The Crystal Rainbow

By: Hank Horne
(© 2019 by the author)

The author retains all rights. No reproductions are allowed without the author's consent. Comments are appreciated at...

HHorne@tickiestories.us

Chapter 12
In the Warriors’ Words – Part II 

Group 3:

In the third session of the day, which was held early afternoon, Majid and Dildar sat in with Justin for the interviews.  Justin started the session introducing the cousins to the group, although they had gotten to know them casually through the week.  This group included Jesse an Army man from Missoula, MT;  Sean, a Navy SEAL from Chicago, IL; David-Mal-chin, a Coast Guardsman from San Francisco, CA, Dekker, an Airman from Timmonsville, SC; and Matt, a Navy SEAL from St. Louis, MO.

After telling the men about his own military experience, Justin asked, “What are we doing with a pair of SEALs here together?”

Matt and Sean,  SEALs

“We’ve become as close as Siamese twins since you hooked us up the other day,” Sean replied.

“We’ve moved in with each other already and our escorts have the room next door,” Matt added.

“Yeah, we told ‘em to take another room or go home!” Sean said.

“They took the room and have been shadowing us since then,” Matt said.  “They’re damned good, too.  We haven’t been able to shake them even with our combined stealth training.”

That got laughs from the others in the room.

Dildar turned to Justin and in a low voice said, “Don’t tell them about the tracking devices that were implanted the first night they were here.”

Justin was the first one to break up, then after the shock and the other guys realized Dildar was pulling their (middle?) leg, they picked up on the joke laughing.

 “What led up to your PTSD diagnosis?” Justin asked, getting back on course.  “Did it become chronic?”

Matt and Sean looked at each other.  “It’s crazy that the two of us have such similar histories leading up to the diagnoses,” Matt started.

“We could probably tell our stories with each of us narrating the other’s story while talking about ours,” Sean said.

“We had never met because we’re from different parts of the country and I had passed the SEAL tests a couple of years before Sean,” Matt continued.

“We were always in different units at different stages of training and assignments,” Sean interjected.  “We both did our share of door kicking ….”

“… and being too close to blasts which rattled both of us more than we needed,” Matt interjected.  “Being in some of the sharpest units in the Navy, we were put into some of the most strenuous situations.”

“While neither of us had full concussions, there were serious consequences of enduring the rattles inside our heads.”

“That, and the stress away from the battle zones with our personal secrets all played a role in developing PTSD.”

“We each had boyfriends who we left behind,” Sean continued.  “My boyfriend had been in the Army.  I didn’t know that he was HIV-positive until just before he died.  Fortunately, I was never infected, but losing him and not being able to share my grief with anyone didn’t help with my mental issues.”

Matt picked up his story.  “I was in a relationship for about three years.  The entire time I felt strange, not being able to acknowledge he existed at work.  He would be with my family when I was deployed, but for all anyone knew, he was a good friend.  No hugs from him.  Just a handshake, a slap on the arm or back.  Just another bud seeing me off.  Same thing when I would get home.  No embrace until we were alone.  He was getting more and more bent out of shape with the way the relationship wasn’t going.  It was driving me nuts also.  I guess we really never had a chance.” 

“Being a SEAL is stressful enough, but with our personal lives adding to the stress, it was more than we could deal with,” Sean continued.  “Physically, we were still in top shape.  It was the mental stress ambushing us from all directions that broke us.”

“But this week here has been a one hundred eighty degree turn around for us.  Our minds are clearer now.  We have someone who can relate to what we’ve been through.  And we have made some great friends.”

“Tell us about your dogs,” Justin requested.

“I have a three-year-old Boxer,” Matt said.  “I named him Rocky, for Marciano and Balboa.  He enjoys running with me, wrestling me to the ground then pinning me and licking my face all over.”

