For those that have been following the story of Benji, thank you.
This is the final chapter. Well not the final chapter of Benji's life, but the final chapter of my story. No disclaimers needed here. For those looking for sex or anything else you will be somewhat disappointed.
My name is Clarence Wilson, I was sort shanghaied into working for the International Security Command and Brin. Everyone knows the story behind it. Brin asked me to write a full account of Benji's story, taken from the notes and stories told by Benji and others.
It has been almost five years since the rescue of the boys and girls from slave camps in Burundi, Africa, and Asia. There have been many changes in the short five years.
To go back:
After a very short night and a very loving reunion between Brin and Benji, Commander Samuels, Captain of the Ortona, called to inform Commander Sadac that the Good hope was now in range. Although Brin and Benji had but short time together, they got up, showered, and dressed. Reporting to the Bridge of the Ortona.
Benji, almost as soon as he was on the bridge spoke up.
"Captain, Although you may think I am overstepping my authority, I want the Loyal Edmonton Regiment, those that can be moved, transferred to the Iwo Jima as soon as possible. This ship will go flank to catch up the Good Hope. As you are now in range of the Good hope you will, using every available aircraft begin moving the most severely wounded boys and girls to the Good Hope. On their return trip they will be bringing boys that are capable of moving. This Ship, is now for all intents and purposes attached to the International Security Command until such times I deem I no longer need it. You will also lay on a helicopter to transfer Commander Sadac to the Pearson."
The silence on the bridge could have been cut with a knife.
Captain Samuels bristled at the order. Never in his long career aboard ship had he ever been told his Command was now subservient to another. Especially one that wasn't even in the Armed Forces of NorAm.
"Who the hell do you think you are boy?"
"Deputy Commander of the International Security Command and in Reality Commander of this entire Fleet."
"What?"
I stood back in the corner, staying well out of the confrontation. Benji had put his foot into it and I wanted to see how far he would push it before Captain Samuel backed down or ordered him off the Bridge.
"Can you tell me Captain, your orders from Admiral Kincaid?"
"Support and supply assistance to the Loyal Edmonton Regiment and their Commander. Major General Mayes is their Commander."
"I'd have thought after twenty two years of exemplary service with the Forces of NorAm, you could read orders correctly Captain. I guess I was wrong."
"I beg your Pardon."
"Captain, the man who Commands the Loyal Edmonton Regiment is Commander Sadac, and in his absence is the Deputy Commander."
"I beg to differ Sir."
I knew right then, that Captain Samuels would back down. It was no longer boy. He had called him Sir.
"Captain, I don't want a conflict here. I need your ship. I need all of this ship. The Good hope is at capacity. There are now over 5,000 young boys and girls on that ship. I need all the troop spaces, I need all the medical facilities. Captain if I have to take this ship by force, I will have entire Loyal Edmonton Regiment supporting and your Marines."
Benji, by this time had tears running down his face.
"Son, all you had to do was ask."
He wrapped Benji in his arms and held him as he cried. I should have been the doing it but, Benji had grown up real fast in that short combat engagement. He was still a boy inside, but outside he was definitely a force to reconded with.
The Captain turned to the officer of the deck.
"Set speed to flank. Notify Iwo that I need all her air assets to move the Eddies off my ship. Get the Aircrews moving. Notify the tween decks we have incoming boys."
"Yes Sir."
I felt the increase in speed almost immediately.
"Commander Sadac, we will have a helicopter just ahead of bridge, when your ready to transfer to the Pearson."
"Thank you Captain. It has been a real pleasure to be aboard your ship Sir."
"No Sir. The pleasure was all mine. To have The Eddies on board the ship honoring their battle, which this ship is named for, is more than I had ever expected."
"Captain we all serve."
I grabbed Benji and we exited the Bridge.
"You were a little hard on him Love."
"I'm sorry Brin, but I need this ship for our family."
I know Love. Family first; Everything else is secondary."
I just wrapped my arms around him and held him. If we hadn't been just below the Bridge I might have ripped his clothes off right there. God how I wanted to make love to him. Feeling his cock pushing against his pants, I knew he felt the same way.
"Your going after Ari?"
"Yes Love, but I am also going to try to defuse a war. Israel went to a war footing when Sudan announced they were going to execute Ari as a war criminal. Benji I fought long and hard to bring peace to the Middle East. I can't; I won't let it go back to the way it was."
"I know Brin, but it scares me."
"Hey love, I plan to meet you in Cape Town. Captain Fontaine is planning to refuel there. The St. Peter will be there too. We sail to the Gilbert Island together."
We were definitely sucking face, when an Ensign came up.
"Commander, when ever you are ready." He hastily retreated.
"Well my love, my everything, see you in ten days."
"Take care Brin. I love you."
"There is no one, anywhere I love more Benji. Take good care of our new Family. They come first above all Love."
"Yes Commander, my Love."
He stood and saluted Brin as he boarded the aircraft to take him to the Pearson.
Neither knew that last kiss below the Bridge would be their last.
As Brin was enroute to the Pearson to catch a cod back to Burundi City, Benji went back to the Bridge of the Ortona.
"Captain, I apologize for my earlier outburst. This is all so new to me."
"No need to apologize Son. I know how much pressure you are under. This ship and all those out there are here for you Sir."
"Captain, if it is possible, I would like to on the first aircraft moving the injured to the Good Hope."
"No problem Commander. Ensign, escort the Commander to the fantail and get him on the first flight. Good-bye and good luck Commander. God go with you."
Benji saluted the Captain and then followed the Ensign.
The Osprey was fully loaded when Benji arrived, but had been informed that Benji would go with the first flight. He squeezed in along side a stretcher. Reached and held the young boys hand, as the aircraft lifted off. Seeing all the injured young men on board was almost too much. It was only a moment before tears were streaming down his face. He was not alone. Even the oldest and crustiest sailors on board were crying.
Brin's helicopter had barely landed, when he was helped into a life jacket and given a pair of sound suppressors. He was escorted directly onto a COD, lined up for take off. Remembering the last COD he had been on, he hesitantly sat down and buckled up. He felt the vibration of the aircraft moving into position on the catapult. A crewmember came in and quickly checked that Brin was properly buckled in and then sat down and buckled in.
Brian had been catapulted off numerous carriers in his life, but it was still very astounding that a thirty-ton aircraft could go from zero to 140 knots in less than 2 seconds. Moreover, it was always uncomfortable, being slammed back into his seat. As the aircraft rolled away and climbed, He could see a massive fleet below. All doing a weird ballet as some did 180 turns to head back north as others continued to steam south. Admiral Kincaid was not taking any chances that this COD could be intercepted. Raptures slowly eased into position on the port wing of the Cod and Brin knew there were probably several others riding shotgun on his aircraft. He settled back for the 1200-mile trip to Burundi.
Although when the crew- man looked, it looked like Brin was sleeping, in fact his mind was working at the same speed as the aircraft. Trying to figure out how he could hold back the war between Sudan and Israel. If Sudan went ahead with their plan to execute Ari, all hell would break loose in the Middle East. Well first to Burundi and then on to Jerusalem.
.......................
Benji had very rough ride to the Good Hope. His aircraft landed on the pad above the bridge. It seemed like mayhem on board. With boys moving to the incoming aircraft, even while boys on stretchers were being moved below. He was mobbed by the boys who knew him, and although just several feet from the Bridge, it took him almost an hour to reach it.
