ALPHA ZULU 69 MEMOIRES
Chapter 088 � The End of the Beginning
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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
Carlos Martinez: Adolescent son of Juan Martinez and Roger DeSoto
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: General (4 star), 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 V�zquez: Son of Manual de V�zquez
Juan Martinez: Major (2 star) General, 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
Lucas Daniel Fairbairn: Captain, U.S. Army � Protector of Michael “Allen” Roberts
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 V�zquez: Physicist/Engineer – Worthington Industries
Mario “Mani” Garcia: Son of the President of Mexico (Adopted son of Juan Martinez and Roger DeSoto)
*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
Michael “Allen” Roberts: Adopted Son of Matt Longdick and Jason Allman
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 (2 star) General, 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
The day finally arrived when Allen would face his last invasive medical procedure. Doc would be removing the pins from his fingers and everyone knew the pain he would face in rehab to get his hands back to functioning normally. Using some mild sedation, the adults present grimaced as doc used “pliers” to pull each pin from the center of his finger bones. Doc smiled and commented everything went as planned although it looked like he needed to sedate the observers. Allen starts rehab with his hands 0900 hours sharp. We all knew no discussion or debate would be allowed.
Allen experienced much pain with his rehab protocol and everyone was surprised even with Lucas”s unusual pain management protocol he could handle the rehab without medication. Allen was so happy to now be able to wrap his hands around his protector and lavish him with hugs and kisses. We generals were so embarrassed when Allen demanded that we also receive parody.
I was engrossed in the abundance of stupid paperwork the Pentagon required as Allen quietly knocked at my door and requested admission. “Saved from this damn paperwork!” “What can I do for you?” Allen said he had two favors to request. The anniversary of his parents wedding was next week and he”d like to visit his parents grave and finally be able to say his good-by. And your second request? “I would like a dozen yellow roses (my mother”s favorite) to put on the grave.” I remember the disaster of Dale visiting his parents grave and I didn”t want a repeat of it with Allen.
Asking if Luke had time to discuss a personal problem he also was elated to have an excuse from the mountain of paperwork which always seemed to appear on his desk. Asking the date, Luke would make the appropriate security arrangements. Commenting I needed to get Allen to our friendly tailor to be fitted for his suit of ceramic body armor. I decided a quick trip from Andrews to the tailor and straight back to the jet presented the minimum of risk. His suit could be delivered within a few days.
Lucas had to now face his first security detail with his young charge and I made certain they had a fully armed security detail with them and that the BEAST was used when they traveled to and from the tailor. I warned Lucas and the security detail if Allen did anything of risk he was to be physically thrown in the BEAST and returned to Andrews for immediate transport to Fort Connor. In handcuffs if necessary. “Do we understand each other?” YES SIR!
The security arrangements Luke made for the trip to the cemetery were unprecedented. I thought they exceeded the security provided if it had been a visit by POTUS. Local police blocked off all access to the cemetery. The Governor had the State Police Tactical Team placed throughout the Cemetery. FBI tactical was obviously meant to show a visible force present. And our Alpha Zulu security provided the immediate security for Matt, Allen and me. As we arrived at the cemetery and exited the BEAST we could see and hear both State Police helicopters and Army Blackhawk gunship controlling the airspace above us. We made it to the gravesite and Allen finally had a tearful opportunity to say his goodbye. As he knelt to place the roses on the grave of his parent we heard the emphatic announcement in our ear earpiece of SNIPER! Lucas grabbed Allen and headed for the BEAST. Lucas never got ten feet before a sniper round brought him down. Alpha Zulu security grabbed Allen and threw him unceremoniously in the BEAST as we were also thrown in as his Alpha Zulu brothers carefully tried to also secure Lucas in the BEAST. We then proceeded on a high speed police escorted trip to the closest trauma center.
Matt and I knew the drill as Lucas was taken into a trauma room and we three escorted into a private room we helped our son to strip to his birthday suit. The medical staff needed to be assured we hadn”t been hit as our adrenalin high could mask the trauma. Assured we weren”t injured we redressed and waited to hear how the condition of our “brother”.
