Chapter 2 First Day on the Job By E Walk (Copyrighted by the author)
I went through my morning routine, ate breakfast, and went to the Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, where I was told that I would be assigned. I went to the Sergeant at the reception desk and told her who I was and asked her what I should do next.
She looked at me and said, "You are to report to Colonel Allen, the wing commander."
"Where is the wing commander's office?" I asked blankly.
"It is on the other side of the base in building 42," she answered. "That is the building where you processed in. I trust you have a car."
"Thank you, Sergeant James. I do have a car."
"Anytime Lieutenant Nelson," she smiled.
As I was driving to the wing headquarters I kept trying to figure out what kind of trouble I was in to need to report to the wing commander's office already. I parked and was beginning to get really nervous as I walked into the building to locate the wing commander's office. When I got to the office there was a major sitting at one of the two desks. The other desk was empty. Just outside the Colonel's office an attractive young lady I estimated to be 21 or 22 was sitting at a desk.
The major stood and asked how he could help me. I looked at him and said, "Sir, I am Lieutenant Nelson. I was told to report to Colonel Allen."
He looked at me and I could tell he was critically examining me. He said, "I'll tell the Colonel that you are here."
He knocked on the Colonel's door and opened it but didn't step inside. He just announced, "Lieutenant Nelson is here."
"Have Lieutenant Nelson come in please, Sam. And, call Captain McNair and ask her to join us. When she gets here, I want you and her to join us. That way I will be able to tell all of you what is happening at the same time."
I went in and saluted Colonel Allen and said, "Lieutenant Nelson reporting as directed sir."
He saluted me and then laughed. "At ease Troy, and sit down. That is the last time I want you to salute me unless we meet outside and we are not together and we are both in uniform."
He picked up a file and said, "This is most impressive young man. I see that you were not only the Commandant of the Cadet Corps at the Academy but that you also were graduated number one in your class. That is rather phenomenal considering that you not only were the Commandant but also were the number one singles tennis player on the varsity team."
"It also says here that you were scheduled to go into flight training until your accident during your last collegiate tennis match. It seems that you hit a post and had a concussion and lost consciousness for approximately 20 minutes. The flight surgeon examined you and found no damage but put you on restriction for a year to make sure that there were no more reoccurrences and then you can reapply for flight school."
I must have been sitting there with my mouth open again. I didn't have any idea what to say. Thank goodness Major Parsons and Captain McNair arrived, so I was spared having to say anything.
The Colonel introduced everyone by first name. When we were all seated, the Colonel started. "For Troy's sake let me begin by saying that Sam has been selected for promotion to Lieutenant Colonel and also selected to attend the War College in August. He has requested that he be granted a leave so he can spend time with his family before he has to report in August."
"Linda was scheduled to take his place, but I received word on Friday from General Young that he has asked that she be assigned to his office as his assistant protocol officer. Troy, someone recommended that I might consider you to be my executive officer last evening. I had your records delivered to my house last night so I could see what I might find. I was very impressed and so here we are."
"Linda you are to report to General Young's office this afternoon at 1400. That should give you time to take care of whatever it is that you need to do. Sam, I want you to make sure that Troy learns as much as possible this week. Why don't you two plan to get here every morning at 0700 so that Sam can take off to help his lovely wife and children with the move? I want him out of here by noon every day after today."
He looked at me and asked, "Troy do you think you can make it?"
"Yes sir, I've been living on a dairy farm for the last month. We have a tendency to get up early."
"Good," the Colonel said and he went back to his desk. The rest of us left.
The empty desk was now sitting beside Major Parson's desk and he motioned for me to sit down and thus began my introduction into being an executive officer. Sam, as I was told to call him, made sure he introduced me around to the people that would be my most important contacts. The first person was the Colonel's secretary. As it would turn out, she and I would become very important allies during my tenure at the base.
I met so many people that morning that my head was spinning. At lunchtime, Sam suggested that we go to the snack bar and grab a sandwich and something to drink. As we ate, Sam filled me in on more details of the job.
On the way back to the office Sam looked at me and said, "I was really surprised this morning when Colonel Allen told me that my replacement was going to be a 2nd lieutenant. It is very rare that a brand new 2nd lieutenant becomes an executive officer. You must have some very important friends or you have really impressed someone."
I laughed and said, "Sir, I was probably more surprised than you by what has happened today and I assure you that I don't know any important people. I am just a farm boy from Iowa."
When we got back to where we were sitting, we were going over some papers when Colonel Allen walked in. I started to stand up.
"Troy, sit down. If you stand up every time I go in and out of the office, you will be like a yo-yo."
Before Sam left at 1430, he gave me some Operating Instructions. He told me I should read them. Lauren came to my desk and said, "Colonel Allen asked me to make these folders for you so you could get to know something about the people you will be dealing with most often. Is it okay for me to go for a coffee break?"
I looked at her and said, "I don't know how to use these telephones. Back home we used tin cans and a string. These new fangled gadgets confuse me."
