ALPHA ZULU 69 MEMOIRES

 

Chapter 083 – The Moment of Truth

 

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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:

 

*Adam Mann: Four Star General, U.S. Army – Alpha Zulu 69

Aiden McIntyre-Worthington: Son of Liam McIntyre and Adopted son of Luke Worthington

Alex Meat-Goodman: Adopted Son of Doug Meat and Steven Goodman

Alexander Malinois: Master Sergeant, U.S. Army – Alpha Zulu 69 War Dog

Andrew & Jeremy Allen: Adopted sons of Mason Allen and Jason Vance

*Anthony Caruso: Four Star General, U.S. Army (Base Commander of Fort Connor)

Ariel "Ari" Rebel: Captain, Israel Defense Force (Mossad Kidon)

Beauty Malinois: Master Sergeant, U.S. Army – Alpha Zulu 69 War Dog

Billy Bob Vance: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army – Alpha Zulu 69 War Dog Handler

Bob Jones: Four Star General, U.S. Army (Base Commander Fort Connor)

Caleb Afolabi: Major General (2 Star), U.S. Army – Fort Connor Adjutant

Connor Best-Mann: Adopted son of Randy Best and Adam Mann

*Connor Williams: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army – Alpha Zulu 69 (Deceased lover of Doug Meat)

Danny Henry: Four Star Brigadier U.S. Army (Base Commander Fort Connor)

Dillion Dwight: Colonel, U.S. Army – Medical Director of Fort Connor

*Doug Meat: Six Star General of the Armies U.S. Army – Alpha Zulu 69

Duke Stone III: General (4 Star), U.S. Army – Protector of Dale Gordon Longdick-Allman

Frazer Sullivan: One Star Brigadier General, U.S. Army (Human Resources for Fort Connor Alpha Zulu 69)

*Gloria Worthington: aka "Mama Bear" Board Chair of Worthington Industries (a major multi-national defense contractor)

Gerald Isaac: Captain, U.S. Army – Security for Tommy Longdick-Allman

Hank Henry-Jones: Adopted Son of Bob Jones & Danny Henry

Hayao Kinugasa, Captain: U.S. Army (Aide to General Meat and General Goodman)

Jacob, David & Uri Leib: Wards of Luke & John Worthington (Israeli Nationals)

Jamie Bob Vance: Love of Aiden McIntyre

Jamison Miller: One Star Brigadier General, U.S. Army (Human Resources for Worthington Executive Security)

Jason Allman: Four Star General, U.S. Army – Base Commander of Fort Connor

Jason Bob Vance: (Brother of Billy Bob Vance and partner of Mason Allen)

*Jax Arthur King: Colonel, U.S. Army - Security for Shawn Longdick-Allman

John Worthington: COO R&D of Worthington Industries

Juaquin "Jay" de Vázquez: Son of Manual de Vázquez

Juan Martinez: Major, U.S. Army – Security for Mario Garcia

Lars Alison: Major General (2 Star), U.S. Army – Deputy Base Command, Fort Connor

*Liam McIntyre: CFO Worthington Industries & Partner of Luke Worthington

Logan Worthington: Biological Son of Luke Worthington

Luke Worthington: CEO of Worthington Industries

*Magnus Savage: Colonel, U.S. Army – Alpha Zulu 69 Medical Trauma Surgon

Mark Roberts: Captain, U.S. Army – Security for Bobby Longdick-Allman

Manuel de Vázquez: Physicist/Engineer - Worthington Industries

Mario "Mani" Garcia: Son of the President of Mexico

*Mason Allen: Six Star General of the Armies, U.S. Army – Alpha Zulu 69

Matt Longdick: Four Star General, U.S. Army – Base Commander of Fort Connor

Maximillian (Max) Malinois: Master Sergeant, U.S. Army – Alpha Zulu 69 War Dog

Noah Meat-Goodman: Adopted Son of Doug Meat and Steven Goodman

Oliver Winter: Colonel, U.S. Army – Adjutant for Generals LongDick and Allman

*Randy Adam "RA" Worthington: Adopted son of Connor Best-Mann & John Worthington

*Randy Best: Four Star General, U.S. Army – Alpha Zulu 69

Randy Johnson: Captain, U.S. Army – Security for Shawn LongDick-Allman

*Robert Allen Gregory, Four Star General, U.S. Army – Alpha Zulu 69

*Robert Manning, Captain: U.S. Army (Aide to General Meat and General Goodman)

