“Yes, Mr. President, what can we do for you?”
Inside the Oval Office, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the bottom half of his torso covered in a blanket that resembled a green and gray sarape, twirled his wheelchair around to face the four men who had entered. These men, dressed in the dark suits and trenchcoats of the Secret Service, were summoned by the president this evening to discuss a matter of utmost importance. A matter that only the president, his national security advisor, key cabinet members, and a few senior security officers knew about. Once the time was ripe, he would reveal his ultimate plan to everyone else, but until then, his newest operation would remain classified.
“Ah, there you are. I am glad you made it on such short notice, gentlemen. ” President Roosevelt, or FDR as he was known to those he had corresponded with, stopped to cough before facing four of his private security detail. ” I do hope I didn’t inconvenience you much this evening.”
“Not at all, Mr. President,” the agent with the dimples and greased dark salt and pepper hair, now visible after he removed his bowler hat, assured him. “We are all available at a moment’s notice.”
The 32nd president of the United States nodded. “I’m pleased to hear that. Now to the matter of why you have been summoned to my office at this ungodly hour. ” He slipped on his reading glasses before glancing at the day’s papers. “Take a look at this. This should answer your questions.”
One of the agents, a man with a stubble and gray eyes, took the paper and looked it over, frowning.
“I apologize for my insolence, sir , but I fail to see how this answers our question.”
FDR chuckled, shaking his head. “Always neglecting to look bellow the surface level, aren’t you Dulles? Anyone else feel free to voice their responses?”
The third agent, with a large nose and graying hair, decided to posit his guess. “I know we are focusing on the column where a Colorado football bigshot helped lead his team to the Division championships, but I am puzzling over its importance. I know you follow college football religiously, but I fail to see the significance of Montrose College winning. ”
The fourth agent, with spectacles and a roman nose, decided to speak up. “I don’t think it is rather the score, but the young lad who is pictured on the column. He showed unmistakable prowess and dedication in order to bring his team up from trailing by double digits. I assume that he will be the newest recruit for the Service?”
Roosevelt clapped his hands. “You are right on the money, Ortiz. As for your assertion, Donavan. ” He glanced at the third agent. “Yes, I love all kinds of sports, including college football, but as Ortiz stated, it is not the score or the team that caught my eye. I am impartial to teams, after all. I just love the game itself so I don’t bother rooting for a team. It’s a good way to promote national unity and morale, especially among our younger generations. It is where I found an individual like this boy who shows promise for our new endeavor that will change U.S. espionage for the greater good. ”
The first agent was trying to wrap his mind around the commander in chief’s choice for who will be the first operative in the country’s fledgling national espionage program. ” Mr. President, I don’t mean to doubt your judgement, but are you sure this kid is a practical option for our top secret project? For one, he is inexperienced in any sort of combat outside of sport and the occasional fight over ego like most boys his age. Also, due to his age, he is unfit to make proper judgements should his life depend on it. Scientific studies have shown that young men like him don’t have the mindset to think objectively without letting their emo-”
President Roosevelt cut him off with a wave of his hand. “Gallows, you name all valid points and while I appreciate your concern, I had thought my decision over thoroughly and compared it to other alternatives before settling on this young buck, whom I am positive won’t let his country down.”
Agent Donovan cleared his throat. “If I may, Mr. President, inquire as to why we must settle for someone who is so young? He is a student athlete, which I was as well, but at that time, I was focused on enjoying my life and figuring out who I wanted to be. It wouldn’t be fair to put him in dangerous situations that could cost him his life if a mission goes downhill. I’d recommend putting someone who has experience in military matters in this chump’s place, preferably someone who has served in the Great War or in the International Brigades against Franco’s Fascists in Spain. It would be a more feasible option compared to someone who has his life ahead of him. ”
The president of the United States only nodded his head. “Once again, very valid concerns, but I assure you that I am quite certain I made the right decision regarding our first official international spy. While he is young and seems brash from what his coaches and teachers have reported, I believe he possesses the qualities that can be molded into my vision for the ideal spook. He may not have the experience you gentlemen may possess, but that’s for the better as he can adapt more flexibly into a new era of warfare. Contrary to popular belief, young minds are more adaptable and can learn much quicker. Why is it that children learn languages faster than us adults? Moreover, he won’t be jaded like war veterans. Instead, he’ll be highly eager to serve his country.”