She looked at me like she thought I was serious but then she realized I was giving her a hard time and started to laugh. Just then Colonel Allen walked into the office and asked, "What's so funny? You two playing love birds already?"
Lauren said, "No sir, I am teaching the hillbilly here how to answer the phone."
He laughed and said, "I didn't know that they had hillbillies in western Iowa. I'll be back about 1630. I have to meet Senator Throckmorton when he lands."
I looked at the Colonel as he left and then turned to Lauren. "Enjoy your break. I think I can handle the office now that the Colonel is gone."
Lauren left and the phone was quiet. Several of the staff stopped in to see the Colonel, but left as soon as they found out that he was out of the office. I was reading the bios that Lauren had given me and they were proving to be most helpful, since each bio contained a photo and the person's resume. The phone interrupted my reading.
I picked it up and said, "This is Colonel Allen's office. How may I direct your call?"
"You are not Sam. Who are you?" a young voice challenged.
"No, Sam has gone home for the day. I am his replacement when he goes PCS next week. I'm Lt. Nelson," I answered. "How may I help you?"
The youthful voice said, "I am Alex, the Colonel's son, I wanted to ask him a question but it can wait until he gets home tonight. Thanks. Goodbye."
I was reading the papers that Sam and Lauren had given me when the Colonel came into the office just a couple of minutes before 1700. As he walked in, he said, "Lauren and Troy -- call it quits for today. I have a couple of calls to make and then I will lock up. See you two tomorrow."
He went into his office and Lauren and I left.
I got to the BOQ at 1730 and decided to take a shower and relax before I got dressed. I was reading the base newspaper when my cell phone rang. "Troy Nelson speaking."
"Troy, what are you doing? You are coming for dinner aren't you?" I heard an excited Chip asked.
"Chip, I just took a shower and was trying to decide what to wear for dinner tonight. Don't worry; I'll be there on time," I assured him.
"Are you naked?" he asked.
I started to laugh, "Why do you ask?"
"Because I'm trying to visualize what you look like when you are naked. Bye." he disconnected.
I dressed and decided to walk to the Millers' quarters. I timed it so I would arrive right on time. I was walking up the sidewalk to the Millers' house when Scott, who was outside, came over and said, "Troy, I have to check you out again since Chip swears you are an 11 or 12."
Just then, Chip joined us. "See, Scott. I told you."
"Well, I might go 9½ but no higher until I see him in a pair of tight Speedo swim trunks," Scott answered.
A Major General got out of his car in front of the house next door and started to walk up to the house.
Chip yelled, "General Young, come and meet Lieutenant Troy Nelson."
The General approached the guys and Chip introduced us. After the handshake formalities, the General turned to me and asked, "Troy would you and Chip be willing to take Scott and me on in a doubles tennis match tomorrow evening. Scott wants to see if we can give you a run for your money."
I looked at Chip and he nodded. I turned to the General and said, "Sir, we would be glad to join you. I need the exercise. What time would you like to play?"
"Do you think Colonel Allen will let you out so we could meet at 1730? I'll bring the guys and we will meet you on the resurfaced courts on the other side of the base."
I answered, "I am sure there will be no problem since I am going to be going in early to work with Major Parsons so he will have time to prepare for his move."
We shook hands and Chip guided me into the house. The Millers greeted me. When the General offered me a drink I said, "Might I have some juice? I have never acquired a taste for alcohol."
Chip brought me a glass of lemonade as well as one for himself and Tim. When everyone was seated the General said, "Troy, why don't you tell us a little about your background?"
"Well sir, my life has been very dull. I grew up on a large dairy farm in western Iowa. Living on a farm didn't allow for much time for outside activities. When I got to high school, my older brother went to Iowa State so that I really needed to spend most of my time helping my parents and my sister with all of the work around the farm."
"My parents insisted that I participate in one after-school sports activity and I chose tennis because I felt it would take the least time. My parents were okay with that, but they also made me choose a non-athletic activity so I became active on the debate team."
"I really tried to stay home as much as I could to help with the chores but my parents insisted that I do whatever I was involved in to the best of my abilities and even hired two young people to help with the chores so that I was free when I needed to be."
"In my senior year, I won the state single championship in tennis and our school won the state debate tournament. In April I received word that I had received an appointment to the Academy. When I told my parents, you would have thought that my father had been elected the president of the United States.
"At first, I was excited. But then I began to think that I should turn down the appointment because my parents would need me. My parents realized what I was thinking and they threatened to sell the farm if I didn't go to the Academy.
"That was a pretty strong statement. I was graduated number one in my high school class and received many good scholarship offers, but my parents, especially my father, insisted that I should go to the Academy. I graduated from the Academy in May and received my commission, so here I am after a month's leave with my family in Iowa."
The General spoke up. "It seems to me like you forgot a few pertinent details about your achievements at the Academy. Not only were you the number one singles tennis player on the team, you were also runner up for the national championship, which is pretty amazing considering that you were the Commandant of the Corps and also graduated number one in your class. Needless to say, I am impressed -- even more so now that I know you are so unassuming."
