S. Army – Alpha Zulu Tatical
Richard Rod Landry-Mendez – Adopted son of Ricardo Mendez and Rod Landry
Robert Berrill – Six Star General – (Commanding General of Alpha Zulu – Administration)
Shawn Walsh – Six Star General – (Commanding General of Alpha Zulu – Tactical)
Soshi Sato – Captain, Imperial Japanese Marines & Protector of Tokugawa Akihiko Kinugasa Ito
Stephen Johnston – 5 Star General – Medical Director of Alpha Zulu
Theodore Bradford III "Ted" - Son of the US Ambassador to the United Nations
Tokugawa Akihiko Kinugasa Ito – aka TAKI - Adopted son of Omoikane Kinugasa Ito and Ricardo Mendez Jr.
Tokugawa Yoshimune Meat-Goodman Kinugasa - Colonel – U.S. Army – Head of Worthington R&D
"Angus" (Name Classified) - (Son of a domestic terrorist in protective custody at Fort Connor)
"Biff" Jones (Name Classified) - (Son of POTUS and guest in residence at Fort Connor)
"George" (Name Classified) - (Senior head of the Worthington Brain Trust and Top Scientist in residence)
"Tod" (Name Classified) - (Teenage son of George and protectee of Alpha Zulu)
"PJ" (Name Classified) - (Teenage son of POTUS and protectee of Alpha Zulu)
Enos didn't like being kept in the dark about the goings on in his life. Mama Bear's lips were sealed and Luke and John knew better than even to hint at what was about to happen. Eventually, Enos accepted his fate and it couldn't be any worse than what he experienced in Tokyo.
When the Generals arrived dressed in their gold laden Ambassador Uniforms... Enos started to get apprehensive about the evening event. Enos's new "clothes" arrived precisely on time and the Generals offered to help Enos get into his "evening wear" ... it can be quite challenging till you get the knack of it.
By the time the Generals finished dressing Enos he was quite the little "stud". Arriving at the White House this was definitely a formal Ambassadorial function. POTUS was the ringmaster and he planned on getting a great return on every dollar spent this evening.
As the guests mulled around Enos wanting a photo op, Enos was ready to make a break and go AWOL so he could head back to the Penthouse. POTUS being proactive and considering this possibility had us Generals on "Enos Duty" all night to make certain he was in the right place at the right time and didn't accidentally offend anyone.
Enos received unending invitations from Ambassadors saying their son hopes he will accept an invitation to visit their country as he has available time. Enos was quickly learning how to be non-committal. Thanking every guest who extended an invitation he qualified his remarks stating he had a heavy load of schoolwork and it would depend upon how the school year progressed.
POTUS had advised both of us Generals if Enos gets an invitation from the Russian or Chinese Ambassador to visit their country... kick the little nerd in the ass if he even considers saying anything other than an enthusiastic "YES! It would be my honor."
As the Marine Band sounded off with the Presidential Flourishes and then Hail to the Chief it was time for the "Circus" to begin.
POTUS to the rostrum and we stood at attention and saluted as the Marine Band played the National Anthem. Then we waited for what we hoped was a few brief remarks...
"We are here tonight to recognize an accomplishment never accomplished before in the history of our great nation. (Enos had a death grip on both of our hands!) Enos Worthington even at his young age has opened closed doors and conquered entrenched barriers which have existed in our diplomatic circle for years. As you can visually see from all the awards present by various countries and even the Holy See... the admiration and praise I have for this young man is shared by many others.
Enos accomplished more and opened more door than any President (Past or Present) has done on any diplomatic trip.
There are many perks to being President of the United States of America. Second only to presenting the Medal of Honor is tonight representing the thanks of a grateful nation. If our Generals of the Armies of the United States will escort Enos to join me "Front and Center" it is my privilege on behalf of the Congress of the United States to present Enos Worthington with a specially minted Congressional Gold Medal.