“My dog is a four-year-old Golden Retriever,” Sean told the group.  “I got him when he was two.  I’d had a short-lived affair with a woman – a strawberry-blonde.  One evening, after some active entertainment in bed and while she was taking a shower, a kid came by selling tickets to a theater production at his high school.  Before I bought any tickets, I hollered into the bathroom and asked her if she would like to see Oliver Twist.  She hollered back, ‘If you show me any more tricks with that thing, I’ll scream!’” 

Everybody in the room was in stitches laughing.

“Soon after, we broke up.  I guess I traded her for him, so I named him … what else?  ‘Oliver.’”

“Dekker!  So you were career Air Force, huh?” Justin asked. 

Dekker, USAF

“Yessir!”

“Special Tactics combat controller attached to a Special Operations Command.”

Dekker nodded his head.

“You know you’re not the only Air Force combat controller here this week?”

“Yessir! We’ve gotten to know each other and compared notes over some brewskis!” Dekker replied.

Several of the other guys chimed in with, “I’ll drink to that!” 

“You’ll drink to anything!” Dildar interjected, as everyone laughed.

“Ignore them!” Majid commented to Dekker, who smiled at the Kurdish hunks.

“I spent 11 years in the Air Force and had six deployments.”

“And how many medals and commendations?” Justin asked.

Dekker paused, then replied after overcoming his embarrassment, “Three Purple Hearts, and one Air Force Cross in the last deployment.”

“Sounds like your retirement was well deserved and I’ll bet you’ve been greatly missed,” Justin said.  “I’ve heard that you’ve been called an amazing combat controller by some pretty high-ups.  We’re proud of you too and appreciate your taking the time to join us here.

“Mal-chin, or is it David?” Justin asked.

David Mal-chin, USCG

“Yes to both.  Among the Chinese-American population, it is customary to give children both an American name and a Chinese name which is used among the family, especially the grandparents and others who are still in Taiwan.  My four grandparents came to America in 1949, bringing my parents with them who were already betrothed.  Then my grandparents and parents became American citizens.  I was born in San Francisco, as were my brother and sister.  David is my first name and how I was known on Coast Guard records.  David Mal-chin Wang.” 

“Your mom and dad were betrothed in Taiwan ….” Justin started to ask when Mal-chin continued to answer.

“All four of my grandparents were born in China and each pair moved to Taiwan where the four became best friends.  They were together during a nighttime air raid in 1944 and spent the night together.  During the night, the four of them became intimate with the other’s spouse.  As a result ….”

“Are you serious?” Majid asked, while jumping to conclusions.

“… my father and mother are half-brother and sister,” Mal-chin continued.

“How did you find out?” Majid asked.

“When I had my physical for the Coast Guard, they ran DNA tests which verified what my parents had been told after they were married.  So my uncles and aunts are half-siblings to my parents.”

The comments around the room ran from “Wow!” to “That’s wild!” to “Unreal!”

“When did you come out to your family?” Justin asked.

“My parents probably suspect but I have not told them directly.  My brother and sister know, but it’s a topic that’s not discussed around their children or our parents.  They are both married with children, but the Coast Guard has been my career since I was eighteen years old.”

“In other words, you’ve been too busy with your career to settle down and get married.” Justin confirmed.

“Exactly.  There have been times when I needed a plus-one and it took some doing to find her.  I put an ad in an alternative newspaper, ‘Gay man looking for a lady to accompany him to events.’  I got several responses, even one from a man who, I guess, wanted to hook-up.  One lady wrote the nicest response so I replied to her.  We met for lunch and she was receptive to going to Coast Guard events with me on the condition that I would accompany her to some of her business events.  We’re still friends and still going places together.”

“So as far as your Coast Guard acquaintances are concerned …?” Justin asked.

“Don’t ask – don’t tell.  I have a picture of the two of us on my desk and everyone is happy.”

“No stress or strain regarding your true orientation,” Justin offered.

“Not when I have a lady-friend to make appearances with me and her picture in front of me daily.  We’re both on the same page.  I have three more years in to make twenty, then I retire.”