Lucas”s injury was a “through and through” bullet shot which missed any vital organ. He would be in an immense amount of pain but would survive.
The minute Dale heard the news he was in the White Situation Room and wanted all the intelligence that was available. He wanted to know WHO and WHY yesterday! Everyone was shocked when it was determined it was a two mile shot by a sniper. This was no simple feat and would match any known sniper kill known. Someone wanted someone dead and considering the distance no security in the future would be adequate.
Doc was immediate in contact with the emergency physicians who reluctantly agreed to discharge Lucas provided he was Med-E-Vac airlifted to Fort Connor. Security was unprecedented as we left the hospital and proceeded back to Fort Connor. We had a full squad of fighter jets accompanying us and the “boom” was deafening as they did their victory roll over our base.
Doc met us as we walked down from our jet and quietly commented if this is what he had to do to earn his “STAR” we could have them back. Lucas knew “RESISTANCE WAS FUTILE” and accepted his fate as he was transported to Medical. The Chaplain would have a major task helping Allen cope with his feeling that it was his fault. If he hadn”t asked to visit the cemetery this wouldn”t have happened.
We gathered as a family in our common room and tried to help Allen through his emotional feelings for causing the injury to his friend. Nothing we could say seemed to help. Finally, I brought up Doc on my com and asked (actually pleaded) for Allen to be allowed to visit Lucas. Advising Lucas was feeling no pain on his morphine drip Allen could have a 15 minute visit but don”t plan on Lucas making much sense. I”m keeping him well “under” for a couple of days.
Finally, being able to hold Lucas”s hand and sob out his emotional feelings and begging for forgiveness Doc announced his 15 minute visit was up and Lucas needed to rest. Doc hoped Allen would do what is best for Lucas to recover from his injury. (Damn, Doc can actually be a HUMAN BEING! Miracles do happen!)
While Allen was pouring out his heart and tears to Lucas I brought up the Chaplain on my com and asked if he would meet us when we returned to our quarters. He didn”t require an explanation as to why and told us he was on his way. We spent the new few hours trying to help Allen to understand he was totally blameless. He was the victim and until we found out why someone wanted to kill him he was grounded to Fort Connor.
The Chaplain invited Allen to join him in his office immediately after his morning physical therapy. Lucas would be in no shape to even know Allen was in his room till he was off his narcotic drip. This gave the Chaplain some time to help Allen to understand he had done nothing wrong. We had been down this road before but it usually is a long and challenging process.
As Allen was taking a shower Dale demanded a video conference with his fathers. There was no new news and he was in presidential ass kicking mode demanding answers. As Allen joined us he shared the same thing happened to him and he knew exactly what Allen was feeling. “Don”t let the bad guys win!” Work with the Chaplain and Doc will let you visit with Lucas as soon as he is physically able. “Trust the people who love you, they have never let me down and they will never let you down!” (Matt and I were seeing a new side of our son and we had a combination of embarrassment and pride.)
As Allen headed off to his bedroom we ordered FREEZE! OUR BEDROOM, no argument. You aren”t sleeping alone tonight. Matt and I slipped into gym shorts and made a cuddle sandwich out of our son. We walked with him to flag raising and breakfast and one of us was always with him till Lucas was able to return to duty. Finally, when Allen could have a rationale conversation with Lucas he was told to sit and listen. He was Allen”s protector and he would always put his life on the line to protect him. It was his choice so quit feeling like you are the cause. I volunteered for this duty and I demand to be returned to it. You are my friend and I will always love and protect you. Allen was in tears and Lucas told him he could hug him GENTLY!
Lucas now learned the wonderful feeling of a demanding doctor who would tolerate no objection to his medical directives. Physical Therapy wasn”t optional and Captain Fairbairn would follow his medical directives or face the wrath of both his doctor and commanding generals. (Not to mention a very upset imp!) RESISTANCE IS FUTILE!
Doc, Matt and I demanded Lucas do PTSD counseling with the Chaplain and recommended he encourage Allen join him. They both needed to face their demons and not let this event ruin their lives.