*Robert Masters: Major General, U.S. Army Alpha Zulu Security

Rod Jackson: Lieutentant General (3 Star), U.S. Army – Base Commander of Fort Connor

Rod LittleFeather: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army – Alpha Zulu 69 War Dog Handler

Roger DeSoto: Major, U.S. Army – Security for Mario Garcia

Steven Douglas Worthington: (aka S.D.) (Adopted sons of Robert Allen Gregory and R.A. Worthington)

*Steven Goodman: Six Star General of the Armies, U.S. Army – Alpha Zulu 69

Taylor and Tyler Worthington: (aka T&T) (Adopted sons of Logan Worthington and Alex Meat-Goodman)

Viktor Jannson: Colonel, U.S. Army – Adjutant for Generals LongDick and Allman

Yuuto Meat-Goodman Kinugasa: Adopted Son of Noah Meat-Goodman and Hayao Kinugasa

 

"Angus" (Name Classified): (Son of a domestic terrorist in protective custody at Fort Connor)

"Biff" Jones (Name Classified): (Son of POTUS and guest in residence at Fort Connor)

 

*=Gone but not forgotten

 

As we relaxed in the comfort of their living quarters Dale took the lead and addressed Viktor and Oliver. To continue the discussion we started prior to your arriving at Fort Connor. Are you planning on continuing in the role of adjutants for my fathers. (Man, were Matt and I shocked! They had a discussion six months ago?) Viktor and Oliver were steadfast and secure answering if his fathers would have them they wanted to stay part of the Alpha Zulu family and work with his fathers.

 

Then Dale turned to us and asked if we wanted to keep Viktor and Oliver as our adjutants. Matt and I looked at each other and in one voice firmly admitted we couldn't find better men in the United States Military. OK, time for Viktor to resign his commission in the Marines and for his fathers to administer his commissioning oath as a Colonel in the United States Army. Just email SecDef with his resignation and the balance of the paperwork was automatically done. Within minutes Viktor was a Colonel in the United States Army and a proud permanent member of Alpha Zulu 69.

 

Duke hit us with the next shock of the evening when he commented to Viktor and Oliver stating: "It is obvious to all around you that you two are in love. When are you going to make each other honest men and become partners for life?" Viktor fell to his knees, took Oliver's hand and begged him to become his partner in this life and for eternity. As the tears streamed down Oliver's face he held Viktor's face in his hands and kissed him passionately. The YES was emphatic and without hesitation. They both turned to Matt and me asking for permission to become partners for life. Complete the Chaplin's pre-marital counseling and we'll gladly approve it. Dale and Duke commented they expected an invitation and a big "CORNER" piece of their wedding cake with plenty of frosting. Within months they were bound in love both in this life and the next.

 

Before the evening ended both Viktor and Oliver received an Email from the Chaplain giving them the dates and times for their pre-marital counseling sessions. Not even the White House escapes from the Fort Connor grapevine. Viktor and Oliver excused themselves for the evening thanking POTUS and Dale for the most fantastic evening of their young lives. When brunch was served the next morning Oliver was stepping lightly and could barely put his legs together. Yes, they consummated their engagement and Oliver however versatile he might be... enjoyed being on the receiving end of the "stud of Fort Connor". Dale and Duke could only exchange smiles knowing Dale would be having problems sitting through his cabinet meetings for a few days at the start of the week.