"Welcome aboard Commander." Captain Fontaine said.
"Thank you Captain, but its just Benji."
"Welcome aboard Benji. You were on the first flight. I figured you might have problems getting down here. We are at over capacity. Not only the most serious cases from the kids, but also the combat casualties."
"Is it bad Sir?" Benji asked.
"We're coping Benji."
"What have heard from the Saint Peter?"
"Well she is coming at the best economical speed she can do. I can be refueled by the navy, she cannot. Although we are sister, ships and both ships have underway replenishment facilities. She has a civilian crew. None are trained in refueling at sea."
"Can't the navy fly people onboard to do it?"
"Damn Benji, why didn't I think of that? With all that's being going on I should have thought about it."
Captain Fontaine picked up a phone next to him and barked several orders into it. He then picked up another phone.
"Captain Mateo. I have requested the RN to put a few crew aboard your ship to refuel you. With a full load of fuel, you will be able to increase speed. They can also transfer medical and other supplies from the tanker."
"Yes Sir. Thank you Sir."
"Do you have a full count yet? Commander Sadac wants to know everything."
Captain Fontaine wrote furiously on a pad close to his chair. After several minutes, he hung up the phone.
"Come along, we'll go below to my cabin. Commander Johnson, you have the Conn."
"Yes sir."
Captain Fontaine led Benji down the ladder and into his day cabin below the bridge. A steward came in, set down coffee service, and then left.
Benji sat down and then just looked at Captain Fontaine.
"Okay Benji, these are just rough figures."
"Aboard the Saint Peter and HMS Broadsword are 7215 boys and girls. Of those more than half need medical attention of some sort. There are over 200 very critical. They have also lost 62 boys. There is a possibility they will lose more."
"Your attaching the Ortona to this ship is a Godsend. We can now move boys who are okay to the Ortona and open up space to assist the Saint Peter when she is in range. Captain Mateo is using the Broadsword the same way."
"What about the graves found on Coufu and at Kahchingo?"
Captain Fontaine never spoke for several seconds.
"Well? What is happening?" Benji almost came out of his chair.
"In the two sites, on both Coufu Island and Kahchingo, 914 boys and girls have been found so far. They have identified at least three other sites. The proportion of boys to girls is almost 20 to 1. It appears that in most circumstance that the girls were used for entertainment of the guards and the boys were used for labor. Almost all had been executed."
Benji hung his head and started to cry. Deep down sobs of pure anguish. Captain Fontaine could only sit and watch knowing Benji felt all the pain of the boys and girls. Captain Fontaine related later that he knew he could never have said or done anything to help Benji.
After several minutes, Benji stood up.
"Thank you Captain. Now I would like to go and visit with our family."
"This ship and all who sail her is yours Commander."
"Thank you Captain."
Benji got up and left. Captain Fontaine hardly saw him for several hours. Benji was everywhere. Helping, talking, crying, with everyone he met. There is no doubt in every single crewmember, Doctor, nurse or boy or girl on board thought Benji was a God.
..................
Brin landed in Burundi in the middle of an attack from Sudan. Sudan seemed to have an unlimited supply of SCUD D surface-to-surface missiles. Although it was rumored, that they had chemical weapons, all the missiles that rained down on Burundi City were high explosive. But even a one ton high explosive warhead did damage. NorAm had deployed multiple batteries of Patriot 6 Anti-missile batteries, but some always got through. The aircraft he was on taxied directly into a hardened shelter.
Although Mike and Brin embraced warmly, they were quickly escorted into another hardened shelter and into the Command Center.
"Tom. Damn good to see you Sir." Brin's first words on entering.
"Brin, it's good to see you too. Sorry it is not under better circumstances. This message came in for you from Captain Fontaine."
Brin read the message and then turned away. He too now had the reports that Benji had too.
He turned back with red-rimmed eyes.
"Is Benji okay?"
"Captain Fontaine says, unless someone slows him down, he going wear himself out."
"He will be fine. I know he is a lot tougher than I am."
"Well let's go into the Command Room and I will bring you up to date."
The first person that Brin met upon entering was Mohamed Azeri.
"Mo! Damn, what the fuck are you doing here?"
"I came to brief you Commander."
"Mo, it's always Brin to you."
"Okay Brin. Let's get seated here so we can get everything out of the way as quickly as possible."
After everyone was sitting down, General Blake stood up.
"The President of NorAm wants this war over ASAP. It's too destabilizing to the Middle East. Israel has declared war on Sudan. Egypt has refused Israel rights to overfly Egypt. Israel has said that any country who opposes it will feel the same pain as Sudan. Brin, I hope you can slow down Israel."
"My next stop, Tom."
"A mission is underway to rescue Ari. The SAS and the NorAm Special Forces, supported by the 23rd Marines, are handling it. We also have an end run operation in the works, which will cut Sudan off to most of its oil reserves and cut off Khartoum to their supply lines in both the west and the south."
"That operation involves the Third Brigade. The Loyal Eddies and the First of the Third will do it. Backed by the 15th, 17th, and 2nd Marines."
"Okay, that's what the military is doing. We are also still pushing forward toward Khartoum. Everything will work if we can keep Israel from upsetting the apple cart."
"All I can do is try Tom. I worked long and hard to help the Middle East to become peaceful."
Tom sat down and Mo stood up.
"Okay Brin. At 0000 Zulu, all persons under indictment worldwide will be arrested. Thirty percent of those are in NorAm. We have the fullest cooperation from Interpol and Asiapol. Other countries not connected to either organization will also make arrests. I have to thank you Sir for the cooperation of those countries. The International Security Command had offices in each of those countries and will cooperate. Those arrested will be tried in their respective countries. However if some claim immunity under international treaty's will be returned to their respective countries for trial. The only exception is anyone who claims to be Moslem, will be sent to Saudi Arabia for trial and execution of sentence. That includes the Sultan of Burundi."
"Tomorrow at 14:00 Zulu the President of NorAm will hold a news conference, detailing the operations and the reasons. At that point, we will open all ships and areas for the news nets. Clarence Williams report will follow the Presidents address. I think after they see his report world wide, that any who doubt the President or you for that matter will have a different perspective."
"I know in my heart your feelings Sir and I also know how Benji feels. I hope this will give some type of closure for you Sir."
"I'll have closure when I see every one of those assholes hanging by their nuts."
"I can't guarantee that Brin. Every country has their own laws and own punishment. I can guarantee anyone convicted in NorAm will get the death penalty."
"Thanks Mo. I know I will have to respect everyone's laws, but I don't have to like it."
Mo sat down and looked at Brin. He could see Brin was thinking and he knew what he had in mind. People were already questioning the power of the International Security Command and its Commander. The International Security Command was already the most powerful Corporation in the world, but now with his unprecedented build up of men and equipment they had other worries as well. Was he working toward World Domination? He was not the first that thought he could do it. The only problem that people misunderstood was that Brin had only love for one thing. Benji. He would gladly spend every single penny he had to please his love. More than that was that he would do anything to protect Benji and his now much extended family from harm. He went from one love he holds so deep in his heart, to a family of young boys and girls numbering in the thousands. Every single one of them was now in his heart too.