Helping Lucas shower and dress helped Allen heal and repay his “protector” for all the help he had given when the roles were reversed. Of course, Allen was proactive in provided an unapproved method of pain management and Lucas was told to shut up and enjoy. This was going to happen one way or the other and RESISTANCE IS FUTILE!
Allen was so happy when Lucas could tolerate holding Allen close to his body while they slumbered. He loved his protector and “big brother”. They now had a bond that could never be broken in this life and the next.
Allen and Lucas helped each other through the mandatory counseling provided by the Chaplain. And, within a few weeks they were willing participants and the healing process had begun. Allen”s PT with the rehab of his hands and Lucas”s PT rehabbing his muscles from his gunshot were completely successful. Lucas again qualified with his Glocks using both hands and started back on his daily normal PT workout. Now it was time to encourage Allen to join him and start him on a new step in his physical development. The men of Alpha Zulu helped and encouraged him to turn the high caloric meals into muscle. Our adolescent son was becomming a hunk and heart throb. Whatever his sexual preference he would break plenty of hearts on his road to being an adult.
Finally, Allen had the use of his hands where he could utilize our online school program. His testing showed him behind in his learning level which was no surprise considering the trauma he had endured this past year in his life. We knew the curriculum would be adapted and challenge him to attain the proper learning level. What shocked us was the testing showed our son was another genius. A new edition to the Brain Trust of the Worthington Dynasty.
We shared the results of the testing with Lucas and demanded he try to make Allen”s life as normal as any teenager can be normal. Lucas assured us he would do everything within his power to protect his charge and allow him as normal a life as possible. He pledged his life and sacred honor. (What more could we as fathers ask of anyone!)
Finally, after two months and much presidential ass kicking we had an answer as to who and why. Unknown to anyone the death of Allen”s parents was an assassination. His father refused to share top secret information with a foreign terrorist. They vowed to wipe his family from the face of the earth. This group of terrorist just became the 1 group on the Black Ops hit list. With confirmed intelligence a Seal Team entered a foreign compound and with extreme prejudice eliminated everyone protecting their primary target. Dragging the man from his bed he knew his life had ended. He was given the following option.
Tell us who was the sniper and we will make this quick and a simple bullet to your head. Refuse and we will cut off each of your balls and then attach electrodes to your cock and run electricity through your body till your cock explodes. The choice is yours and I sincerely hope you choose option two.
Within minutes the desired information was obtained and our Black Ops team was back on their helicopters and returning to their home base. Now it was time to eliminate the sniper with extreme prejudice. This type of skilled terrorist could not be allowed to threaten anyone in government of any country. Every covert agency working with the United States made locating this person their top priority. It would only be a matter of time before he was eliminated.
Back at Fort Connor Allen and Lucas were finally returning to a normal life (if any teenager is normal). Allen was starting to enjoy his new routine of PT, School and an adequate amount of free time to spend with the men of Alpha Zulu. Of course, Lucas was never far away and Allen only dotted on his protector and was never shy about showing his feelings for this man. Yes, we fathers had created this bond and we only hoped it was one shared by both parties.
Dale won his first term as President (in his own right) with a landslide election. His party won a majority in both houses of Congress and this would allow their programs to be adopted to benefit this great nation. Dale was about to start on the most aggressive diplomatic program since the end of the cold war. Asking his fathers to visit the White House he announced he wanted us to take a diplomatic mission to Russia and China and present to them a program of mutual defense where an attack against one is an attack against all. (Similar to the NATO pact in Europe.) I couldn”t think of a better legacy for my son to leave this country. Dale asked that we take Allen and Lucas with us, Fort Connor was never designed to be a JAIL!
Matt and I would have unprecedented access to their military leaders as well as their politicians. We all admitted defense budgets could be better used to improve conditions for their citizens. After over twelve months of shuttle diplomacy Russia and China signed on and Congress indicated they were receptive to approving such an agreement. To our shock after Russia agreed to participate the head of the Russian military asked to meet with Matt and me privately and told us no one should have their children assassinated. He gave us the name and location of the sniper who attempted to kill Allen. The pentagon verified the information and a short time later a discrete black ops team eliminated any future threat from the individual. Matt and I sent the Russian General a case of Worthington Prize Moonshine which was almost an act of war from the morning after effect of the “anvil chorus” they experienced. (An experience we all bitlis escort knew too well!)
