July 1, 2012
Last Minute Memories – Prologue:
The brigadier general slid the brown paper file forward on his desk. The blonde fighter pilot in front of him stood at attention, his blue eyes hard and expression blank, knowing full well what he would be told. He had prepared himself, but wished on the inside that it didn't have to come to this. He had thought—quite naively, in hindsight—that they would overlook it.
The both of them had done so much for their countries; for America, for Britain. Apparently, it wasn't enough.
Nothing was ever enough.
"Alfred, before I begin, I hope you understand." The ace pilot remained motionless. He heard a sigh, and then: "Your performance during the war was astounding. Marvelous." The brigadier general paused, as if waiting to see if Alfred would have a change of expression. It didn't happen. Another sigh. "So … was his. The sacrifice he made that day will never be forgotten, and we have decided to disregard his matter on this case."
Relief passed over the fighter pilot's face for a mere second, before his features hardened once again.
"I'm sorry to do this, Alfred. I really am. But I have no choice, and I can't ask for your forgiveness. We who fought beside you will never forget your courage, your charisma, or your quick decision-making skills in our toughest battles against time."
Alfred's eyes were beginning to blur, his vision becoming watery, but he held the tears in, blinking furiously to keep them from falling. He wasn't going to show any emotion. He had sworn he wouldn't.
"We thank you for your contributions to the war effort, and you deserve the medals awarded to you. However, after long consideration, your services have been deemed no longer necessary, or desired. You have been approved for an honorable discharge, and the public will not be informed of the true reason of your dismissal; you will always remain a celebrated war hero in their eyes. Captain Alfred F. Jones of the 78th Fighter Group, 82nd Fighter Squadron, you are hereby dismissed from the service of the United States Air Force." The brigadier general watched as Alfred stoically moved forward to pick up the envelope, and he stood up to give him one last salute. "Good-bye, Captain ... Alfred."
.
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To be continued...
A/N: To my dear readers who have been following this story: thank you very much for all the generous, critical, in-depth feedback. I really needed that, since I don't have anyone to look over this for me. I had those few chapters written, and now I am in the process of revising this story and just tying loose ends and adding to it. Thank you for your support and patience, and I hope you will continue to read my story, despite this rocky start and possibly annoying decision. Well, until then!