 

Matt and I finished a quick brunch and excused ourselves to the privacy of our bedroom. I actually blushed when I told Dale to write off the linen in our bedroom to "miscellaneous expenditures" because it was beyond being salvaged. Duke and Dale roared knowing his fathers were still as much in love as they day we first met. "Dads, T&T were here for a night last week... need I say more?"

 

I looked at my son and had to address the elephant in the room. "When do you plan on asking Luke to take the Secretary of Defense position?" SecDef is submitting his resignation on Monday so I'll be asking Luke Monday afternoon. I hope you can clear your schedule and stay for a few more days to help me convince Luke to take this challenging position. "We serve at the pleasure of the President!"

 

Luke was surprised to have an unannounced knock at his door at 1000 hours on Monday. As the door opened to show Duke standing requesting admittance. "With the compliments of the President! Your presence is requested at the White House for lunch at 1300 hours today." After being offered to join the family for brunch Duke excused himself saying he had a full agenda for today. He regretted not being able to accept the gracious invitation. "The Generals will also be joining us for lunch." Duke made a hasty retreat and onto the next project of the day.

 

1300 hours and miracle of miracles Dale was punctual. Luke knew what he would be facing and still had no idea of his answer. Dale profusely apologized for having to eat and run but the elephant in the room wouldn't go away. "Luke, SecDef resigned this morning offering to stay on until a new individual can be approved by Congress. I want to nominate you for the position. Will you accept?" The quiet was deafening. Luke quietly responded he would be honored to serve this country however Dale felt he could be utilized. Matt and I were the first to congratulate Luke as the new Secretary of Defense. Congressional approval was a mere formality. Luke was known for his integrity and no one even opponents in Congress would challenge him. With due diligence Congress overwhelming approved him. Our "oldest" imp was now our boss and we could never love him and respect him more than we did at the moment.

 

Arriving back at Fort Connor I don't know which new news received the best reception and the greater applause. The announcement of the pending nuptials of Viktor and Oliver or Luke being nominated as the next Secretary of Defense.

 

With all the drama of Washington finally past our new boss sent us back on the road for "meet and greets" around the country to encourage military enlistment. Our adjutants loved their job especially when Matt and I kicked them out and told them to lock themselves away in their room for the night. Under penalty of insubordination we didn't want to see them till breakfast in the morning. Matt and I were surprised Oliver could even walk some morning but he always seemed to have a big smile on his face. Doc more than once put a "DO NOT ENTER" sign on his ass and Viktor only smiled knowing he would always be the stud in Oliver's life.

 

Matt and I were hitting the major cities and doing interview after interview chumming the water for military recruitment. We were doing as many interviews and news programs as possible. Suddenly, without warning, our wrist coms went off with a tactical alert. Security rushed in and immediately removed us, headed to the Airport to board our jet and was airborne with fighter jet escorts back to Washington. Brining up OPS on my com I asked what triggered the Alert. Angus had hit his panic button and there had been a major shootout at the Worthington Foundation and he had been abducted. No one was killed but there were multiple wounded personnel. SD was safe but the office staff was in psychological trauma.

 

Track Angus on his chip and have a full tactical Alpha Zulu team meet us when we land at Andrews. I hated the thought of endangering Angus's life but hopefully this would be the end from the threat of our old foe the Biker Gang. Whether out of ignorance or stupidity they never removed Angus's wrist com so we could tap in and hear their conversations. Tracking them was simple so we gave them plenty of distance not wanting to lose the advantage of surprise.

 

Finally, the abductors arrived at a remote cabin and our overhead satellite showed us seven hostiles and Angus inside. We secured the perimeter and as we were preparing to send in men to establish a video feed so we could address the situation a glowing specter descended upon the cabin and many of us realized the specter was General Mason Allen. Within minutes the seven hostiles were unconscious and Angus was running for his life into the arms of Matt and myself. He was shocked to find us waiting for him and collapsed into our arms in tears for all the harm he had brought to the Worthington Foundation. We assured him SD would understand and he would always be a part of our Alpha Zulu Family.