“The lady in question ….” Dildar said.

“As my grandfather used to say, ‘Ask me no questions and I’ll tell you no lies,’” Mal-chin cut him off.

“Don’t ask – don’t tell!” Justin clarified, then bowed to the Chinese-American Coast Guardsman.  “Xièxiè, Mal-chin.  Thank you, David.

“Jesse, my man.  Your experience in the military is really incredible.  Fifteen years in the Army as an openly gay, black man?” Justin commented.

Jesse, USA

It was August of 1990 when I went with my cousin to the Army Recruiting Office so he could sign up.  The Recruiter handed me an application form also and I filled it out completely honest.  I was not going to hide that I’m gay.  If they don’t want me because of that, so be it!  So I checked the box that said I’m homosexual.  Then when I had my physical, the doctor saw that I checked the box saying I’m a homo-sex-ual, so he sent me to a psychiatrist.  The psychiatrist asked me if I was just trying to get out of military service for saying I was gay.  I told him ‘No, sir.  I’m willing to serve my country but I won’t deny who I am.’

“Then the psychiatrist asked, ‘What do you like to do?’  I told him, ‘Well, the same stuff any gay man likes to do – you know, like man, I do oral and anal sex.’  Then he started to get pissed with me and nearly yelled at me, ‘I want to know exactly what you like to do when you’re having gay sex!’  So I was getting pissed myself and told him, ‘I like to suck big dicks and get fucked in the ass with them, if you didn’t know!’

“Then he wants to know if I ever date women.  What was he thinking?  I’ve just told him I like to suck dick and get ass-fucked and he wants to know if I ever have sexual intercourse with women.  I told him no, but that I dated a couple of ‘fag-hags,’ and none of them had a dick!  After an hour and a half in his office, he finally put down that I was homosexual – now get this – but fit for military service.”

“So you’re inducted into the Army,” Justin said, and Jesse nodded his head.  “How did things go in basic?”

“No major problem.  They accepted that I am black and gay.  So what?  As long as I don’t bother them, they’ll stay away from me.”

“This is really incredible,” Justin commented.

“Well, I requested a discharge, but it was denied.  So then I was sent to school to be an office assistant.  I was assigned to one department, but the commander deemed me unacceptable for his department.  Fine.  Give me a discharge.  Never happened.  I got transferred to Fort Belvoir as an office assistant.  When I got to my unit, they were okay with me.   Then one night, there must have been a full moon and some of the guys were extra horny and some of them tried to rape me.

“The next morning I filed a complaint.  They wanted names.  I gave them names.  But since they did not succeed in completing their attempted sexual intercourse, it was listed as a simple assault.  I told the investigating officer that he could tell each of them that if he ever even looks at me in an odd way, he’d better not go to sleep again where I can find him.  I told you I’m gay but I’m not going to tolerate this kind of bullshit!  If you don’t believe me, just try me!     I never had another problem in the rest of my time in the Army.

“So this all happened in your first year in the Army?” Justin asked.

Jesse shook his head.  “Make it the first six months!”

“What did you do the rest of your time in?”

“I had a great time.  I was assigned to personnel.  I went to college and got my four-year degree.  Wherever I was sent, I travelled around the neighboring countries.  I learned a lot about myself and other people.  Hell, I enjoyed my life and my job.”

“So what changed?” Justin asked.

“This past April, the Army told me they were revoking my security clearance because I’m gay – for the third time. Before, I’d always said, ‘Okay.’  Then they’d change their collective mind and write back that since I admit to being gay,  I wasn’t a security risk after all, and my work was exemplary.   Not this last time – the third time, I was out!  Three years before they would have to pay me retirement income.”

“What are your options now?” Justin asked.