The applause was unending and if we hadn't had both of Enos's hands tightly clasp there is little doubt he would have made a mad dash for an exit. As POTUS draped a beautiful Red, White and Blue neck sash over Enos's head (Similar in design to the Medal of Honor ribbon) ... POTUS described the solid gold coin. One side had the Great Seal of the United States and around the edge were the words "Presented by the Congress of the United States of America". The reverse side had an emblazoned "W" logo of the Worthingtons and around the edge was the name "Enos Worthington" and today's date.
"I am also proud to announce Enos Worthington will formally be receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom at the next presentation."
As the media and press present went into a feeding frenzy, POTUS was the first to have a Photo Op with the guest of the evening. Enos was just function in auto mode. I doubt if he even realized what was happening. Finally, there was a break which allowed Rod, Enos and I to head toward the Worthington Limousine. Mama Bear was ready to leave and we made a quick exit.
The minute we entered the Penthouse Enos started stripping off his uniform until we saw his tight little sexy bum enter his bedroom for the night. As Rod and I functioned as butlers for the rest of the evening, Mama Bear thanked us and assured us she would have a long chat with her son in the morning about hanging up his clothes.
Enos never stirred until the smell of brunch wafted through the Penthouse. Then a scantily dressed Enos emerged complaining bitterly all the time we were trying to enjoy our food. "That damn uniform with all my awards weighs more than I do! IT HAS TO GO!!!" Rod and I tried to explain to Enos it was a necessary evil which none of us enjoy wearing. Unless you are ready to say NO to POTUS and to your country... consider all the freedoms you enjoy and that includes the freedom to complain." "We all serve at the pleasure of POTUS and usually in SILENCE!"
Mama Bear followed up our comments advising her son if he didn't clean up his language he would find how big of a paw she had when it was applied to his bare bum. (Enos immediately apologized and asked to be forgiven.) Wearing his Ambassador's Uniform was bad enough but not as bad as sleeping on his stomach for a week.
Enos now realized he had leverage to use to seal the deal with Mama Bear. "Seeing how our world junket seems to have impressed everyone well beyond their expectations... Now will you let me relocate to Fort Connor?"
Mama Bear knew she couldn't refuse Enos... She would approve his relocation to Fort Connor with the start of the fall school year. But, before you young man start planning a trip to Moscow or Beijing... I want to take part in planning the trip(s) or you'll be grounded until you graduate from grad school. AGREED? (Enos knew it was the best deal he could get out of Mama Bear [Actually the only deal available] and accepted the terms offered and unconditional surrender.)
POTUS asked his Vice-President (Partner) to join him in their private quarters as he broke out the 100 year old brandy. "What is the occasion? That stuff isn't cheap!"
"The Secretary of State just called me and informed me that both Russia and China have invited Enos for a formal visit and reside as a guest of their ambassador and his family."
"Make mine a double."
Mama Bear knew she was losing the battle when an armed courier arrived from the State Department with two letters for Enos. One from the Russian Embassy and one from the Chinese Embassy. (The writing was on the wall. Enos would be taking another 1 or 2 diplomatic junkets.) Mama Bear ask Rod and me to join her in her study. Showing us the two letters which still remained unopened... we all knew what they contained.
"Generals, we need a dedicated protector for my son before someone gets lucky and kills him." "I need your help and expertise!" "PLEASE?"
Rod and I both knew we couldn't tap the resource of the Japanese Special Forces AGAIN so soon after Hikaru and the Emperor helped us out. Then the offer of the new director of Mossad came to mind. Israel and the Worthingtons have a long and positive history. I doubted if they would refuse Mama Bear anything.
I asked for a week to see what our HR Dream Team could find within the United State Military. If we can keep this "in house" it will be best for everyone. Little did we know how proactive our Dream Team was and commented to us they were just waiting for our request before we cut their TDA (Temporary Duty Assignment) order and have them transported to Washington.
We should be able to have the top five individuals ready for your evaluation by Monday of next week. If we select one of the five to be the Protector for Enos we can always use the Mossad selection for Ted as he enters Harvard and they are forced to deal with the Trilogy of Terror.