The problem was there were now two people in the World that thought the same way and considering the recommendations from both the Marines and The Loyal Edmonton Regiment Benji was a power to be reconded with.
God help anyone who crossed them.
"Thanks Mo. I would like to go on that rescue mission, but already know I would be turned down. Tom the Iwo is in a high-speed run to bring the Eddies back. I do not have an ETA; I do know the Ortona is now attached to the Good Hope. Benji is a very changed young man. If you can not get Ari out or if Sudan executes him, I will not be able to stop Israel."
"They have a constitutional codex that states that Israel will go to war to rescue one of their own. That is why they supported me here. I think I can slow them down, but I know if Sudan carries out it's threat, you are going to need more than what any country has to stop them."
"Brin your respected for your neutrality in more countries in the World than anyone else. I hope they too will accept your word. Give us time, just give us time."
I'll try Tom. I'll try. That's all I can do. Now I have to get there to do it, if I can. Mike is my aircraft buried in one of these shelters?"
"Yes Sir. I'll take you there. Your pilots are already on board."
"The next time you call me Sir, I'm going to tell your wife to beat on you Mike."
"Okay Brin." He laughed.
Brin shook hands with everyone and then Mike led him out of the Command Center. They walked out into the area. Brin looked out over Burundi City. Many fires were burning.
"Are we helping Mike, with the fires."
"Yes."
As they started to walk toward the shelter Brin's aircraft was in, several of the Patriot batteries started to loose off missiles.
Both stood and watched.
Two missiles made it through the anti-missile barrage. One landed on the city the other landed about 600 meters from Brin and Mike. Mike was buffeted by the blast.
"Damn that was close." He turned; Brin was laying on the ground a pool of red spreading under his body.
"Holy Fuck. MEDIC, MEDIIIIC! He screamed
He bent down beside his Commander.
"Tell Benji, tell Benji I love him. Tell him family first."
"Oh Jesus Brin."
"Medic!"
A medic ran over and bent down. He checked him over and then stopped.
"He's gone Sir."
Mike broke down and started to cry. His friend, his love, everything in his life was gone. He was the soldier, why was it that his Commander, with all he gone through, all that he had done, was now dead.
General Blake and Mo ran up. Mike looked up.
"He's gone Sir."
"Mo, take Mike inside now."
"Sir?"
"Just do it Mo."
Mo led Mike inside, sat him down and gave him a large, very large scotch.
Outside.
"Get a stretcher over here and put Commander Sadac on it." General Blake ordered.
"Sir. He's dead."
"You only think he's dead. Do as I order or you will find yourself doing duty in the most to of the way place I can fine. Do you understand soldier?"
"Yes Sir."
"Get a medi-vac in here and take him to the JFK. No one must know he is dead. The repercussions will be to great to imagine."
In a very short order, the body of the Commander of the most powerful corporation in the world was on a stretcher and loaded on an Osprey to take him to the JFK. Tom talked to the Admiral and the death of Brin Sadac was hidden from the world for now.
Tom walked into the Command Center with a very heavy heart. He walked to the small mini bar and poured a full glass of Bourbon.
"MIKE!" Tom said.
Mike looked up.
"I loved him too Mike. But we have to keep it a secret until this operation is over."
"Sir, I have tell Benji. He told me to."
"General Rarog, I'm going to tell you how Commander Sadac died. You will accept it."
"Sir, I can not lie to Benji."
"I'm not asking you to lie. All I need is time to make his death mean a little more than what happened. As far as the world is concerned he is alive and well and will stay that way until Ari is out and Israel is not threatening WW3."
"I think we will announce his death happened during the rescue of Ari. I'll have the President do it, once we know Ari is safe. Mo, you are going to have to go and see if you can slow down Israel. I know it is not normally your line of expertise, but without Brin, I'm afraid your it."
"Mike. You are hereby relieved of Command of the Third Brigade. I want you on his aircraft enroute to the Good Hope. I would prefer until after the rescue mission goes in, before you tell Benji, but that will be up to you. I'm sure he will wonder why you are there."
"Yes Sir."
"As you already know Mike, we are now in range of Khartoum for our heavy missile batteries, the MLRS. The diversion for the rescue is a very heavy barrage on their staging areas south of the city. The plan had them going in tomorrow night, but I'm going to push that forward to tonight. Hopefully Ari will be out before you get to the Good Hope."
"Okay Sir. I have to get changed. Good luck Mo, Tom."
He saluted and left the shelter.
.......................
Very surprisingly, only 63 boys were found in slavery on Bor-Dango Island. All of the girls, young women had been brought in from around the world. All were free and happy, well as happy as a prostitute could be. None had been pressured into coming to Bor-Dango. The boys that were found were in such bad shape physically and mentally that they were flown directly to NorAm. They were all admitted to the Mount Sinai Children's hospital. Among those found was a young Negro boy named Toma.
.......................
I was allotted a space in the Ortona to edit and splice my films. It wasn't very big, due to all the space requirements of the Marines and all the boys. However it worked out well. It became increasingly hard for me to finish what Brin had wanted. Sitting and watching films taken by my crews, had me crying a lot in that room. I know there have worse mass murderers in history, but the sheer magnitude of this crime, where only young boys and girls were executed only because they had be worn down by slave labor or sex slavery, boggles the mind and heart. Very few, less than a hundred of the overseers of those camps survived. I will not condemn any of the rescuers. I had barely finished editing and narrating the last tape when I was summoned to the bridge.
"You sent for me Sir."
"Yes Clarence. Welcome to the bridge."
"Thank you Sir."
"Clarence, are you finished editing and preparing your story? If so could it be transmitted live from here?"
"Why do you ask Sir?"
"At 08:00 tomorrow morning the President is holding a press conference. He is going to be detailing everything that has been going on regarding the NorAm Armed forces and the International Security Command. He is also going to tell of all the arrests that will start taking place in just under 6 hours. At the end of that press conference, he is not going to be taking questions. Instead he wants your story to run on all nets, interruption free, in its entirety."
"Sir. There are almost three hours."
"No matter, he wants everyone, everywhere to see it all."
"Christ!"
"Now this next is eyes only for you."
"Sir?"
"Step out here please Clarence."
The Captain led Clarence out onto one wing of the Bridge.
"Brin Sadac was killed this morning during a missile attack on Burundi City. His death will not be announced until after the rescue mission for Ari is over. He is going to die in that rescue."
"Has Benji been notified?"
"General Rarog is on his way to meet the Good Hope. He will tell Benji."
"I would like to get transferred to the Good Hope as soon as possible Captain."
"Not going to happen Clarence. You and your tapes are going to the Fox. They have an onboard studio you can transmit from. I'm sorry Clarence I have my orders."
"The repercussions from his death are going to be massive."
"I don't think so. Have you seen Benji since he came back from Mogadishu?"
"No Sir, I was with the rescue mission for Brin, but was so busy, I had only moments to talk with him."
"Well to the world he might be an 18 year old boy, but the Marines on this ship and if I am not mistaken from any ship would take over hell if he asked. He is very changed young man. If the Marines and the Navy have anything to do with it, he will be receiving the Navy Cross. He is one young man I never want to cross or become his enemy."
"I'll do as you ask Sir. I will get my tapes and prepare to move to the
Fox."