When we finally landed at Andrews and knew we would have some quality time with our friends at Fort Connor we wondered our fate when Dale, Duke, Luke and Logan met us as we deplaned. Our four friend asked us to get comfortable they had a BIG surprise for our two Generals of the Armies. A huge plane was seen landing and taxied to our area. Sporting our Army, Alpha Zulu and Six Star configuration which was now known throughout the world we were astonished to see our new transportation a Boeing 777-200 compliments of the Congress of the United States. It will take a few months to get it outfitted for your needs but you will be flying in comfort from now on. Your current behemoth will be gifted to the Alpha Zulu museum. You my two friends are now part of history. Why was I not surprised when Dale presented us with the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Nobel Peace Prize that year was awarded to Dale, Matt and me. We were now seeing how much good these stars on our shoulder can do to provide peace and stability to the world. Matt and I were shocked when the Secretary of State who considered us a “lose cannon” presented us with the Secretary”s Distinguished Service Award. Yes, hell can free over in Washington and Miracles do happen! The Pentagon followed suite when we were ordered “front and center” and we both were presented with the Legion of Merit. We felt so unworthy to be considered among the great men and women of the United States Military
Finally, we could return to Fort Connor and the comfort of our home and our own bed. Even Lucas and Allen were happy to be home and Bobby and Mark warmly greeted us and as always Bobby hugged and kissed his fathers with wild abandonment. Bobby may be over six feet tall but he”ll always be my little son.
The men of Alpha Zulu were ecstatic at the return of their Generals and we assured them we couldn”t have made the accomplishments without their support. We were a team and the President would make that known shortly. A Presidential Unit Citation was awarded to Alpha Zulu and all the men of Fort Connor. Dale flew in and personally made the presentation with little media presence the men knew it was an award from his heart.
Our first staff meeting after we returned Doc held back afterward and said “We have to talk”! “You two look like shit and I want you in medical NOW for a complete workup. You two aren”t going anywhere or doing anything till I”m guaranteed you aren”t returning in caskets. You can either head for medical under your own power or I”ll have security escort you. RESISTANCE IS FUTILE!
Matt and I looked at each other and accepted our fate. Will you at least let us contact our children and advise them what is happening so they don”t hear it from the grapevine. OK, just get into bed and rest and I”ll start your tests tomorrow. You have the balance of the day to get your lives in order.
Our first call was to Duke and advised him of the actions of our tyrannical doctor. Dale cancelled every meeting and was on a jet to Fort Connor over the objections of his secret service detail. Shawn returned home and Tommy did also. Bobby was terrified of losing his fathers and only being held in Marks secure arms could offer any comfort. The Chaplain had a full schedule providing our family with the emotional support they needed.
Doc knew what he had done and his only concern was for our well being. Even POTUS couldn”t overrule him and reluctantly all our children knew what Doc was doing was necessitated. Our lives lately had resulted in much stress and it was taking its physical toll on our bodies. After a week of tests Doc announced to POTUS and the rest of the family that either our schedules were greatly curtailed or have our funeral protocol update and ready to be implemented. Damn, he was blunt and to the point lacking any tact or diplomacy. Dale thanked him and within a few weeks General Jackson presented him with his second star. (The Chaplain quietly reminded him he had been warned.)
Doc put us on a stringent diet and devastated our intake of alcohol. Minimal amount of Scotch and NO MOONSHINE! When Matt and I asked if we still could have a sex life Doc commented if we felt it was necessary but no world records events. Frankly, I couldn”t think of a better way of dying than in the throw of passion with the man I love.