 

Within minutes the seven individuals were in handcuffs and headed to a federal lockup to face charges in a military court. Their trial was quick and the verdict even quicker. Knowing a stay or commutation from POTUS would never occur they left this world by lethal injection and we hoped we had the end of the threat from these men and Angus could have the life he so deserved.

 

Returning Angus to the Worthington Foundation Office SD told him to go home, his partner was waiting to handle his stress and he would enjoy the stress reduction program awaiting him. Matt and I could only smile knowing what awaited this well deserving young man. Finally, he could have his life and not have to look over his shoulder every minute of the day. Then we headed for the Worthington Executive Offices and a lock down session with Logan and Alex. Why was there a glowing "Mason Allen" attacking the cabin and neutralizing the bikers. Logan and Alex pleaded ignorance and said it was nothing to do with Worthington R&D. We've all seen a lot of weird things at Fort Connor... it really could be the spirit of Mason Allen back to protect Angus.

 

Matt and I actually had a week of unscheduled activities. We were a loving family and enjoying watching our sons compete Alpha squad at a game of soccer. Without warning a shot rang out and the entire base immediately went to alert. The men formed a barrier around us and rushed us into lockdown. When General Jackson opened the blast door and announced the Alert had been terminated he also told us we had a soldier commit suicide. It wasn't until security broke into his smart phone that we learned some remnant of a drug group with more money than brains threatened to kill his family if he didn't assassinate us Generals. The soldier was a man of honor and felt his only option to protect his family was to kill himself. If he had only come to us we would have protected his family with the full protection of the military. A wasted life and one that Matt and I promised to revenge with extreme prejudice.

 

With the cooperation of the CIA a band of his "brothers" traveled to the middle-east, did a halo insertion and caught their security complete off guard and neutralized any threat they possessed. Entering the compound we eliminated every individual which presented a threat with extreme prejudice. We smiled when their leader resisted, reached for his gun and went down literally cut in two with multiple Uzi's emptying their clip. Yes, he was a terrorist and he was entitled to rights... the right to a funeral which was gladly provided by Alpha Zulu. This sent a message throughout the middle-east... threaten the family of our men and we will exact our revenge. Matt and I slept soundly that night the only remorse being we would have to present the flag off their son's coffin at the funeral. The Chaplain and I agreed no good would come telling them of the misguided sacrifice their son had made. Let them remember him as the hero he was.

 

It was time to bring some happiness into the life of Alpha Zulu and the pending nuptials of Viktor and Oliver was just what the Chaplin ordered. The 1^st Sergeant had the responsibility for the "bachelor party" and the male stripper popping out of the cake with a major hardon definitely set the mood for the evening. Everyone enjoyed Cake and Ice Cream and some even "cream from the tap". The wedding gifts included every type of sex toy and even I had to Google some of them to understand what and how they were used. I definitely hoped the "ball gage" was used frequently and I'd quit getting complaints from their adjoining "roomies". Oliver was definitely a screamer and Viktor loved hammering his prostate and making him scream down the barracks. (Definitely brought back memories of Matt and me in our younger years before we were blessed with children.)

 

I was pensive as my wrist com sounded off with the news "The White House on a secure video conference call for you sir. Where would you like the call?" My Office, please. A very formal General Stone appeared on the screen and announced: "With the compliments of the President... would you and General LongDick join him for brunch tomorrow morning at the White House?" (Like I could so NO?) "Tell the President we look forward to seeing him again."

 

The flight in our jet was relaxing and the "Beast" deposited us at the White House 0950 hours so we were a few minutes early. Duke met us and escorted us to their private quarters. Dale was on time so miracles do happen in Washington. The Philippine government was getting out of control and doing too much saber rattling against their neighbors. Dale wanted Matt and me to ask Russia and China to participate in a joint military war game in the Pacific as a unified sign we wouldn't tolerate this action. Attack a neighboring country for any reason and the three super power would revert your country back to the stone age. (The message was received and understood.) POTUS was becoming a major player on the world stage.

