Page 158 of The Texas Sterling Collection
“General Steinburg is a Five-Star general, the highest rank. He is the first 5-star general since Omar Bradley in 1981. The 5-star rank was retired, but the President persuaded Congress to bring it back at Steinburg’s request. For him to have contacted us personally underscores the importance of this meeting at the highest levels of government. The protocol requires us to show the utmost respect for this man and his rank. Address him as ‘General Steinburg’ and ‘Sir.’ Unless he asks us to address him otherwise, we stick to that and that alone.”
“I will take your lead,” Rod said. “This isn’t merely a visit with a general. It is a request from the President through the General.”
Wyl smiled. “I bet you never thought marrying me would involve a personal visit to the Pentagon.”
Rod grinned. “No. I was too focused on getting my hands on your sexy body and turning you gay.”
Breakfast arrived, and the aroma of the steaming omelet and the hot French toast triangles filled the air. Both dug into their breakfast and ate hungrily.
After breakfast, they waited in the lobby. The black Suburban arrived promptly at 9:00, complete with a black-suited driver wearing dark aviator sunglasses. Rod glanced at Wyl. “I thought that was a Hollywood thing.”
Wyl chuckled. “You mean like you thought Bonanza and Big Valley were actually ranches, and all ranches worked like that?”
They both climbed into the back seat. The driver pulled into the D.C. traffic and whisked them to the Pentagon. Wyl’s stomach trembled.It’s showtime.
CHAPTER THREE
The driver stopped at the Pentagon entrance and turned to them.
“Major Sterling. Doctor Bonner. I am Agent Travers. I will escort you back to the hotel after your meeting concludes. Enjoy your visit to the Pentagon, sirs.”
“Thank you, Travers.” Wyl gave a salute to the driver.
A security station and four walk-through metal detectors painted a stark welcome inside. The left wall included a mural of an unfurled American Flag against an azure sky. The right wall had photos, with the President at the top and high-ranking military officials below. At the back, a vignette highlighting the various branches of the military.
“Welcome, gentlemen,” the guard at the desk greeted them. “May I know the reason for your visit?”
“Major Wyl Sterling and Dr. Rod Bonner to see General Steinburg,” Wyl said.
The guard checked his list and found their names.
“Very good, sirs. May I have your IDs, please?”
Wyl and Rod presented their driver's licenses.
The guard glanced at Rod. “I see your license is in the name of Roderic Felix Bonner Sterling. I have Dr. Rod Bonner on my list.”
“Yes, sir,” Rod said. “My Ph.D. and educational credentials are in the name of Roderic Felix Bonner. I officially changed my name to Roderic Felix Bonner Sterling in February. My government-issued ID reflects the surname of Sterling.”
The guard accessed Rod’s record in the database and notedthat the information matched Rod's description.“Excellent, sir.” The guard handed back their ID cards and directed them through the security checkpoint.
“Your badges, gentlemen.” The guard placed a badge for each of them on the counter. “Wear these at all times when in this facility. The badges also serve as keys, granting you access to your authorized areas. One of my men will escort you to General Steinburg’s office.”
Another guard appeared. “Gentlemen, please follow me.”
Wyl and Rod clipped the badges on their suit coats. They followed the second guard as he led them down bland corridor after corridor, each unadorned and brightly lit with white, fluorescent light. Only the finished oak doorways broke the monotony. They arrived at the general’s office. The guard opened the door and motioned them to enter. He saluted and closed the door behind them.
A young soldier stood from his desk. “Welcome, gentlemen. I am Corporal Duggins, General Steinburg’s secretary. The general is expecting you. Please follow me.” He opened one of a set of heavy oak doors and led them into a roomy office with a view of D.C.
The office decor presented a notable contrast to the stark hallways. The rich walnut furnishings sat atop a thick, red, white, and blue checkered area rug. At one end was the general’s desk. In front sat two tufted leather guest chairs, a low table positioned between them. At the other end of the office was a conference table with a videoconferencing system and a wet bar.
“General Steinburg, your guests have arrived,” Corporal Duggins said.
The general rose. “Major Sterling, Dr. Bonner, welcome to the Pentagon.” He came around his desk and shared a warm handshake with them. “Please, have a seat.”
“Thank you, general.” Wyl remained standing, and Rod mimicked him.
The general sat, then Wyl and Rod sat in the soft leather chairs.