Dale and Duke returned to Washington but demanded daily updates from Doc or face the wrath of a pissed off POTUS. (Not a fate anyone wants to experience.) I asked the kids to get back to school and make me proud with good grades. This is a legacy both Matt and I want to leave to future generations. I asked Logan to visit and after sharing with him the test results Allen had received I asked him if he would make certain Allen got the best education possible and had a future with Worthington Industries if anything should happen to Matt or me. In tears Logan confirmed he would treat Allen as his brother but don”t you two plan on doing anything stupid. All of us want you around for a long time.
Luke was proactive and appointed a military committee to update our state funeral protocol if one or both of us died. Luke wanted us alive for a long time but if we died he wanted this country to know all we had done to protect the United States and receive the recognition we deserve.
Matt and I weren”t surprised when the opposition political party filed a federal suit to prevent Dale from running for a second full term. As the Supreme Court heard the case they ruled the constitutional amendment regarding a two term restriction was so ambiguous they would not issue a ruling preventing Dale from running for two full terms in his own right. They would leave it to the people of the United States to determine if he should serve an additional four years. Dale was elected with another landslide and again won both houses of Congress. We were so proud of the little boy who ran into our arms when we opened the door of his house. Little did we know our act of kindness would so impact the people of the United States and the people of the World.
Congress and his political party were loyal to Dale and when he finally finished his full two four year terms and was required to retire as President the new President nominated him as Chief Justice of the United States when the position opened do to health and retirement of his old friend. Congress approved the appointment in record time and we were proud to watch our son start this new role in his life of service.
The years and injuries to our bodies were taking its toll on Matt and me. We became very selective on the trips and speaking engagements we accepted. We always made an annual visit to West Point and made it known we would be honored to be the speaker at the graduation of our sons. The world had a peace never known before and it would take generations before the people of the United States would know the contributions the men and Generals of Alpha Zulu had made.
Finally, as Dale and Duke settled into his role as Chief Justice Matt and I were presented with grandchildren we could spoil and bounce on our knees. The men of Alpha Zulu spoiled them worse than their grandfather and they were always excited when they got to visit at holidays and on vacation breaks.
Matt and I ended up having multiple holidays because our “families” had grown so large Fort Connor, Camp Phoenix and even the Penthouse couldn”t accommodate all of us at one time. It presented some unique logistical challenges but the holidays became a time where we could celebrate all the new additions to our growing clan as well as celebrating with our extended family at Fort Connor.
Doc was in tears when after our quarterly physical he had to admit he didn”t know if he could keep us alive another year. We needed to get our lives in order and prepare our families for the inevitable. Our wills were updated to reflect all the new additions to our family and our stock portfolio was put in an educational trust for our mass of grandchildren. We made certain SD got an ample gift to benefit needy children. Even with all the advances in child adoption there were still too many children which fell through the cracks. We couldn”t help everyone but we could make a big difference even after the end of our lives.
Matt and I became more physically active even as much or more than we did when we first were married. We both agreed there would be no remorse if one of us died in the act of love… Neither of us could think of a better way to end our life. Whoever survived would live a productive life, love and never be a celibate monk. There was to be no thought of being unloyal to a deceased partner. Each of us wanted the other to have the best life possible for as long as possible.
Matt died in my arms and in our bed… We shared our lives and our loves and never strayed from our commitment we made to both man and God so many years ago. Doc was in tears when he pronounced him dead and the political-military machine went into high gear to provide his state funeral. Matt was buried at Arlington with an urn of Roger”s ashes in his casket. I knew when it was my time I would be interned beside him and be held in his arms in heaven.
Now I had to admit to my best friends, my two adjutants, all the years of deception Matt and I had in their lives. I invited them to a casual dinner in my quarters and advised they pour a double “Gift of the Gods” because they would be needing it. I broke Doc”s rules and enjoy a small amount. (I could live with the restriction on my Scotch intake but the dictator went too far when he eliminated my intake of coffee.)
I confess to Viktor and Oliver that Matt and I weren”t totally truthful when we selected you to be our adjutants. When we searched the Army to fill these positions it was with the intent of nurturing you two to inherit our stars when we were gone. After I die and an appropriate amount of time POTUS will nominate you two to fill our positon as General of the Armies of the United States. (They both refilled their double scotch and collapsed into a shocked state in our comfortable chairs.) Doc hasn”t prepared my death certificate and as far as I know I”m good for a few more bolu escort years. I just wanted to be honest with the two men I totally respect and help you prepare for the inevitable. You can always resign your commission or refuse POTUS when he nominates you but I know better. You two are men of integrity and you will serve the people of this great country when and however asked.