"Thank you Clarence. It has been a pleasure to have met you and have you aboard. When your ready a helicopter will be waiting aft of the bridge."
"Thank you for putting up with me Sir."
They shook hands warmly and Clarence left the bridge.
......................
Mike spent a long time in his quarters changing. Most of that time was spent sitting with his head in hands trying to cope with the loss of his best friend. Mike and Brin's friendship went back decades. He couldn't remember the first time he had met Brin, but knew he would never, ever forget what he had done for him. To have Brin die the way he had made no sense to Mike. He had been countless places where even under fire he had walked almost bareheaded into battle. He had taken his life in his hands so many times that Mike had lost count. It was the main reason everyone in the Command loved him so much. He never sent anyone, anywhere he would not go himself.
General Black was right. It was better if Brin died helping a friend. He was sure how the rest of the International Security Command would handle his death and especially Benji. He knew how the Loyal Eddies would and he had to pity any one who ended up in their sites.
Mike changed into the black dress uniform of Intersec. Gone were the insignia of the Major General. Now he was just Sgt Major Mike Rarog, aide to his Commander. Now his Commander was Benji. He went out, climbed aboard the Challenger 7 and ordered the pilots to take him to Kinshasa ANAF Base.
General Black had, much to the displeasure of the Rescue team pushed the attack ahead one day. They had not been told the reason, but would follow orders. He had also notified the President of the death of Brin Sadac and he had agreed that he would announce it at the end of his press conference in the morning. Mo had flown off to see if he could slow down Israel. Now if everything worked out, maybe, just maybe he could bring a Victory to the death of Brin Sadac.
....................
Benji had not stopped since he had arrived on board the Good Hope. He seemed to be everywhere on board. To most people he seemed tireless in his efforts to comfort and help the young boys and girls on board. He had nothing but praise for the crew and especially the Doctors and Nurses. Even Captain Fontaine spent more time in one of the surgical units, than he did on the bridge. Barely 7 hours had elapsed since Benji had said good bye to Brin, when Mike landed at Kinshasa.
.......................
More time would pass. There was not an aircraft at Kinshasa that could move him to either a carrier or the Good hope. General Masubo ordered a COD from the Pearson to come and get him. Both men went to Kimbo's office. Mike had not told Kimbo why he was there.
"Mike, my friend, it is good to see you. I see they finally demoted you. Who did you piss off this time?" He laughed.
"Brin is dead." Mike said.
"WHAT! Brin dead! How? Kimbo had come out of his chair.
"He was killed during a missile attack on Burundi City. We were both watching the attack. One missile landed about 600 meters away. The explosion almost knocked me down, but I guess a piece of shrapnel hit Brin. He wasn't wearing his armor. He died very quickly."
"Does Benji know? No, that's why you are here."
"General Black is keeping it a secret until after the rescue for Ari goes in. It will be announced that Brin died rescuing his friend."
Mike broke down then. He dropped into a chair and cried. Kimbo came around and comforted his friend. After several minutes, Kimbo got up and poured a couple of stiff drinks. Handing one to Mike, he raised his.
"To my friend. May God protect him and give him eternal life."
"To my friend." Mike replied.
They drank and then smashed their glasses on the floor.
Kimbo phoned the Command Center to check on the COD. He was told two hours.
"Mike. May I make a suggestion?"
"Yes, anything Kimbo."
"You not fly to the Pearson until after Ari has been rescued. That way you can tell Benji, Brin died rescuing his friend. He will understand it better. Benji is a very strong person in both his heart and mind. I'm told he is also a very formidable Combat Commander."
"I will contact General Black and tell him to inform him the moment Ari is safe."
"Okay Kimbo. I'll wait."
.......................
The beginning of the rescue attempt for Ari, was a barrage by the MLRS Battery. Each launcher could salvo 8 missiles. These were not high explosive warheads, but cluster warheads. Each missile had over 1200 mini-bombs. They spread over a large area, some exploding on contact, while others were timed to explode later. The devastation in the army staging area was total. Sudan had not been expecting it and it raised havoc among the units preparing for battle. More importantly it drew almost the entire garrison in Khartoum to the area. Heavy lift helicopters backed by Marine gunships landed in the court yard of the prison on the eastern outskirts of Khartoum. Surprise was total. The prison was used primarily for political prisoners. The attacking SAS and Special Forces not only found and removed Ari, they let all the political prisoners free. They eliminated all the guards. Word was passed to General Black at 00:12 that Ari was alive and out. By 0030 Mike was on board the COD and on his way to the Pearson.
...................
Benji had finally taken a break and was asleep on board the Good Hope. All the kids had been moved and the Good hope was quiet. The Ortona had caught up to the Good Hope and was now keeping station 1000 meters behind. Captain Fontaine was on the bridge when he was informed a helicopter from the Pearson was enroute, He ordered the pad over the bridge lighted. A few minutes later, the sound of a helicopter landing was heard. A few minutes later Mike walked onto the Bridge.
"Permission to enter the Bridge Captain." He said while saluting.
"Permission Granted Mike. You are always welcome on my Bridge."
"I'm sorry to come unannounced Sir, but it is imperative I speak to Benji."
"What has happened Mike. You would not be here if it was good news."
"Brin, Commander Sadac, my friend is dead."
"Oh Jesus. I am sorry Mike. How?"
"He was killed while rescuing Ari." Mike lied.
"Ari? Alive?"
"Yes Sir. But they were not kind to him while they had him."
"Who knows?"
"No one Sir. The President will announce it tomorrow, during his press conference. I need to tell Benji before that."
"Benji is in my cabin on deck C. He has had a very hard day. I have to tell you he a God among all these kids. He has been everywhere. I don't know how he does it. He does more than all my nurses could ever do."
"I need to talk to him sir."
"Okay Mike. You know where it is. The Saint Peter will be joining us at dawn. She is coming at flank speed, thanks in part to Benji. Brin had a very special interest in another ship that is joining us too. The San Francisco will also join up."
"The fourth Sister."
"Yes, Admiral Cunningham has said she will lead. Benji has also asked about her. You can let him know all the old girls will be with him."
Thank you Sir."
Mike headed for Benji's cabin. His steps were leaden knowing the news he was bringing to his Commander. He knocked on the cabin door. It was answered by a steward,
"Commander Sadac is Sleeping Sir."
"Could you bring a pot of coffee, a bottle of scotch and two glasses."
"Yes Sir."
A few minutes later the steward came in with a pot of coffee and a bottle of scotch and two glasses.
"Could you please wake him."
Benji walked out into the cabin in a pair of shorts. God how he had changed from a skinny abused boy that Mike had seen that first day. He had filled in all the missing flesh. Put real muscle on. He no longer looked like a beaten down boy, but a real young man. He was rubbing sleep from his eyes when he noticed Mike.
"MIKE!" He rushed to Mike and hugged him.
Mike hugged him back. Benji then stood back and looked at Mike.
Tears were running down Mikes face.
"What's happened?" Benji asked and then knew.
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! It Can't be. Please No!"
Benji turned away and started to cry. Deep down sobs of pure anguish. Mike went to him and held him. They both cried together. As Benji started to come out of it, he asked.
"How?"
Do I lie to my Commander or do I tell him the truth. If it was Brin, he would say lie.
"He died rescuing Ari." Mike chose to lie.