 

Finally, back at Fort Connor Matt and I could be the loving fathers we enjoyed with our three sons in residence. Bobby was growing up far too fast and I'll hate the day he feels too old to hug and kiss his old man. At least when Tommy and Shawn head off to College they should rest easier knowing most threats against our family have now been eliminated. The ultra-conservative religious right wingers will always exist along with the homophobic bigotry. Some things will never change and we have to retain our due diligence in protecting our family. Shawn wants to finish his Masters program and then join the Worthington group and benefit our men in uniform. Tommy has no idea of what he wants but he has two years before will need to declare his major. Right now, he still is in the process of selecting what schools he can possibly attend. Isaac is helping him but not knowing what major he desires makes selecting a school most difficult.

 

0800 hours and my com goes off only to find a request for an immediate video conference with the new Secretary of Defense, Luke Worthington. I had to chide him his new position at least got him out of bed before 1000 hours each day. Glad you enjoy my new lifestyle because I'm going to enjoy being your "boss" (Evil Grin!). The final review and approval for Colonel Viktor Jansson to receive the Medal of Honor was completed last night. He is requested to be at the White House 1400 hours on Saturday for the presentation. You get the fun of telling him and reading the file on the man he isn't going to be a "happy camper". If push comes to shove you may want to get your son to demand his attendance. Viktor is a very private and introverted person and not open to public presentation and acknowledging any exceptional conduct on his part. We both know the review process for this award and if he didn't deserve to receive the Medal of Honor it wouldn't have been approved.

 

We had a short staff meeting and I asked Matt, General Johnson, Colonel Jansson and Colonel Winter to remain afterwards. Locking the room to security mode I made the announcement to a shocked Colonel Jansson. Not giving him any option I made it clear he would be at the White House at 1400 hours on Sunday unless Doc gave him a medical exemption. Do we understand each other Colonel? "YES SIR!"

 

Oliver was questioning why Viktor was so emotional over receiving this award. He had never mention anything in his life that would have indicated such a high honor existed in his future. "I lost half of my men to bad intelligence!" Young men killed in front of my eyes. I took the lead and neutralized a number of hostiles saving the remainder of my men. I was severely wounded and my Silver Star and Purple Heart was quietly present by my CO. How can I accept such a high honor when half of my men died at my leadership. Oliver held his love in his arms as he cried uncontrollably... you honor the men who made the ultimate sacrifice and you honor the men whose lives you saved. You need a long chat with the Chaplain and I'm not leaving you till you can sit down with him. The Chaplain understood Viktor's "survivor's guilt" and would make as much time as necessary to help him prepare to receive this high honor.

 

It was a quiet plane ride to Washington on Saturday morning and we arrived in time to accept the invitation for brunch with Luke at the Penthouse. It was a quiet meal and everyone knew the trauma Viktor was facing accepting this high honor. The men who died deserved more than just a Purple Heart. They were the true heroes and he intended to make that known if he was allowed to speak. Viktor would only accept this award for all the men living and dead in his squad.

 

The White House and Pentagon was in full Pomp and Circumstance mode... The Marine Band, Honor Guard with flags of every branch of the military and the Presidential Flag. Full military honors were rendered before the Pentagon Chief of Staff started with the presentation. Dale presented him with his award and commented briefly on how deserving he was of this high honor. Every military man present snapped to attention and rendered a hand salute us six star Generals included. Viktor was indeed worthy of this high honor. The White House reporters were their normal "sharks" out for their hunk of flesh at any cost. I had warned Viktor if they can make you show emotion it just gives them a better rating so retain your composure. If you feel like you can't handle any more just let me know and we'll make a discrete exit.

 

Returning to the security of the Penthouse Viktor was in tears and I asked Oliver to take him to their room and do whatever was necessary to help Viktor. There was little doubt in my mind as to Oliver's method of stress management but whatever work... I knew the love these two men shared would get them through today and every challenge they faced in their future. As Matt was my strength Oliver was Viktor's.