Please forgive Matt and me for all our years of secrecy and deception, we only did it because we wanted you to have as normal a career as possible. Let the shock set in and once you realize what I have shared with you tonight we”ll have plenty of time to answer any questions you have. I want you two to know you have my total trust and respect as to your judgement and honor as men and officers in the United States Army. Oliver and Viktor excused themselves and returned to their quarters in a state of shock. I knew the feeling well remembering the night POTUS announced the appointment of two insignificant Army Colonels to the highest rank of the United States Military.
I hated sleeping alone in my bed and the nights were far too long. I started to miss the ALERTS and bit my tongue even at the thought. 0210 hours and my com sounds off announcing an emergency video call from SecDef. What in the hell is Luke up to? Taking it in my quarters Luke was in a state of stress when he asked if I had one more fight left in me. We had another puppy to save and I knew I couldn”t say no!
Get your adjutants and Doc on a jet with as many of your security detail you can immediately transport. I”ll brief you in the air but I need your help immediately if we are going to save this puppy. I brought up Doc, Viktor and Oliver stating I need them in dress uniform with visible side arms in my jet immediately. I asked General Jackson to transport as many security personnel as possible immediately to join us at Andrews. Visible side arms, Uzi and extra ammo clips. I wanted an impressive show of force and hopefully avoid any confrontation.
Luke briefed Viktor, Oliver, Doc and me as we made a record trip to Andrews. We would be traveling in our new behemoth a Boeing 777-200 wide body state of the art jet. Luke intended to make an impression and emphasis the commitment the Army had toward resolving this situation. As Luke ushered us toward my spacious office in the overly spacious 777 I was shocked to see POTUS sitting behind the desk.
POTUS and Luke briefed us that shortly after midnight Logan received a call from a base chaplain concerning the fate of a young gay soldier that had inadvertently come out to a few of his close “friends”. (This Chaplain was a friend of Logan”s who had attended Harvard Divinity School when Logan was attending Harvard School of Business.) Their company commander suggested to his squad a “blanket party” might convince the individual that the Army was no place for a gay man. If the assault on this young man wasn”t bad enough when he was transported to the base medical facility he has received no medical evaluation or assistance during the 36 hours he has been hospitalized.
This is a secure top secret installation and you are going to be facing down a base general who “gives no quarter”. The medical director will challenge everything and anything you want to do so that is why Doc was asked to accompany you. Also, to remove any possibility of there being a confrontation with the medical director being a higher rank POTUS has confirmed with the head of Army Medical Service that you Doc are a man of integrity and your medical qualification are second to none. When it comes to the care of your patient you will face off even against POTUS without any reservation. For that reason, POTUS has signed an executive order promoting you to the rank of a four star general in the United States Army. Luke handed me Doc”s new stars and said our security team had arrived and your plane is ready for takeoff. You have been given priority clearance for the duration of your flight.
You can give Doc his commissioning oath once you get to cruising altitude and I”ll contact the provost marshal of the base shortly before you enter their restricted air space. The pentagon situation room will be up and running to support you so make certain your body cameras are on and functioning.
Luke and POTUS exited our plan commenting “God Speed”! Our pilot announced to buckle up we were cleared for immediate take off and our fighter jet escorts would join us once we reached cruising altitude. Estimated time of arrival would be approximately two hours.
When we finally reached our cruising altitude I looked at my good friend and asked if he was ready to meet his destiny. He only commented he wished I had some moonshine smuggled on board. Adjourning to our passenger area I announced to our Alpha Zulu team present that I had been honored to administer the commissioning oath of a four star General to our most worthy friend and doctor. The men were elated for him to receive such high recognition. Doc looked great with those four stars on his shoulders and I knew I”d still have to personally face a dictatorial doctor who would give no quarter. I wouldn”t have him any other way.
