"It's been an honor serving you kiddo" Alfred beamed at the compliment from the elderly man vigorously shaking his hand.

"I can also say the same for you Major" Alfred said. The old man grinned, obviously happy to have received the reply from his junior. As the two comrades meticulously examined each other, their eager cheer slowed into a melancholic reminiscence. The older man looked down, as he started solemnly recalling everything they had been through. He wasn't the only one. "Major, I'm serious." Alfred said, "You've really done so much. You've been a great soldier, a wonderful aide, and an amazing friend." Alfred seemed to hesitate before continuing, "Are you sure you can't stay?"

The man took a deep breath before speaking, "Al, look...there's a lot we've done together," he gave a wry smile before continuing, "But my time's up. I'm, a fifty year-old man who's struck lucky enough to be the aide to greatest...person this country will know." The man gulped, trying hard to swallow tears before starting again."I wish...I wish I could've done more, but..." The man clutched his stomach, looking down once more.

"Major..." Alfred started "Please don't blame yourself. It was my fault anyw- "

"No it wasn't! Alfred, stop blaming yourself for everything! It wasn't you and you know it!" The man's lips were pursed thin as he angrily regarded Alfred. "Why would you even think like that Al?"

Alfred sighed sadly, his blue eyes drooping as a slight smirk perched on his face. He turned away, looking towards the window. "Those memories..." The man's eyes went wide as he realized what Alfred was talking about. The object.

The object that had been entrusted with the aide of the most powerful. It was centuries- no millenniums old. It was a scientific phenomenon held under the secretive grip of the CIA. It held memories, deep dark memories that wouldn't, that couldn't, fade from time. It was in his care.
The man's breath hitched as he remembered the circumstances on which they had last used it; the look on Alfred's face...he shuddered. Never again.

"Major," Alfred said "I need you to keep the object." The man blinked, too stunned to answer. Was Alfred insane? That thing was given to the aide and as far as he knew he wasn't his aide anymore. Alfred was crazy. That had to be it, it was the only reason the object would be left to him permanently. He couldn't allow this.

"Al, we both know that isn't allow-"

"I cleared it with the boss. It's yours until you die. After that we'll take it back."

The man stared dumbfounded at the young adult in front of him. He opened his mouth to argue but then realized from the tone of Alfred's voice there probably wasn't much argument left. Narrowing his eyes the elderly man's jaw twitched. "Why Alfred? Why am I keeping it?" he demanded "Are you too scared of your own history?"

Alfred's desperate azure eyes met his own. " Major you know my past...please." His voice went hoarse, eyes almost begging. His breathing seemed shaky as he tensed up. "Please Major

The man's shoulders slumped as he took in the state of the man before him...the Cold War really hadn't kept him very stable...he sighed, realizing this would have keep the kid from losing it. "All right Alfred, I'll keep it." Alfred relaxed and gave a small but relieved smile to the older man. "That doesn't mean you can forget about your past though," he stated tersely "After all, 'Those who cannot remember the past, are condemned to repeat it.' We both know that, don't we?"

Alfred nodded in agreement though the corners of his mouth were still slightly upturned. His face seemed lighter, perhaps now that that his burden was gone it would be easier to move into the new century. To think that after thirty incredible years it was finally here... he hoped the new era would treat his retirement with kindness. He wondered how it would change Alfred considering how young and impressionable the kid was. Glancing at Alfred he couldn't help but grin wildly, this kid would keep his crazy spunk, that's for sure. "Thanks Al." he said chided "For everything." It was time to say goodbye, once and for all.

Standing tall, straight, and proud, Alfred faced the man. "Major Grant M. Wilkerson, you are hereby officially relieved of your duties. I thank you for your work." He finished by saluting the man.

Grant Wilkerson nodded, standing erect. "Sergeant Alfred F. Jones, you're welcome. It's been nice serving you...America." Alfred F. Jones, otherwise known as The United States of America, smiled at the formal use of his name. As he watched his former aide leave, it occurred to him that he would have to find a new aide. His stomach uncomfortably churned with the thought. He had been with Grant for thirty turbulent years and all throughout he had stuck it through...even through the worst of situations. Would he be able to find a new aide like that? He sighed, he was probably over thinking it anyways. Suddenly Grant turned around, breaking his train of thought.

"Hey Al?" Grant asked.

"Yeah Major?" Alfred replied

"Keep in touch, kiddo"

Alfred grinned, he'd find a new aide alright, but they could never be like Grant, not even close. "Don't worry Major, I will."