“I’m having talks with some of the A.L.C.U. attorneys and they’re preparing my case now.  We’ll see how it goes,” Jesse concluded. *

“Man, we’re glad you could make time to be with us this week.  It’s not only a pleasure to know you, but an honor too!” Justin commented.  “It’s about time to break this session up.  I need to visit the head, so enjoy the rest of your time here, guys.”

The group stood and began chatting  with each other, then filed out of the library, as Justin went around the corner to the head. 

* * * * * * *

Group 4:

Scott and Harvey joined Justin for the last group of the day.  This group included Xavier, a Marine from Birmingham, AL; Laurence, a Coast Guardsman from Framingham, MA; Lee, a soldier from Norman, OK; Larry, a Seaman from Pasadena, CA; and Larry, an Airman from Colorado Springs, CO.

Justin opened this session with a brief summary of his time in the Marines and how he came to be associated with the Crystal Rainbow.  He introduced Scott and Harvey and their roles in the facility.  Then he asked Lee about his experience with being gay in the Army.

Lee,  USA

“I’m Lee; I’m from Norman, Oklahoma.  My first tour of duty in Iraq in 2004 was when I came out to myself.  There were car bombs going off all around us and we were under fire from mortars and rockets daily.  One of my buds was killed the first week were there.  I finally had to accept who I am.  It was after that tour, when I was back at Fort Hood (TX) that I started being harassed.  Emails.  Phone calls at work.  My supervisor at work noticed a change in me.  He seemed sympathetic to begin with, but later he went to the legal department and told them what I had told him in confidence.  They did an investigation and I tried to be as cooperative as I could.  Finally they told me they couldn’t find sufficient evidence, so I thought I was clear to be open about it.  But eventually they agreed I would be given an honorable discharge.”

“How do you deal with it now?” Justin asked.

“I guess I was just lucky, but the whole ordeal was pretty heavy.  But one thing I’ve noticed this week is that … that period in my life and the ball and chain I’ve been dragging since has slipped away.  I feel like that entire era has been washed into oblivion and I’m a new man.  What was … is another incarnation that has nothing to do with me here and now.” 

Lee stood, walked over to Justin, Scott and Harvey and each man stood as he approached them.  Lee gave each of them a big hug.  A firm, strong bearhug which he held on them for probably a full minute.  The four of them had tears in their eyes – and they weren’t by themselves.

Harvey was the first to speak as the other sat again.  “It’s five o’clock somewhere and I need a beer!”  Everyone else agreed.  He went over to the fridge in the Residence Library, pulled out eight Heinekens and passed them around.  “To Lee!  And each of you!  You’re the type of man we look up to as a hero!”

Scotty added, “Chug-a-lug!” 

After a few minutes of socializing, Justen brought the discussion back to the events that changed the men’s lives.  “What made the change in the Alabama Anaconda’s life in Birmingham?” he asked.

Xavier, USMC

“Well, the events of 11 September 2001 changed everything in Alabama just as it has in the rest of the United States.  The reservists were called to duty, and like others around the country, I volunteered to deploy to Iraq.  As a Civil Affairs Team Leader, I was designated to help local Iraqi villages develop critical infrastructure projects.  I realize now that being a part of this was a highlight of my military service.  I learned a lot about leadership and troop welfare in my time there. 

“Then came that fateful day in October, at least what I can remember about it.  There was a newspaper reporter riding next to me in the up-armored Humvee.  We stopped to check on a police station that had been destroyed the night before, and the Marine squad who were guarding the area.

“At one stop, I warned the reporter about a sniper that had killed several of our guys and to keep low and move fast.  The sniper’s first shot hit the wall where his head had been.  The second shot shattered my elbow and tore up both parts of the arm, and neither was humerus!”

“Oh, boo – hiss!” Laurence interjected, and others chuckled at the pun.

“The Corpsman ran over to me and pulled me out of the line of fire, risking his life at the same time.  Then a young Lance Corporal drove me at ridiculously high speed to get me back to base, risking his life too.  I ended up at Navy Med.  While I was there, I ran into the Lance Corporal who had been admitted for shrapnel wounds.  He was with his best friend, as he said, was ‘vaporized’ right in front of him from a car bomb.