Doc and I had no more than walked down our plane”s ramp, verified our ID with the Provost Marshall who confirmed his direction from the Secretary of Defense was to offer all assistance I required. We immediately heard the screeching of tires and a three star General demanding we leave his base. This is a high security restricted area. I turned to the Provost Marshall and ordered him to put the General in handcuffs and take him to your secure confinement area. Then please take us to your medical facilities.
Doc had reviewed the medical file of the injured soldier during our two hour flight. Entering the hospital he introduced himself to the Charge Nurse and Attending Physician and asked if they had a protocol in place that would bring all medical department personnel to immediately report to the hospital. IMPLEMENT IT IMMEDIATELY!
The medical facility director arrived and demanded who had ordered the immediate staffing of HIS hospital. Doc faced off against the resident medical director and commented he didn”t deserve to wear the uniform of the United States Army or the stars of a general. I am here by order of the President of the United States and you are now under arrest. Ordering the Provost Marshall to place him in handcuffs and transport him to their secure confinement area.
As Doc asked the attending physician to join him in evaluating HIS patient the Director of Nursing arrived screaming orders wanting to know who was ordering HER nursing and medical staff. Doc showed no mercy when he immediately had her handcuffed and placed in confinement.
Viktor and Oliver immediately started to position our Alpha Zulu security to provide protection for the injured soldier. Doc was in his medical ass kicking mode and anyone who questioned an order was removed from the hospital and would face a medical review for their lack of actions and disobeying a direct order. Army CID and JAG would have their hands full when they arrived and Doc would make certain people answered for their lack of proper medical care for an injured soldier.
My order to the Provost Marshall was to have the Company Commander arrested and removed in handcuffs to their secure confinement. The squad involved was to be placed under house arrest with MPs stationed at all points of egress. They could eat MREs until this got sorted out.
Doc commented to the Pentagon Situation Room that he thought we got here fast enough to prevent the death of the soldier. He would have a long recovery and had some serious injuries. He would be better able to give an assessment of the soldier once he got the results of the medical tests that should have been done when he was admitted. Many individuals are guilty of gross negligence and I hope CID and JAG bring them all to accountability.
I finally joined Doc and talked with the patient. I assured him he was in good hands and would be given the best care possible. I tried not to be in shock as I watched Doc assess the young man who had been so battered all the skin on his body was badly bruised and when examining his genitalia his testicles were each swollen to the size of grapefruit.
Doc ordered a morphine drip for his patient and told the young man not to worry, he wouldn”t leave his side till he was ready to be transported to Fort Connor. Army CID swiftly completed their investigation and JAG brought individual before a military court to answer for their actions or lack thereof.
� The Company Commander who suggested the “blanket party” was sentenced to 15 years at hard labor, loss of all benefits and a dishonorable discharge.
� The Base General who ignored the problem and his lack of action was found inexcusable was given 10 years in Leavenworth and a dishonorable discharge.
� The medical director was found guilty of failing to provide adequate medical care for an injured soldier received five years of confinement, a dishonorable discharge and loss of his medical credentials.
� The director of nursing was found guilty of medical malpractice and was sentenced to eight years of confinement, a dishonorable discharge and loss of her medical license.
� The men of the squad who committed the offense against the soldier were sentenced to loss of rank, six month loss of pay, assigned to a prisoner work detail and had a permanent letter of discipline in their Army file.
I met with the chaplain that had contacted Logan and told him if he felt any retaliation against him for his action to let me know and I”d arrange a transfer to whatever posting he desired. I was proud when he stated he wanted to remain where he was and service the religious needs of his flock.
It took ten days before Doc felt it was appropriate to transport HIS patient to Fort Connor. Doc filed a complete medical evaluation of the situation and the culpability of each person who failed to provide adequate medical care. I was never prouder of those four stars on his shoulders even if I knew he would be the demanding physician who rules his domain and yields to no man. I knew even being a “hard ass” doctor every man of Alpha Zulu would walk over hot coals to help this man they respected and loved.
TO BE CONTINUED…
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