"Is Ari alright?" He asked.
"Yes. A little worse for wear, but yes he is alright."
Now Mike was the one that was astounded.
"This is going to have repercussions worldwide. How will it be announced?"
"The President will announce it at the end of his news conference tomorrow, well this morning."
"Mike you might think I am being callous in my words or deeds now. I will mourne for Brin when all my family can mourne for him too. Now we have to make sure that the International Security Command still keeps working. Brin is watching me I know. I will not dishonor his name by doing anything else."
Mike and Benji sat and talked about what some of the things that might happen when the announcement of Brin's death was made. Both had trouble talking without tears or outright crying. Mike knew the company as a whole were set up for his succession to the leadership of the International Security Command. All personal had been notified along time before that in the event of Brin's death, Benji would be heir to the corporation. The transition would be almost seamless.
Both Benji and Mike also knew there would be repercussions in other parts of the world. Most would be sadness at the passing of a very good friend, but in others would be happiness. Most probably, the Sudanese would be rejoicing in the Streets, but both also knew Sudan would take the brunt of the angry by the Forces of the International Security Command; Most notably the Loyal Edmonton Regiment.
"Captain Fontaine told me the Saint Peter will join us at dawn along with the San Francisco."
During the night Admiral Cunningham had sent orders to all ships that a new order of battle would be used when the Saint Peter and her escorts joined. The Saint Peter would be positioned astern of Good Hope, with the Ortona and Broadsword on either flank. All escorts would form on San Francisco. She would lead. When Benji and Mike finally arrived on the Bridge just before dawn everything was quiet. Both Benji and Mike went out on the bridge wing to watch the sun come up.
As they stood watching, Benji remembered the last time he had stood on this wing as the sun came up. He broke down remembering as he and Brin had watched the start of the War that had claimed his life. Mike could only hold him and comfort him in his memories.
........................
Exactly 00:00 Zulu the arrests had started around the world. Most were done quietly, but some turned into real fire fights between police and those under indictment. Over 90% of the arrests were over before dawn. No country was safe haven for those that tried to run. The next test would happen when all those arrested went to trial.
........................
As Mike and Benji watched, the sun peeked over the horizon. Always a wonderful site. The vast array of ships escorting the Good Hope soon came into view. Far off to the east another pure white ship came into view, the Saint Peter. Leading her was the San Francisco, her bow wave creaming away to either side. The Ortona had already moved up into her new position, on the port side of the Good Hope. Even before the Saint Peter joined up, flight operations had started, ferrying the worst of the cases from the Broadsword and Saint Peter to the Good hope. The San Francisco never slowed, and as she came abreast of the Good Hope, every flag dipped in salute and then the main battle flag stayed at half-staff. Almost as if an unseen hand had done it, every main flag on all the ships went to half-staff.
As soon as the San Francisco was in position, the entire fleets made a 90 degree turn to Starboard and headed due west.
Benji turned and left the port wing of the bridge. He headed for the first helicopter landing on the Good Hope. He was heading for the Saint Peter.
........................
"Ladies and Gentlemen, the President of the North American Union."
"Good Morning Ladies and Gentlemen. I am going to explain exactly what has been happening over the last several weeks. Most particularly, why the NorAm fleet is at sea and the reasons for it. As all of you already know, NorAm is at war with Sudan. Most of you do not why this came about. In an attempt to kill Commander Brin Sadac of the International Security Command, Sudan sent twenty high speed attack aircraft, armed with stand off missiles, to sink the Good Hope. As you all know the Good Hope is an unarmed Hospital Ship. During the attack a NorAm destroyer was sunk and another ship damaged."
"Because of this unprovoked and dastardly attack, which killed and injured over 800 men the Congress voted for unrestricted warfare against Sudan. At the time of the attack on the Good Hope and her escort, Commander Sadac had the only Combat ready Brigade in or near Sudan. At that time his Corporation was contracted to combat Sudanese forces until NorAm forces could be brought to bear."
"There has been much speculation that the NorAm armed forces are in Sudan to steal its oil. This is total nonsense. NorAm imported less than 2% of its energy needs last year. It has also been speculated that The International Security Command and its head Brin Sadac invaded Burundi for the same reason. This is also a falsehood."
"During a trip to Brin Sadac's mountain retreat a boy was found half frozen on his road into the retreat. It was later determined that the boy had been beaten and abused, sexually abused. That boy was Benjamin Watson, now Benjamin Sadac. After a very thorough investigation by both Intersec and the National Police, it was found that Benji had been kidnapped from an orphanage in Ontario. He had also been sold into sex slavery to the Sultan of Burundi. During a two year period he was sexually assaulted numerous times. He was also tortured for the gratification of others. His journey from that orphanage in Ontario to Burundi and then to the road into Brin Sadac's estate has been traced. Those responsible have now been arrested or will be arrested shortly."
"Brin Sadac's original reason for entering and occupying Burundi was to arrest and execute the abuser of his now partner. However when Intersec occupied Burundi he found over 2000 young boys and girls in virtual sex slavery. During his ensuing investigation and eventual interrogation of the Sultan and others arrested, it was found that were 7 other sites around the world that were using boys and girls as slaves."
"With the very grateful assistance from Great Britain, Switzerland and NorAm, the International Security Command has liberated those camps. Ladies and Gentlemen over 12,000 boys and girls have now been liberated from their slavers. Most of those 12000 are now on board both the Good Hope II and the Saint Peter. During the arrest of persons world wide several hundred others have been also liberated. This administration is using parts of the NorAm armed forces to protect what this administration classifies as the most valuable cargo ever carried on board ship. An entire generation of young kids."
"To make this crime more despicable than it is, any boy or girl who outlived their usefulness as either a sex toy or slave was executed and put into a mass grave. Several mass grave sites have been found and over 1100 bodies recovered to date. That investigation continues."
The president had to turn away momentarily. You could have heard a pin drop in the press room. When he turned back his eyes were red rimmed from holding back tears.
"This administration considers Brin and Benjamin Sadac to be National Heroes. During an attack in Sudan, General Ari Ben Israel was captured by Sudanese forces, was tried and sentenced to death for war crimes. Last night a raid, carried out by SAS and Special Forces, lead by Brin Sadac, rescued General Israel. It is with a very heavy heart that I announce Commander Brin Sadac was killed during the attack to rescue his friend. Upon learning of his death, I ordered all flags in NorAm and in all installations abroad to lowered to half staff."
"Finally, there will be no question period at the end of this briefing. A full and uncensored report, recorded by Clarence Wilson, will be transmitted from the NAS Fox, accompanying the Good Hope and Saint Peter. This report will tell the story to date of Benjamin's ordeal and subsequent actions by the combined forces. Also, immediately following this briefing all ships and forces will be open to reporters. The exception being the Good Hope, Saint Peter and her escorts. Any attempt to interfere with the Good Hope, Saint Peter or their escorts will be met with lethal force."
"That's all Ladies and Gentlemen."
The president turned and left the pressroom.
Most News Networks worldwide carried the report, by Clarence Wilson.
.........................