“I suffered from anxiety, fear, depression, and on top of that I had a severe reaction to the medicine given me.  I was having hallucinations just lying in bed.  My heart was beating double time and even the doctors were concerned I might have a heart attack. 

“But my own distress cannot compare with the grief that thousands of families have to deal with.  They’ve had to bury loved ones and will suffer every day due to their loss.  I cannot begin to understand the depths of their grief, and I hope all Americans can appreciate the horrific sacrifices that have been made.”

After a period of silence, Justin quietly commented, “Brother, you make me proud to be a Marine alongside you!  Another pause, then Justin continued.  “Laurence, my man, lay it on me! 

Laurence, USCG

“Well, sir, I’m from Framingham, Massachusetts, and signed up for the Coast Guard when I finished college at Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, North Carolina.  My uncle lived in Charlotte and said I could stay with him while in school.  Then I went back north and signed up for the Coast Guard.  I loved the ships, the uniforms, the service to our country.  My college degree gave me some extra points for advancement.  Everything went well through basic and my early service.  I was selected for flight school, then advanced flight training and I became qualified to fly a Jayhawk.”

Scotty looked puzzled at the type of aircraft a Jayhawk is, and Everett, an Air Force Staff Sergeant explained that it was the Coast Guard’s version of the famous Black Hawk helicopter.

“I wanted to be the best I could, so I was ready to accept every mission to improve my proficiency.  I got to fly down to Florida – down to Pensacola – and work Hurricane Ivan.  I got to meet Vice President Gore.”

“Don’t forget your two commendation medals,” Xavier interjected.

“Yeah, that was nice,” Laurence added.

“Tell us about the crash,” Justin urged.  “That was not nice!”

“No, it wasn’t.  I was in the co-pilot’s seat and we were flying low to see if a boat needed assistance.  There were power lines that were not marked by those big orange balls to identify their location.  The sun was at just the angle to prevent us from seeing the lines, and then we were being shaken and tossed around when we hit them.  My legs were damaged the worst in the crash.  I was done with the Coast Guard.  I’ve always admired their ideals.  And all the guys I worked with had the same kind of mindset that I did.  I liked the discipline of the military and being one of the lifesavers.”  He looked up at Xavier and said, “Any flavor you want, smartass!”

That got laughter from the group.

“So being gay was never an issue?” Justin asked.

“Not especially.  I was single.  Eligible.  At least as far as the other officers’ wives were concerned.  Everybody wanted to fix me up with some eligible girl they knew, and there were only so many excuses I could use for not taking the bait.  I just needed to meet up with an Alabama anaconda for me to swallow, hook, line and sinker.” 

Laurence reached over to grab the bulge stretching down Xavier’s pant leg, giving it a squeeze.

“Thank you, Laurence,” Justin said.  “Now from Laurence to Larry!  Tell us about your voyage with the Navy.”

Larry, USN

“I’m Larry.  I had a twin brother, Darryl.  He died when we were six years old.  I’ve never gotten over losing him.  We both loved the water so I decided early on that I wanted to be a sailor. We both were good swimmers and I continued it.  I was one of the stronger swimmers in every stroke style on my high school swim team.  I had a girlfriend then who was also a swimmer and we had several classes together in school.  I knew I was part gay even then, but I thought if I had a girlfriend I might be more like the other guys.  It also helped that she was as good an athlete as I was.  She could keep up with me in all the other activities, like skating, billiards, golf, basketball.  We loved being with each other and being so equal in everything.  It was unheard of for a girl to be so … so proficient in everything.  It was like we were meant for each other.