Mrs. Miller interrupted, "Dinner will be ready in five minutes."
The three Miller men went to get ready. "Mrs. Miller, can I help you bring the food to the table? At home we all help," I volunteered.
"Why thank you Troy. It would save me some time and steps."
We went into the kitchen and she directed what I should do. As the guys came in, we were setting the last of the meal on the table and Chip held his mother's chair while she was being seated.
After everyone was seated the General said a prayer of thanks and they began to pass the food like we did at home. The General poured some chilled white wine. He asked me if I would like any.
"I'll take a small glass sir," I answered. He poured me a half of a glass and did the same to the boys and then he poured his own and everyone began to eat. We were having a nice conversation when out of the blue Tim asked, "Troy do you have a girlfriend?"
"No," I answered.
"Did you ever have a girlfriend?" he persisted.
"I never seriously dated any girl. I was always too busy with my school activities and working on the farm to get involved romantically. I always dated for special occasions; but no, I never had a steady girlfriend."
Tim laughed, "That will make Chip happy." Then I felt a hand rubbing my thigh. I tried not to react but it was difficult. I looked at Chip and he had a twinkle in his eye. I was beginning to feel a warm swelling in my pubic area.
After everyone had finished dinner, the General said, "Guys, since Troy helped your Mother get the dinner on the table, I think it is only fair that you should clear the table and make sure everything is clean while your Mother and I visit with Troy."
With that, the Millers led me to the den. I was sure that they were going to tell me not to see Chip again, which I had no problem with. I was totally unprepared for what would happen the rest of the evening.
Mrs. Miller opened the discussion, "Troy, growing up on a farm you may not fully appreciate what we're trying to say tonight. I have the feeling that you like and trust everyone unless they give you reasons to do otherwise. Rich and I have a very open relationship with the boys. We may not like everything they tell us, but we try not to be judgmental and accept them for who they are and what they are and say."
General Miller stepped in, "Just about a year ago Chip came to us and told us he thought he was gay. We talked openly with him about his feelings and we decided he was probably right. We did make him promise that he would never have sex just for the sake of having sex. Tim knows exactly what is going on and has no problem with it, even though he says he is strictly heterosexual. Again, we have no problem with that self-analysis."
I thought to myself, 'Okay, where is this going?'
Mrs. Miller picked up, "Troy, I can see that you don't understand why we are telling you this. Ever since you brought Chip home yesterday after playing tennis all he has talked about is Troy this and Troy that. Then last night just before bedtime he came to us and announced that he thinks he loves you."
I must have been sitting there with my mouth open again. Tim and Chip came in and Tim said, "Troy, shut your mouth or you will swallow our cat." All of the Millers laughed.
Chip asked, "Troy, did my parents tell you that I think I love you?"
I shook my head yes and then he asked, "Do you think you could ever feel anything for me?"
That really shook me. I didn't know how to respond but figured the Millers had been very open with me so I answered. "For the record, I have no idea what love really means outside of my love for my family. I have never had sex with anyone and I have always assumed that someday I would meet a nice lady and fall in love. Quite frankly I have never even thought about loving another male. Sure I messed around with some of my friends when I was younger but we never touched each other."
Tim interrupted and asked, "You do masturbate don't you Troy?"
I just wanted to crawl under the sofa I was sitting on. I looked at Tim and said, "Did I say I didn't?"
General Miller interrupted and said, "Okay, we have embarrassed Troy enough for tonight. Chip what you did tonight to Troy at the dinner table was totally inappropriate. That is just the type of thing that could ruin Lieutenant Nelson's career and your reputation. It could even have an impact on my career."
Chip said, "I'm sorry. I just wanted to be close to Troy and didn't even think about the consequences."
"We'll excuse it for tonight but you can't afford not to think about such things," answered the General.
I looked at my watch and said, "I really need to be going. I have to be at work by seven in the morning." I stood up and thanked Mrs. Miller for the wonderful meal and shook hands with everyone. I announced as I was getting ready to depart, "I will be lucky to get to sleep tonight just thinking about everything that has happened tonight."
Chip announced, "I'll take the Lieutenant to the door."
With that we went to the door. As Chip opened the door he said, "I hope you don't hate me because I am gay and think that I love you."
I noticed he had tears in his eyes. I quietly said, "Chip, I wouldn't hate you if you are gay, but I am scared and confused by the fact that you think you love me." I shook his hand and walked down the sidewalk.
I strolled slowly back the BOQ, thinking about what had happened.
As I walked into my suite, the cell phone was ringing. Since the only person who knew the number was Chip I answered, "Hello Chip, what can I do for you?"
"I just wanted to say goodnight. Goodnight." He hung up before I could respond. Since I didn't know his number I got ready for bed and had a difficult time going to sleep. At some point I had slipped off into never-never land because all of a sudden I was awakened by a rude ringing noise.
To be continued... If you want to read more of the story and some other interesting stories, you might want to visit www.tickiestories.us.