For the next 48 hours, Benji hardly stopped working with the kids. He was everywhere on the Saint Peter, Broadsword and Ortona. Talking, crying, or just holding boys and girls. Mike had to almost physically restrain him, to get him eat and sleep. During that same 48 hours the ships rounded the horn of Africa and anchored off Cape Town. A small fleet of supply ships was now along side, resupplying all the great ships needs. Several reporters had tried to sneak aboard, but were stopped by steely eyed soldiers from South Africa. Lucky for them none were shot.
During this stop over, Benji had Captain Mateo invited aboard for a meeting. A final tally was arrived at.
A total of 11,697 boys and girls had been rescued, 8,912 boys and 2,785 girls. Of those 137 boys and 62 girls had died of their injuries.
1,700 bodies of boys and girls, had to date being found in the mass grave sites. That investigation would continue for several months. No sites were found on Madagascar. From interrogation of captured guards it was learned the bodies had been thrown into the sea. The only sites found on the African continent had been at Burundi City and Mogadishu.
Three days after arriving at Cape Town, the two massive Hospital ships put back to sea. The only escorts visible were the ships of Admiral Cunningham's Escort Division. Captain Fontaine knew the carriers of the Atlantic fleets were just over the horizon. Their course was northwesterly.
......................
Since the Naval Construction Battalion had arrived on Gilbert Island, they had never stopped working. The first two items were the runway and power plant. Once they were back in operation construction on the accommodations for the 11000+ boys and girls went ahead 24 hours a day. Not only accommodations were being built. They also needed hospitals, schools, recreation facilities, mess halls, washrooms, showers and a whole list of other facilities. All the surviving buildings of WW2, were bulldozed. New permanent buildings were being built on the concrete pads. The giant pier jutting out into the bay was refurbished and water depth checked to make sure the two hospital ships could dock.
All this activity on the once deserted base, brought a lot of curious reporters and just ordinary people to the bay. All were intercepted and warned off. NorAm had declared the area a no go zone and an air interdiction zone. Units from the NorAm Special Forces patrolled the island. Everyone of the men working on the island knew the two great ships and their precious cargo was even now sailing for the island.
The construction would continue until all the facilities were ready, even after the ships had arrived.
Staffing all the facilities was another problem all together. Intersec would eventually supply most of the technicians needed and Intersec would hire Doctors, nurses and other staff. In the mean time, Naval and Army personal would man most of the positions.
......................
Benji and Mike talked for many hours to plan the funeral for their Commander. Benji had talked to the President and granted his wish that the funeral be held in Washington. His burial would be on what is now called Sadac Island. Commander Sadac's body was shipped to Germany for the autopsy. >From there under escort was shipped to Washington. The President in a national broadcast notified the world that Commander Sadac's funeral would be held in Washington. A date was set two weeks hence.
Benji must have cried many hours with all the letters and telegrams he received from around the world. No less than 43 Nations had expressed a desire to attend the funeral. Most were sending military contingents for the parade.
Although the Third Regiment, the Presidents own, usually handled State funerals, this time it would be handled by what could be called Brin's own.
The Loyal Edmonton Regiment. The Second Battalion, LER, had been ordered to Washington. General Gordon Mayes their Commander was also ordered to Washington.
...............................
When General Mayes received the order, he was in battle in Sudan. The end run had happened. The Eddies supported by the Marines had cut Sudan off from its oil and most of its supplies from the west. The city of Khartoum was under siege. The Eddies had inflicted a terrible toll on Sudanese forces. Even initially out numbered and out gunned, the Eddies never stopped their attack. The under armor they wore saved many lives. Even hardened veterans from the Marines were totally surprised at the ferocity of the attack by the Eddies.
Fourteen hours after Sudan lost its supply lines they capitulated unconditionally. The war was over. NorAm Marines and Army units occupied Khartoum.
Anwar Mohanna was arrested trying to fly out of Khartoum. Another link in the chain.
.........................
All work stopped as the two white ships entered the bay, led by the San Francisco. Both ships, barely making headway slowly glided into position. Tugs moved, first to the Good Hope, guiding and pushing her massive bulk up to the left hand berth on the pier. She had just docked when the same tugs moved to guide Saint Peter to her berth. The massive ships towered over everything. The four heavy cruisers anchored in line astern. Standing as a formidable force ready to protect their two consorts. It was a beautiful site. The Ortona and Broadsword, anchored inside the security ring.
I was very lucky, that I had been transported to Sadac Island before the ships arrived. I was able to film their arrival and docking. What followed their docking, can only be described as organized confusion. All the boys and girls who were capable of walking were moved off both ships. Navy and Army personal guided groups of 50 boys or girls to accommodation tents. It looked more like an upturned ant hill than anything else. Benji seemed to be everywhere. Mike was always nearby. Both hospital ships would stay until all the facilities were ready onshore. Nurses and Doctors seemed to be everywhere as well, helping, holding, carrying kids. I thought if any medals were needed awarding these men and women should get the lion share. Many days passed before some kind of order was restored. I watched many Navy and Army men just holding a young boy or girl. All were there for these kids now. Considering all these young boys and girls needed was just pure love. They gave them a full measure. I saw many of these young soldiers and sailors crying while they helped. How Benji managed to keep his sanity in all this is still beyond belief.
The hardest part for Benji, was when some of them asked where their father was. Brin they considered their father. How do you tell a young boy or girl that he had been killed? Some took it, with the resignation of one used to death, while others broke down and could not be helped. Benji was really their God now, Father, son, helper, or just a shoulder to cry on.
Mike told me Benji would cry for hours after he got back to the Good Hope.
........................
Commander Brin Sadac's body was placed in the Rotunda of the Capital building seven days prior to his funeral. Members of the Loyal Edmonton Regiment guarded it. More than a hundred thousand people paraded through the rotunda each day it laid in State.
Brin was a very religious man. He was Anglican. There ensued the problem. The President was Catholic. Benji although he believed in God was not overly religious. When Benji suggested that the Arch Bishop of the Anglican Church do the funeral ceremony, the Catholic Bishop in Washington was fervently against it. The President was at the meeting to help both sides come to some agreement.
"If my Love is not to be buried as he lived then I will move the funeral to Ottawa, where I know I can have the Arch Bishop of Brin's church preside."
That ended the argument.
Commander Brin Sadac would have a High Anglican Funeral. The Catholic Church be damned.
........................
Once things settled down into a routine on Sadac Island, Benji held a meeting with all the boys and girls. He had loud speakers set up on the airfield. He also had his speech piped to the Good Hope and Saint Peter. It was also carried to all ships of the support fleet.
As he walked to the raised podium, the cheers for him must have been heard in Miami.
"All of you already know, my Love, our Father is dead. Later today I will fly to Washington for his funeral. But he will be coming back to you. He will be coming home. This is his home, here on this Island where you are all now free young boys and girls. His wish, and mine too, was for all of you to be able to begin a new life, free of the bonds that held you in servitude. His wish and mine was that you all could begin a real life, a life not filled with abuse and torture. I will always be here for each and everyone of you. My love wanted it and I will make it happen. I know this will not be easy for some, but all you need to do is believe. Believe in your selves; believe that Brin's Corporation, now I guess my Corporation will be here for ever as long as you need me."
At the finish of Benji's short speech, it was like a damn burst as all the kids rushed the dais. Benji waded into the crowd of boys and girls. Mike stood and watched. Benji here was king, god, or what ever. No one would harm him here. They loved with such an unbridled love, that nothing could separate them from him.