“After high school, she went to college at USC (University of Southern California) and I went into the Navy.  We remained close and would always get together when I was home on leave.  One of the great things about that is she is a Scorpio and I’m a Leo.  So what does that have to do with anything?  We never figured out which one was hornier.  (Laughter around the room!)  During high school she would give me the best blowjobs I’ve ever had and she loved getting butt-fucked, as well as normal twat-fucking.  Although she was on The Pill, I always played it safe with the rubbers.  I didn’t need any babies to take care of to begin with, but when she finished school and I was on my way to a career in the Navy, we decided to get married.  That’s when the rubbers came off — and then we had twins. 

“I wouldn’t have been surprised at identical twins, since I was one but she dropped two eggs and we ended up with a girl and a boy.  We were ecstatic.  She had what she wanted … children … and a means to support them.  The sex was much less frequent.  Finally, she admitted to me she’s a lesbian.  That was when I told her I was gay.  We agreed to stay together until the kids were grown.  I was at sea for their eighteenth birthday, but we celebrated when I got home.  She and I decided to spring the news on the kids, so after a celebratory dinner at a fancy L A restaurant, we sat down with them to spill the beans. 

“‘We’ve got something to tell you guys,’ I started.  Jen, my wife, continued. ‘We’ve held this from you long enough.’  ‘What?’ our daughter asked. ‘That you’re a lesbian ….’ ‘… and dad’s gay?’ our son finished.  Jen and I sat there with mouths agape.  ‘How long have you known?’ I asked.  ‘Oh, probably five or six years,’ our daughter replied.  ‘Soon after we discovered we’re gay also,’ our son added.   After the initial shock, our children leaned over to us, kissing each of us full on the mouths.

“I had one more year to retirement, we’re still married … in name only.  We date whom we want to.   As of this past 30 June, I’m retired from government service, and I don’t have to be concerned about who I’m seen with.  I’ve got a job now where my sexuality is irrelevant, and over twenty years of training how to act straight as any sailor at sea!”

That comment got the laughter intended.

“Everett, how did you and the Air Force get along with each other?” Justin asked.

Everett, USAF

“First of all, I am an American warrior who has answered his nation’s call to service.  Then, I am a photojournalist, a wingman, and most important to me, I am a husband.  Through high school and college, I was a successful athlete, but keeping the real me hidden deep in the shadows.  But then, the Air Force introduced me to the man who would become my husband – my forever wingman.   After all these years, I can openly acknowledge, I am gay and I can finally live my life to the fullest.

“A friend and colleague one told me that ‘who I love is essential to why I serve but irrelevant to how I serve.’  Ultimately, we join the military for those we love – the people and the country.  Those of us who are members of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender groups have sworn to protect our loved ones, just as straight Airmen and women have.”

“Bravo!”  “Right on!”  “Amen!”  The comments of agreement went around the Conversation Pit.

“Thank you, Everett.  Anybody got anything else to add here?” Justin asked.   When there was no response, Justin continued.  “Well, I have just one more thing.  The past hour, we have been transmitting this discussion by a secure line from my laptop here to another laptop at Andrews Air Force Base in the Maryland suburbs of Washington.” Justin turned on the television monitor so everyone could see a man on the screen.  Everett started shedding tears at seeing his husband on the screen.  “Everett’s husband, Neil, has been watching this group session and I’m sure he’ll have some comments for us.  Neil?”

Neil, USAF                                      

“Good afternoon, Buzz, guys.  After hearing about the fun you all have had so far this weekend and your experiences as gay men in government service, I wish more than ever that I could have been there with you.  But you understand fully what it means by ‘duty before pleasure.’  And what I’ve heard today from you makes me more proud than ever that I am able to serve our country alongside you great men of our military services.  As a married man, one half of a gay couple, both of whom are in the military, we have faced our share of obstacles, both professionally and personally, but we consider it an honor to wear the same uniform worn by some of the bravest and strongest individuals in our country.  You gentlemen are among those who have sacrificed for the rest of us Americans, and have done so – with pride!  Justin, thank you for including me with the group this afternoon.  Buzz, I love you!”