As the Worthington Family gathered at their family dinner that evening... Mama Bear admitted her reluctance and apologized for not giving this information to Enos earlier in the day. Handing Enos the two letters from the State Department we all knew what they contained. Luke and John urged Enos to open his letters. The look on Enos's face was priceless reading the invitations from Russia and China.
I broke the ice making the comment: "It looks like the new Ambassador is going to need and aide-de-camp! Enos looked at me and commented: "What are you talking about?" I smiled at Enos and told him someone that was his "second skin" and helped him out with everything. Mama Bear was smiling knowing selling Enos on an assistant was less traumatic than selling him on a protector.
When Omoikane heard the news about Enos and his junkets to Moscow and Beijing he asked Mama Bear if she would make a trip to his lab... he had something he wanted to show off and potentially a gift for our new Ambassador.
Omoikane had tweaked Mama Bears interest and asked Luke to join her as they proceeded to the R&D building. A smiling Omoikane warmly greeted Mama Bear and smiled at his new boss. "This is something I've been developing on my own time. It does have military applications but I doubt if the `brass' are ready for anything this advanced yet."
Omoikane produced a plain metal tube with a push button switch on the end. Pushing the button, a glowing beam of light projected from the opposite end. A smiling Omoikane proceeded to slice through metal objects of varying densities as a demonstration of his new "Laser Light Saber". This might just impress Russia and China during our new Ambassador next junkets.
Luke and Mama Bear were seeing millions of dollars in R&D from the Pentagon to develop this as a weapon for our military. If Russia and China were impressed enough the Pentagon would be begging Worthington Industries to let them fund the R&D.
A smiling Mama Bear asked Omoikane if he can take out the guts of the device so she can have her Jeweler gem encrust the exterior. If we are going to impress... then we damn well will IMPRESS! Add a belt attachment so we can have it covered with gems also.
Omoikane asked for a week to finish tweaking the saber. He wanted to add a DNA switch so no one else can use it. The little imp would make certain the circuit boards would be destroyed after three failed attempts to activate the device.
Luke seeing a major profit sharing bonus if the Pentagon buys into funding the R&D for this saber advised Omoikane this just became his ONLY project and get a duplicate case with whatever external switches and sensors needed so the jeweler can work around the controls. Hand deliver the case to me before I leave tonight. If we pull this off Worthington Industries will send you and Junior on the most romantic junket I can find.
As Luke brought the protype housing home with him that evening... Mama Bear was smiling commenting you sure know how to motivate that little imp. We could fund all of our R&D for the next ten years off of the profit from the contracts Enos has already generated.
Enos would be spending the first part of his summer break learning the basics of Escrima/Arnis/Kali (Stick Fighting). Mama Bear told her inquisitive son: "Ask no questions and I'll tell you no lies" ... "Trust me and do this for me, please."
Mama Bear's Jeweler wasn't smiling after her visit. Another RUSH order which he would gladly provide the service and only smile on his way to the bank. She left the selection of gems up to her jeweler but they all had to be of the highest quality. Her only request is the Worthington "W" appear boldly in deep yellow sapphires. He would have the artwork to her by end of business tomorrow and once you select the design he can advise a delivery date.
Enos was getting super inquisitive why he was learning and practicing all this "stick fighting". Yes, he trusted Luke and Mama Bear but the practice was damn exhausting. (At least he won't be out of shape when he moves to Fort Connor in the fall.)
Luke invited us Generals to join him in interviewing the candidates to be the Protector for Enos. In reviewing their files our HR Dream Team had really selected great candidates. Five highly qualified special forces soldiers with a vast amount of field experience. Even with much of their personal file redacted, the awards they had received spoke to the ability and competence of the individual. Just completion of the Army Special Forces Selection and Assessment course eliminates the majority of applicants. We three only hoped one of these men can step forward and accept a change to a "mundane" assignment.