The hard part for Benji was coming.
But also a bright spot too.
The boys from Bor-Dango that could walk on their own would be moved to Washington for the Funeral. They would give stark evidence to the charges pending around the world. One of those boys was Toma, Benji's first love.
Benji flew to Washington under escort.
His arrival in Washington was under the tightest security that had ever been given to a visiting dignitary. He was whisked off his aircraft and into armored suburban's. Straight to the White house, where he was ensconced in the Lincoln Bedroom. Surprisingly the President came to him.
"Commander, I deeply regret the loss of Commander Sadac. To me and my Country, he is truly a National Hero, as are you. It is my pleasure to announce that you Sir will be awarded the Navy Cross. Brin Sadac will be awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. It is not normally awarded to civilians unless they do such service to the country that it is warranted. Brin Sadac has not only done his country a service, but he has done it for the entire world."
"Thank you Mr. President. Give my awards and Brin's to the kids. That is what he would have wanted."
The President ignored Benji's comments and proceeded to pin a Navy Cross to his uniform. He also handed Benji a small leather folder. When Benji opened it, it contained a Medal of Honor.
"Commander Sadac, this administration will protect Sadac Island until such times as the International Security Command is ready to take over. No cost is too high to bear. No cost will ever be billed to you Sir. What you and your Corporation has done will be remembered in the annuls of history."
"Mr. President, you should know that the International Security Command will be going after any state worldwide that condones or uses children for any purpose not considered for their benefit. Every single child soldier will be rescued. Every single girl forced into prostitution will be rescued. Brin wanted it and I will make that our primary duty."
"I commend your zeal Commander. But can you really do it?"
"I will make it happen!" The steel in Benji's voice gave the President pause.
"Benji, you have definitely changed from the fist time I met you Son. You truly are a Commander in all sense of the word. I think the world better take notice of you."
"I just wish I could take Brin back to his Island now."
"Soon Son, soon."
...........................
Benji had a vey bad night. He tossed and turned. At seven am Mike woke him.
"Come on Benji. Get you ass out of bed. You have a long day."
"Jesus Mike I just want to sleep."
"Benji, today you have to be the Commander of the most powerful Corporation in the world. Tomorrow you can sleep."
"What's that all mean Mike? I'm just a kid."
"Benji, you are in Command of the most formidable Corporation in the world. You command over three hundred thousand men and women. Fully 45% of those are security troops. You have the most Formidable Combat Brigade in the world. The Loyal Eddies. Benji our gross income last year was in excess of 13 billion dollars. You have 11,000 boys and girls who trust you. You now have the ear of almost every country on earth. Son I love you, as much as I loved Brin. Now you have to make all those Men, Women, boys and girls love you as they did Brin."
"Okay."
"Fine Benji, go shower. I'll get your uniform ready."
Although the security at the funeral and in all of Washington was so airtight a flea could not have got in, Mike was taking no chances with his Commanders safety. He laid out his armor first and then the plain black dress uniform. He pinned the Navy Cross to the breast. Mike also knew there were several other decorations being awarded Benji, but didn't know exactly what or when.
Benji came out wearing a pair of comfortable bikini shorts and started to put on his armor. No protests this time. If Brin had being wearing his he might still be alive. After he was dressed, Mike made sure everything was perfect.
"Ready to face the World Commander?"
"No."
Inside the White House, all security was handled by the Secret Service. When Mike opened the door, they were met by several. They were escorted down to the dinning room for breakfast with the President. After breakfast they headed for the Capital Building. The parade to the Anglican Cathedral would not start until almost Eleven, but Benji wanted time alone with his Love.
When he left the White House, his escort was the International Security Command, Executive protection Service. Every man was armed and his Limo was armored. Pennsylvania Avenue, was closed to public transportation. Even this early troops were lining up. And the crowds were starting to form along the parade route. From the Capital Building to the Anglican Cathedral was almost nine kilometers. That entire route was now closed. Every flag, NorAm, US and Canadian were at half staff.
His arrival at the Capital Building went almost unnoticed, except for the Marines in Dress Blues. They presented arms as he walked into the Rotunda of the Capital. Four Loyal Edmonton Regiment soldiers guarded the flag draped casket of Commander Brin Sadac.
Benji walked alone to the casket of his partner and lover. He saluted. Then removed his cap and leaned over and kissed the casket. Then carefully placing a hand on the casket sat down. Mike knew he was talking, but could not hear what was being said and the four soldiers just stood and never moved. Benji talked to Brin for over an hour before standing, replacing his cap and saluting.
Benji walked to one side as first General Gordon Mayes walked in and saluted then he too talked to his Commander. One after another, every single Officer, General and other men that had loved Brin with everything in their heart came in and had a few words with their friend.
...............................
At precisely 11 AM, a Color Sergeant Major walked up to the Casket.
"GUARD! PRESENT ARMS."
The four soldiers slowly reversed arms to the present and stood.
"SHOULDER ARMS."
Eight Marines in Dress Blues slow marched into the Rotunda. They walked to position on either side of the casket.
They hoisted the casket to their shoulders.
"GUARDS TO THE COMMANDER PRESENT ARMS."
"BY THE CENTER, HALF STEP MARCH."
The eight Marines in half step slowly made their way to the entrance to the Capital building. As they came close to the door, the Loyal Edmonton Regiment, lined up outside presented arms. Outside there was absolute silence. The Marines ever so slowly made their way down the steps. At the bottom was a gun carriage. Benji followed the casket down the steps. After the Marines had placed the casket of Commander Brin Sadac on the Carriage, they took up positions on either side. Members of the Third Regiment, the Presidents Own, guarded the entire avenue on either side. Lined up, as far as the eye could see, were other Military contingents from all the countries that had sent delegations to the funeral.
Benji, Mike and Gordon took positions behind the Gun Carriage.
"MOVE TO THE RIGHT IN THREES, RIGHT TURN."
"BY THE CENTER, SLOOOOOOW MARCH."
The muffled drums, beat a slow pace as the procession made its way up Pennsylvania Avenue, followed by all the rest of the Military contingents. Benji followed his love and Commander.
The day had started out grey and very dull, very similar to Benji's mood. As the Gun Carriage reached the White House, the sun shone through the clouds, almost like God was here with Brin. It shone down on the slow moving Casket. It was not lost on the millions of people lining the route. Never had Washington seen such a funeral procession before. It was as if God was truly looking down on one of its true Sons. There would be many stories coming out of this funeral.
After reaching the Anglican Cathedral and after Brin's casket had been moved inside. The Service commenced.
At the end of his Sermon, the Arch Bishop of the Anglican Church asked.
"Who will speak for Brin?"
Mike stood and walked to the front and mounted the pulpit.
"My Commander Brin Sadac is dead. Long live my Commander Benjamin Sadac.
"I loved Brin, not as my partner, but as my Commander. He believed in me and he believed in every single one of us all. Every single person he ever came into contact with, imparted something of him. He had such love of freedom, that it took all of his energy. No wrong could ever be left undone. No right could ever be praised enough. To Brin, every pain, felt by another, weather it was just one young boys pain or a whole country, he never faltered to right the wrong. I loved him, I loved him with everything within me. Many have said he only did what he did was for his own profit. I can tell you he never had money in mind when he took up a cause. He told me, that he would spend every single penny, just to free one person. After all is not freedom the ultimate end every single person wants. Good bye my friend, my Commander."