 

I was asked to be the Speaker when Shawn graduated from the University of Michigan with a Masters degree in Business and Psychology. He proudly wore my six star staff badge on his graduation gown as he accepted his diplomas. I was so proud of my son and what he would contribute to our men in uniform. I still had two sons left and I hated the thought of having an empty nest. Bobby hit puberty and my little boy was now over six feet tall. He still hugged and kissed his old man and I'll never tire of the wonderful feeling regardless of how grown he is. It is all too obvious that Mark is getting his ass destroyed some nights and Bobby has a big grin on his face when he walks with us to breakfast after flag raising. I wasn't shocked when Tommy came to me and said he wanted Isaac to be his partner for life. He was in love and Matt and I had known it for years. You need to find him and tell him he is more than a cheap trick and notch in your belt. Besides, married housing is far better than the two of you attempting to live in a dorm. I knew the moment of truth arrived when Bobby and Isaac walked to the meditation garden after retreat. They were a "no show" for dinner and their bedroom door was closed and locked when we returned from dinner. Finally, about 2200 hours the two lover emerged and announced to the family Isaac had consented to be his partner for life. They would meet with the Chaplain tomorrow and schedule their premarital counseling. They wanted to be married before he left for college in the fall.

 

Mani, Juan and Roger would be heading off to College this fall so Matt and I would really have an empty nest. Mani's parents had left him a trust fund that would pay for his college with enough money left for him to have a comfortable start to adult life. Juan could care if they lived on PB&Js just so he could make love to his beautiful partner each and every day and night. I knew Mani was in love I just didn't realize it was with both men. Married housing was always preferable to living in a dorm. I had to smile when they came home on their first break and complained their neighbors kept them up all night with the headboard of their bed hitting against the wall till the wee hours of the morning.. Juan just smiled and said it set the mood for us to have some intense romance so he had no problem with whatever they were doing. Bobby just listened intensely, took Mark's hand walked to their bedroom, closed the door behind them and set the lock. Mark could barely walk when he headed out for Flag Raising in the morning.

 

Doc had a big smile on his face when he told Mark that Bobby had put his ass OUT OF SERVICE for the next fourteen days AGAIN! Just tell him he has no one to blame but himself. Bobby was crushed that he had hurt the man he loved. I had to assure Bobby I had done it to Matt numerous times and it only bonds us closer together. You can love the man even if you can't have sex with him. Cuddling and intimacy will only bond you two closer together.

 

Matt was without mercy as he harassed Mark that Bobby had put him OUT OF SERVICE! Mark only looked at him and asked how many times I had put his ass OUT OF SERVICE? The harassment abruptly stopped.

 

Tommy made it known he was proud of his little bro. Privately he told Bobby to take it easy on his "protector" and make certain he enjoys riding your ass also. If you really have feelings for him it won't last if you have a one sided relationship. Be versatile and have a 50/50 relationship. Bobby had a tender ass riding Mark's cock during those fourteen days and now his ass had an OUT OF SERVICE posting. Mark was always very vocal about how much he loved all the hugging and kissing our tactile youngest shared so freely. It was almost better than the orgasms they shared.

 

Fort Connor was a place of healing for Biff and his partner and Angus and his true love. Both men had experience traumatic moments in their young lives and we knew with the love of their 200+ brother and the assistance of Doc and the Chaplain they would grow stronger in their love and commitment to their partner and return to be a productive member of society. They had much to contribute in their future lives.

 

It was great sleeping in my own bed, being loved by my sons and for the moment enjoying the peace and calm of Fort Connor. The threat alert was at an all time low and that alone should have sent off alarms. Luke was learning his predecessors bad habits when my com goes off at 0200 hours only to open my eyes to his smiling face on the video com. "Morning, my Generals of the Armies of the United States"... we have a problem and only your stars can resolve it expediently.