Everett replied, “Love you, too, Ace!”

“Thank you, Neil,” Justin replied.  “Anytime you and Everett want to spend some leave here with us, we’d be honored to have you as our guests.”  There was applause, and everybody started chatting among themselves when the television screen went blank.  “See you guys at the Club this evening!”  Justin stood to shake hands and hug each of the men there.

* * * * * * *

That evening, after all the guests had gone over to the Club, Grant, Majid, Dildar and Justin joined Hassan in the Conversation Pit of the Library.  Jamal and Arman appeared when everyone was together and sealed the room from any outside listening abilities.

Hassan started the conversation.  “After sitting through one of the sessions with the guys, I got to thinking about the men and their attachment with their dogs.  Would it be reasonable, or even possible, for each man and his dog to be telepathic with each other?  I imagine The Big Guys could do that, but should it be done?  Justin, these are your men.  You understand them better than any of us could.  I’m just tossing the idea out for discussion.  So — open forum thoughts?!” Hassan looked at Jamal and Arman.

The two Big Guys replied in unison, “It would be possible to give them a more acute sense of each other or the ability to read the thoughts of the other.”

Justin’s eyes opened extremely wide, and he shook his head a couple of times. “In stereo?” he asked, as the other three men chuckled.  “So you could enhance the sensitivity of each to the other to make them easier to know what they’re thinking?” Justin asked.

“Exactly!” The Big Twins replied together. 

“We could do that now and learn how effective it is before they leave,” Jamal said. 

“If we need to make adjustments or remove the charm, we can do so,” Arman added.

All eyes turned first to Grant and then Majid for their reaction to the proposition.

Majid spoke first.  “Do they need such an enhancement?  Why would they need it?”

Hassan replied.  “Maybe they don’t need the enhancement, but it could help the dog provide something before he was told to do it.  He may see or sense something … a car coming fast … a gun firing … he might be able to warn his owner of something a split second sooner.  It was just a thought I wanted to run by you.”

“It has merit, Hass,” Grant said.  “But I don’t know that it would be sufficiently beneficial to make the enhancement.”

“If I may, Master,” Jamal said.  “We could increase the sensitivity between the two to give it the effect of what is known as ESP!”

“Extrasensory perception,” Justin muttered, nodding his head.

“But would it improve the veteran’s self-reliability for the years his dog would be with him to be of significant value?” Grant asked.

“That was our thinking,” Armand confirmed.  “Would it be of value for more than ten or twelve of your years?”

“And how would it affect the man being ultra-sensitive to his pet’s suffering as he is in his last days with the man?” Jamal added.

“In the long run, it might be more of a detriment than a benefit to the veteran,” Majid offered.

The Persian Twins spoke in unison, “Or we could twerk only the companion’s sensitivity to the needs of the man and he would not know the difference.”

Majid and Grant looked at each other, then over to Justin.  The three men shook their heads as they laughed.

“I think you mean tweak,” Grant told the jinn. “And that sounds good to me.  Guys?”

The four men nodded and signaled two thumbs up!

“Hass, thank you for thinking about our guys and pushing for a better way of life for them,” Justin said with deep sincerity.  “What we are doing for them this week should set them on their way to full recovery, and when this dog dies in ten or fifteen years, he can adapt to another companion.” He stood and grabbed Hassan in a bear hug, giving him a chaste kiss on the lips.  He went around the room hugging Grant, Majid, Arman and Jamil, and kissing each of them as he hugged them. “Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you!”

“Let’s break this up,” Grant said.  “All of you go home, release your tension and get some nookie!”

Everyone laughed as they left the Library.                                

* * * * * * *

Later that night, Everett and his Crystal Rainbow escort, Garrett, crawled in their bed together, but Everett was not in the mood for making-out with him. 

“Sorry, Garrett, I’m just not in the mood tonight,” the hunky airman told his companion.