Luke wasn't shy about asking each candidate up front in their individual interview their sexual preference. When challenged, Luke emphatically stated the candidate had no right to personal information... "This is my brothers' life we are talking about"! (Enos would be so proud of Luke... Enos truly was a member of the Worthington family!)
Two of the candidates refused to answer sensitive personal questions and recused themselves. They were immediately transported back to their unit with no comment on their personnel file. The three that remained had no problem admitting they were gay and none of the three had anyone of significance in their life. One of the men quipped: "My right hand doesn't get jealous" which even made Luke laugh.
It was a difficult decision as all three of the men who remained were equally qualified. The youngest of the three greatly impressed Luke and us Generals and we felt he might be able to better relate to Enos being closer in age.
We sent our 2nd and 3rd choices back to the Marriott as we grilled the young man who we hoped would accept our offer. We wouldn't eliminate the other two until Mama Bear and POTUS had approved of our 1st choice.
As we sat talking informally over coffee in Luke's huge office, he candidly asked if our primary candidate had read about his brother Enos being in the news lately. HELL YES!!! The little guy came out of nowhere to be the star of the political scene. About every country in the world has heaped praises and awards upon him.
We are asking you to consider being more than his Protector but also function as his aide-de-camp and just a friend to a growing teenager with rampant hormonal swings. You aren't so old you can't remember what it was like during your teenage years. Horny 24/7! (Who says that stops after one's teenage years! Oh, did Luke laugh at that comment.)
We are sending you back to the Marriott, take a long hot shower, relax and unwind. You are invited to dinner with our family tonight at 2000 hours in the Penthouse one floor above where you are staying. Security will be advised of your invitation.
Yes, you will be evaluated not as you have these past few days but just how you interact with Enos and how you impress Mama Bear. Neither of which are pushovers.
Our candidate looked mighty impressive in his dress Army uniform. (Our friendly tailor will have wet dreams for a month after he fits his new uniforms.) Enos was all over our guest challenging him to battle in his electronic game room. (Enos found out he wasn't as good as he thought he was... Enos won by the slimmest margin of his life.)
Mama Bear didn't have to do an interview of our candidate as Enos was constantly asking questions about his life, his family, what he did in the Army, and fortunately didn't ask why he was in Washington. As we sat as a family after dinner, Enos got the treat of ice cold Coke-Cola as we adults enjoyed 20 year old single malt scotch whiskey. It was a nice evening of family bantering and remarkably Mama Bear was unusually silent.
Finally, Enos asked to be excused. He had a full day and had a full morning of learning stick fighting tomorrow. Our candidate without hesitation told Enos to go take a shower and he would be in to tuck him in and kiss him goodnight.
As Enos scampered off to prepare for bed our candidate rose and asked to be excused. He had overstepped his bounds. His comment was most inappropriate but it is what I did for my little brother while he was alive.
Mama Bear rose and took the hand of the man commenting he had made a commitment to her son and she expected it to be fulfilled. When you come back we'll sit down as a family and discuss your future. Mama Bear approved of our selection.
We spent the next few hours talking above everything but the one discussion that was the most important was that Enos loved being around the man we selected. Mama Bear was wise enough to know they two would bond quickly and Enos would do what was asked of him out of respect.
When Mama Bear rose to say goodnight to our guest she also warned him to get a good night of sleep. The next time your smartphone goes off it will be to tell you when you will have your "stamp of approval" meeting with POTUS. POTUS was a former Commanding General of Alpha Zulu so don't expect an enjoyable experience and no subject is off limits.
"Sleep well and I'll say a prayer for you. You might want to say a prayer to Saint Roger tonight to help you as you face the next few days."
Our candidate had a restless night of sleep and as his body clock informed him it was 0500 hours he rose to start a new day. After cleaning up, he put on workout gear and hit the gym to take out his stress on every workout machine available. He then jumped into the pool and swam 200 laps before drying off and heading back to his room.