Mike walked off the pulpit and Gordon Mayes walked up.
"Many, in fact all of you don't know. Brin was born in Idaho. He is in reality a US citizen. The President had stated that a Congressional Medal of Honor was almost never awarded a non citizen of the US. Well I guess he is qualified. Brin won a lottery. Two hundred and thirty five million lottery. With his money he started a small company to supply Security for Companies that could not afford the outrageous money required by the larger ones. All the rest is history. Now, thanks to him, and him alone, the middle east is almost peaceful. He brought peace where before there was war. He also fought in many a war, and stood without flinching when all around him was going to hell. He never once in all the time I knew him ever backed down. I watched him cry, when men died and laugh when he could pull them out. He never once would order any man anywhere he would not go himself.
"When our two great countries became one, many old units in both the United States Armed forces and the Canadian Armed forces, were disbanded. He brought back the Loyal Edmonton Regiment. He asked me to Command it. I will never, ever, loose my faith in my Commander or in my Regiment. My Commander is Dead. Long live my Commander."
The President of NorAm replaced Gordon on the Pulpit.
"They say I am the most powerful man on Earth. Granted I command the Largest Armed Forces, the biggest Navy, even nuclear weapons, but do I command the respect and even love of the rest of the World. I think not. Commander Sadac, Commander Brin Sadac was loved, yes loved by more countries than I can or could even dream of. To be honest I really hate Brin Sadac, not for what he has done, but for his choice of lifestyle. I'm Catholic, I was brought up differently than most people. Brin Sadac was Gay. Commander Benjamin Sadac is Gay. Have I now changed my mind? No. I still don't like what he is, but I also know that he has done our World, yes our World a favor. He and his Corporation has stopped a most despicable part of it. The Slavery of young boys and girls. How can I fault a man that has rid the world of such a scourge. You deserve the Medal of Honor Brin Sadac and now you too, Benjamin Sadac deserve or love and our understanding."
He stepped down.
Benji slowly walked to the pulpit. He stopped and set his hand on the flag draped casket.
It took a few minutes for Benji to compose himself.
"There lies my love. There lies my everything, but to Brin and now to me, it is not everything. His parting words to me, Family comes first. His last word to Mike, Family comes first. MY Family is 12000 boys and girls. Our Family, your Family, even if you don't know them, they are all part of our Family. They are the Family that we left to die. You were more interested in your daily lives to worry about what was going on around you. Well not anymore. Take notice World, it does not end here. From this point onward I will as Commander of the International Security Command will be looking for every single boy or girl who is held in captivity. Weather you are just a kid in slavery as a prostitute or a child soldier, look out, I'm coming for them. God help those that I find are using kids. Good bye my Love. Family does come first."
Benji walked off the pulpit. Stopped and kneeled at the casket of Brin and then.
"Who will help me carry my Commander?"
Mike stood first, the President, Gordon Mayes, the Prime Minister of Israel, General Tom Black, Mo, Captain Fontaine, Captain Mateo, Clarence Wilson, Kimbo, Admiral James Gordon, Sir Thomas Beaton, Steve Kelpert, and a young black male hobbled up to the casket.
Benji watched as the young black man made his way up the aisle. When he was close, Benji recognized him. He ran to him and lifted him into his arms.
"Toma?"
"Yes Benji. I thought I would never see you again."
With tears running down his face, he turned with Toma in his arms.
"Lets take my Commander Home."
The thirteen men lifted the casket and proceeded down the aisle. As they reached the entrance, the crash of a gun Salute could be heard. Soldiers stood stiffly at attention as the thirteen men slowly moved to the hearse. The trip back to Andrew's Air Force base was very slow. The entire route was lined with thousands of people. The forty three Countries who had sent contingents were lined up on one side. Each presented arms as the hearse passed. The entire route was covered by flowers thrown by spectators on to the roadway.
Upon arrival at Andrew's, Brin's casket was carefully transferred to a waiting ISC C-17. Benji first and then Mike and all the others who would attend the burial of Commander Brian Sadac boarded the Aircraft.
The airspace over Washington was closed to civilian aircraft, so Brin's aircraft was the only one in the skies as it set course for Sadac Island, under a very heavy escort form the NorAm Navy.
Benji did, not pick the exact spot where Brin was to be interred. The young boys and girls on the island had decided the place. The place picked by them, was a small rise above the anchorage. The Seabee's had cleared the area and even planted sod in preparation. The grave was dug. Eventually a statue of Brin would rise on the spot.
IT had been decided that Brin's body would again lie in state, so all the kids of his family could pay their respects to him. A large tent had been set up and air conditioned. After his body in the casket had been placed inside the top portion was lifted so the kids could actually see their late father. During the three days, every single boy and girl passed by the casket, along with every sailor, soldier, nurse and doctor, Brian had ever come in contact with.
The men of his Regiment stood guard, even knowing no one here on Sadac Island would ever do anything to the body of Commander Brian Sadac.
His actual burial was a very simple affair, attended by only those very close to him and presided over by the Anglican Chaplain from the Good Hope. The simple white cross, that in time would be replaced by a bronze statue was mute contrast to massive funeral held in Washington.
During the following year almost all facilities on Sadac Island were finished. A little less than half of the boys and girls on Sadac Island had been repatriated. Almost all that were left did not know or their families not found, that they would if they wanted become part of the Sadac Islands permanent residents.
The trials began almost at once and were in NorAm slowly making their way through the Federal courts. All those convicted in NorAm were sentenced to death by lethal injection. The trial in other countries, some were quick and easy while others would drag out for years. In the entire world only four countries still had the death penalty. NorAm, Russia, China and Saudi Arabia. The trials that went the fastest were held in Saudi Arabia. The only execution Benji attended was the execution of the Sultan of Burundi, the man who started it all. His execution was the only one held publicly. He was beheaded in a public square in Riyadh.
During the next few years, Benji's decree to hunt down and prosecute anyone using children for any purpose other than for their good and welfare continued. The intelligence arm of the International Security Command was greatly expanded. Along with the Security arm, a specialized ready reaction force was formed around the Loyal Edmonton Regiment. Now with three full battalions, they could deploy in force or in smaller units anywhere in the world.
Many of the small rebellions ended almost overnight, when the Loyal Edmonton Regiment deployed the entire Brigade into the African country and put down a revolt and civil war almost instantly. Over 300 boys, who had been forced into becoming child soldiers were freed. Even with the protests in the UN, Benji held to his stead fast word and as much as told the UN to butt out. A new kid was now on the world stage and his word was just as good as Brin Sadac's had always been. He never ever backed down from his word and would if necessary back it with force and rest of the world be damned.
Mike finally tendered his resignation. Not that he wasn't needed or wanted, but it was time to retire. He took Toma under his wing almost as soon as Toma was fully healed and trained him in all aspects of his duties to his Commander. When Mike retired, Toma took over as Benji's confidant and body guard. It had been easy, considering Benji and Toma were very much in love. Both still held a very deep love for Brin, but even that love would dim in time. The love for each other would never grow cold.
Benji's story will never end. It will be carried on by all boys, girls, men and women he has come into contact with. The International Security Command and all those who live and work for Benji, will continue his story.
END.