“Not a problem,” Garrett replied as he got out of bed and stretched out on the recliner that was in the room.  “Pleasant dreams about your husband.” 

“Thanks for understanding,” Everett said as he thought about his forever-lover.

About thirty-minutes later, a man appeared on the bed beside the sleeping airman.  The man reached around his lover and husband, sliding up close behind him and placing kisses on his neck.  The younger airman slid closer to the man who had wrapped his arms around him, feeling a protrusion sliding between his legs and butt-cheeks.  He wiggled his rear to feel the familiar penetration that he loved so dearly.

Gradually, Everett awoke and turned over to face Neil next to him in bed.  “What are you doing here?” he asked.

“I made a wish that I could be with you, and then I was here.  I wanted to be with you so much.”

“And I wanted you with me, too.  Maybe dreams do come true.”

The talking stopped, but the hugging and kissing continued while their scimitars were dueling.  The two hot airmen eventually turned so they were in a Pisces 69, mouths sucking on the hook, anxious to ingest some tiny, white wiggling cream.  It didn’t take long for both men to serve up their main courses and empty their supply of protein.  Then they turned to share a portion of their just desserts, and with their arms around each other, slipped into Dreamland. 

A few hours later, Mother Nature awoke Everett for a command performance.  As the hunky airman opened his eyes, he was expecting to see his husband lying beside him.  But the other half of the bed was empty.  Someone had lain there during the night, but Garrett was still asleep on the recliner. 

Everett was confused.

He got out of bed and used the toilet, then came back and lay down.  ‘What happened last night?’ he wondered.  ‘I know Ace was here.  I just know it!  I can still taste his cum in my mouth!  I can smell his Drakkar Noir on the pillow.’  “What the hell!?” he said aloud, waking up his Crystal Rainbow escort.

Garrett opened his eyes and looked around.  “What’s the matter?”

“I’m having hallucinations!” the nude hunk said.  “Ace was here!  We spent the night together!  I still have his taste in my mouth and I can smell his cologne on the bed.  He was here!  I know he was!”

“I smell the cologne too,” Garrett agreed.  “Let me taste your tongue, you sexy stud.”

“Hell, no!” the airman said firmly.  “This is my hallucination.  Go have your own.” 

The Irish dancer knew what probably happened, thanks to the mischievous jinn, so he chuckled. “Well, enjoy it while you can.  Your husband probably had the same dream or – hallucination.  Ask him when you talk to him.  Yesterday was a pretty emotional time for both of you.” 

That was when Everett’s cellphone signaled a FaceTime call coming in from Neil.

“Good morning, lover!” Everett said as he accepted the call.

“You have no idea how much I miss you,” Neil replied.

“I’ll bet you a steak dinner I do!”

“You? Spring for a steak dinner?” Neil retorted.

“Do you still taste my cum in your mouth?” Everett asked.

The look on Neil’s face was priceless. “How the hell did you know?”

“I’m still tasting your cum in my mouth!”

“What the fuck’s going on?  How’s that possible?” Neil asked.

“I don’t know and very frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn!  I’m just glad it happened, and that you experienced it too,” Everett answered.

“We must be meant for each other, lover!”

“Forever and ever after, my love!”

They chatted for a few more minutes, said ‘good bye,’ then got themselves ready for breakfast.

* * * * * * *

To be continued...

*The soldier on who’s experience in the Army is referenced here eventually found a measure of Justice when the Supreme Court allowed the ruling of the Court of Appeals to stand in favor of him.  An infield home run for ‘Jesse.’

* * * * * * *

Disclaimer:  Incidents described in this chapter were adapted from actual interviews with the military heroes who experienced them.  The names of course have been changed.  While they may consider they’ve just had a very bad day at work, there are many others of us who admire them and feel they deserve all the honors given them, but not the tragedies that befell them.  Some are straight, others are gay.  I, for one, greatly admire the hero inside each Man and Woman. 

Posted: 12/06/19