 

A young soldier was beaten nearly to death by his squad because they found out he was gay. The last time this happened we didn't make it in time to save the life of the poor young man. Kick you jet in the ass and get there with a security detail. Make sure your body cams are up and running and I'll be in the "sit room" with the Joint Chiefs. We have to protect our soldiers and send a message this will never be tolerated. God Speed!

 

General Jackson was immediately requesting permission to enter and I asked him to have our two jets fully fueled and a full security detail ready to accompany us as soon as I can get Doc Dwight ready to leave. As we approached the base we contacted their "tower" and requested permission to land. DENIED! This is an Alpha Zulu priority flight. DENIED! We attempted to land without authorization and they turned off the landing lights. Our pilot pulled up and circled the base as I contacted Luke in the Sit room. Luke was in full blown CEO mode and immediately asked to be contacted with the Provost Marshall of the base. "Get those damn landing lights on and those two jets landed. If anyone gets in your way you are authorized to use lethal force. DO WE UNDERSTAND EACH OTHER? YES SIR!

 

Within a few minutes the light came on and we were granted authorization to land. A squad of MP accompanied the Provost Marshall as we deplaned. "How may we assist you?" Just get us to the base hospital immediately. As we entered the hospital the Base General blocked our entrance. "You are not authorized on my base" was definitely the wrong introduction. I drew my Glock and aimed it between his eyes. "Handcuff this man and place him under arrest or take his dead body to the morgue... your choice!" (Ok, OK... I'm failing tact and diplomacy... Matt has been lax on giving me any refresher courses.) I turned to Doc Dwight and told him to go and evaluate HIS patient. There was no doubt what room he was in you could feel the walls vibrating as he was "ass chewing" the patient's doctor and nursing staff. I turned to the Provost Marshall and said I wanted the hospital director and Nursing Director placed under arrest immediately. Cuffed and removed them from their quarters and residing in the stockade immediately. Has there been an investigation into the assault... NO! Place their squad leaders under arrest and put them in the stockade. All men in their squad are under house arrest and I want MPs at every point of egress. CID will be arriving shortly to start a complete investigation. They can eat MREs until this investigation is completed.

 

Doc was in full blown medical mode and was issuing commands that I had no idea of what they are or how they would affect the soldier. After having the last abused soldier die on us because lack of care I was giving Doc full latitude to do his thing. After all, I trusted him with my life, Matt's life and the life of my family. This young soldier couldn't be in better hands. Hospital staff of every department were to be brought in and test were done immediately. Any hesitation and the individual will be charged and face a court martial. Doc's final words were: "I want these test now people, MOVE IT!"

 

I asked Luke to check the file on the young soldier and if he had family to get them on a plane and here immediately. CONSIDER IT DONE! I cornered Doc and quietly asked what condition the patient was in. "I think we made it in time but let me get a few of these test results and I can answer the question better."

 

Doc transferred the patient to an ICU room and we posted guards at his door and every point of entrance to the floor. Security protocols were implemented and if any medical staff didn't have proper ID and a signed medical order they weren't allowed entrance. If they attempt to enter they would be shot. (I wasn't making a lot of friend around the hospital and I could care less.) I was totally repulsed that any soldier in the U.S. Military could receive such poor medical care.

 

Matt finally whispered in my ear Doc had everything in control and if you don't accompany me to the chapel I'll have him sedate you. Damn, Matt knew me too well. I needed to reflect and gain control of my emotions before I did something that would reflect negatively on Alpha Zulu not to mention Luke and Dale.

 

Matt and I sat there in the beauty of the Chapel and thought of all the good these Stars have done for so many people. The ones we lost stay with us forever regardless of how hard we tried. I cried as Matt held my hands and consoled me. I couldn't leave the Chapel until I was again a General of the Armies and not an emotional wreck. I need some intensive sessions with the Chaplain and 1^st Sergeant Alexander when we get back to Fort Connor. Not to mention a lot of hugging and kissing from my sons.