He barely made it to his room before his smart phone went off advising him brunch was being served in the Penthouse at 1000 hours and he and Mama Bear would leave for the White House afterwards. POTUS would work us into his schedule... he considers your appointment a priority item.
After spending the next hour polishing his shoes... (some things are ingrained into the mind of a soldier) he slipped into his dress uniform and prepared to meet his destiny. A one on one with the President of the United States is a terrifying event in the mind of anyone in the military.
After an enjoyable brunch, Enos was off to his stick fighting class and it was now time to head to the White House. Mama Bear walked our candidate to the Oval Office and advised his secretary POTUS was expecting them.
Within minutes a stressed out soldier was face to face with his Commander in Chief. Gloria excused herself saying she wanted to see how Enos was doing with his stick fighting. POTUS only smiled and wondered what devious motive Gloria had in Enos learning stick fighting.
As coffee was served the two men started to relax and have a normal conversation. POTUS commented to relax, he was just a normal man. "To the contrary sir... You are a six star general and former commanding general of Alpha Zulu and currently President of the United States. Normal is not a word to describe you. Right now, a better word might be TERRIFYING!" (POTUS doubled up in laughter!)
The ice was broken and the two men spent nearly two hours candidly talking about the past, present and future and especially the necessity to protect Enos even from himself. The final question was all important as POTUS asked: "Would you take a bullet for that imp"? Without hesitation and in a commanding voice the answer was YES!
Gloria was waiting as he exited the Oval Office. "I see you survived?" "BARELY!" I hope the limousine has a well-stocked bar. Gloria laughed and commented "Sorry, you'll have to wait till we get back to the Marriott".
Asking the driver to take a detour going back to the Penthouse... I'd like to show our guest Worthington R&D. Worthington security wasn't happy about letting a "stranger" into the R&D labs without a background check. Even with Mama Bear vouching for him it took Tokugawa interceding for the man to gain access.
Thanking Tokugawa, our new addition bowed in gratitude for the assistance. Omoikane was exuberant over all the tweaking he had done to their new project. Finally, Gloria was able to calm down the "mad scientist" and asked if he could demonstrate their newest project.
Omoikane was so proud as he flipped the switch and a glowing beam of light extended from the metal rod. Omoikane proceeded to start cutting through every form of defensive material in the military arsenal. The one downside of this item is it will go through our ballistic resistant clothing like a knife through hot butter. Possibly, the only substance it won't cut through is titanium. Asking Omoikane if he would have the prototype done on schedule... the smiling imp said for a romantic get-a-way with Junior he would make certain it was done on schedule.
As Mama Bear returned to the limousine it was off to pick up Enos from his stick fighting class. "Now you know why I have Enos taking stick fighting lessons." We Worthingtons are noted for presenting jeweled sabers to deserving individuals. The final prototype will be incased in a jeweled hilt and designed to impress individuals of both the United States and Worthington Technology. Right now, neither the Pentagon nor POTUS knows of the existence of this prototype. It was a momentary flight of fancy that turned into a next generation weapon for our military. It might even help to make Enos enjoy wearing his ambassador's uniform.
This project is top secret even from Enos till we finish the prototype. I want to impress the Joint Chiefs, SecDef and POTUS with Enos doing the demonstration.
As Enos and his security joined us in the Limousine, Mama Bear announced she had a surprise for him. POTUS just approved you having an Aide-de-camp.
"Remind me, what is an Aide-de-camp Mama Bear?"
Asked how he felt about our new friend becoming his Aide-de-camp... someone who would be with him most of the day, his aide, his assistant, his butler, his protector but most importantly your friend.
Enos smiled at Mama Bear and told her to order up a big bowl of vanilla ice cream and mega hot fudge topping and we can negotiate terms.
Enos then jumped into the arms of his new protector and hugged him like he had never hugged anyone before. You know my name is Enos... what do you want me to call you?
My name is Jon but I hope you'll call me your friend.
TO BE CONTINUED...
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