 

Matt and I returned to the ICU and asked for a status report on the patient. Doc was still waiting on test reports but the patient is in a clean bed, has been bathed and was starting to be rehydrated. Until we get his kidney study we have to do it slowly. I'm not leaving his side until we put him on a Med-E-Vac and return him to Fort Connor. Clear it with Luke or I'll pull in a few favors from Dale... he owes me big time!

 

When Dale got his morning briefing from Luke as the Secretary of Defense he was livid. He immediately placed a call to his fathers and his only comment was "Do what you have to do even if it means hanging the base General by his balls!" "You have my total support!" And, this was Dale, not a second hand message through Duke. Damn, was he one pissed POTUS!

 

CID descended upon the base like a flock of flies on a pile of warm shit on a hot summer day. The entire base leadership was indicted and replacements were flown in to manage the day to day operations. The majority of the soldiers' squad were indicted and added to the stockade as they were hauled away in handcuffs. This was meant to be a public statement to every man on base that this type of abuse would never be tolerated in today's Army.

 

It was quickly becoming Army gossip that Matt and I were becoming the hatchet men for a new young POTUS that happened to be our son. If they had done their homework they would realize that we fought injustice to any enlisted soldier long before we were given six stars on our shoulders. Gossip never bothered either of us, we had to look at ourselves in the mirror every morning and know we truly were deserving of the stars on our shoulders.

 

We spent a week away from Fort Connor before our young soldier was stable enough to be Med-E-Vac'd to Fort Connor. When we finally met him he was in shock at two such high ranked Generals would be interested in what had happened to him. We assured him if the leadership of this base had given him the consideration he deserved it wouldn't have required our involvement. As we are now involved we have one order for you: "LISTEN TO YOUR DOCTOR AND GET HEALTHY!"

 

The men of Fort Connor were supportive of our new "puppy" and always had one or more soldier at his bedside as he recovered. The Chaplain started PTSD counseling and with the love of his fellow soldier he was able to make a full recovery and become a productive member of Alpha Zulu.

 

You should have seen the look of shock on our young friends face the first time Air Force One landed and POTUS, SecDef and General Stone deplaned. Credentials were verified and then Dale wrapped his arms around his father and kissed both of us. He then started to realize who our son was and how protected he really had been. He was in shock when Dale asked him to join us for dinner. Matt had to nudge him and suggested he might want to close his mouth and simply answer "Thank you".

 

Logan was flying in after lunch and Dale wasn't allowed to see his new "digs" until Logan arrived. Dale was looking forward to the Secret Service completing their part of the project so he could spend quality time at Fort Connor. Duke turned to Matt and me quipping: "You thought you finally got rid of him!" Matt quipped back: "We'd never get that lucky!"

 

At diner Dale was apologetic to our young soldier stating no member of any branch of the military should be so treated. It would not be tolerated so long as he was the Commander-in-Chief. Luke assured everyone that as he met with the General Staff he would remind them of this fiasco and the accountability of ignoring this type of problem. Ignoring the problem is tantamount to a tacit endorsement. It will not be tolerated.

 

Dale was impressed with his get-away home at Fort Connor. He couldn't be in residence until the Secret Service finished their "additions" and then I smiled think of my loving son back in residence at Fort Connor. Dale and Duke needed a way to relax and deal with the immense amount of tension they both face each day. Dale had another 12+ months and he would be campaigning to run for President in his own right. Whether he won or not he would always have two proud parents of such a wonderful man he had become. We never abused his authority and he never asked us to do more than any POTUS would have or had asked of us. Luke and Duke were our buffers although they never were required to protect us from our son.

 

Dale, Duke and Luke knew what the future held for Viktor and Oliver. I'm certain Viktor and Oliver would have resigned their commission and retired from the military if they had known they would be gifted our stars after our passing. Alpha Zulu was more important than any individual. Matt and I were committed to leave two talented men who would make exceptional Six Star Generals of the Armies of the United States.

 

 

 

TO BE CONTINUED...

 

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