Agent Gallows conceded to the chief executive’s justification of his choice for the first spy. “If you insist, sir. I do have a concern I’d like to voice. What if he ends up getting captured by an enemy country or killed in action? How will we explain to his loved ones? That someone they were close to had his fate sealed as a guinea pig in the latest government experiment?”
FDR crossed his fingers, his elbows resting on the polished wooden desk. “Leave that to me. If my hunch about this kid is proven wrong, at least we will know that the country’s top secret international espionage program was a failure. It would be back to the drawing board. ”
“Are you sure this program is necessary?” Agent Dulles pursed his lips in thought. “Technically, we are not at war with anyone. Hitler has his hands occupied with the Soviets and the British. The Japs have their own issues as well and I don’t think they’d bother on the other side of the Pacific any time soon. The USS Panay was an error on the Jap’s part and they provided compensation for it. We have nothing to worry about being separated by two islands.”
The president was silent for a moment before he began speaking. “Well, I wouldn’t be too sure about that. The German Navy has taken an interest in our shipping lanes, sinking several of our mercantile carriers in the Atlantic. The Empire of Japan, on our western end, are keeping a wary eye on our fleet in the Hawaiian Islands. While our positions are defensive, we will not hesitate to strike should we feel a threat is posed to our interests or our territories. I will be meeting with Churchill this August in Canada to plan out how we will have to deal with the threat from the Axis Powers which could be on our doorstep soon if we keep idle. If only I could go for a third term.” FDR mumbled the last line before Agent Ortiz spoke up.
“Mr. President, with all due respect, I am sure I speak for all of us when I say I am onboard for this operation, but may we have the honor of knowing this young jock’s name?”
---
“John Elliot once again takes the Pioneers to the red zone! With 30 seconds remaining, can he pull off a play to get them ahead of the Aspen Columbines? All they need is 4 points! ”
As the announcers highlighted the previous play, John Elliot of Broomfield, Colorado huddled with his team , the Montrose Pioneers of Montrose College, on the Columbines’ 7 yard line, thinking of a play that could possibly make their game or break it should it not play out correctly. As the afternoon sun hung behind the trees and the stadium, few clouds glowing in the sky, John the quarterback pitched ideas to his teammates about their next play. The bickering about their next critical play nearly cost them some time , resulting in the Pioneers calling for a timeout. John and his teammates hurried over to the Montrose benches where Coach Rockwell greeted them. The heavyset man with the jowls frowned at his star player as the team gathered around him, taking sips of water from canteens.
“What is it, Johnny boy? Are you doubting yourself? You usually are adept at pulling yourself out of sticky situations. Did you hit a rut today?”
John shook his head as he drained his water and poured what remained over his head to cool himself down.
“No, I actually have a plan, but it will deviate from what we normally do. I know it comes as a surprise, but it will likewise catch the Columbines off guard. ”
Coach Rockwell raised a brow, his balding head covered by a gray-brown cap. “Oh really? Well, go out there and surprise me, Elliot!”
“Right on, coach!” The athlete turned to his team. “Now let’s go blaze some trials out there and wreak havoc! For who are we?”
“The Pioneers!” they responded.
“What do we do?”
“We blaze trails and wreak havoc!”
With that, the team hurried back to the field. As John prepared to hike the ball from Jefferson in front of him, he listened to the chant from the stands. The shouts of the Pioneer slogan and the words of encouragement only served to heighten his drive. Surely, his family, including his sister Amy and his brother Tommy, were among the chanting throng.
This one is for the team. And the championship! Let’s make all our efforts count for something!
As soon as Jefferson hiked the ball to John, who nearly fumbled it, but managed to hold on at the last second, the Pioneer’s quarterback tossed it to Clements behind him, who handed it off to Ryan. As Jefferson and Bridger blocked the Aspen Columbine’s linemen, preventing them from making a tackle, John ran beside Ryan, who zigzagged all the way to the end zone. As the last line of defense from the Aspen team enclosed Ryan like a Venus flytrap, he hurled the ball backward to John Elliot, who caught it with a type grip.
Make this count!
The football star took a running leap and landed on the line as the opposing team piled on him on a move known as the dogpile.
“What do we have here, folks? An audible from the Montrose offense! Elliot never ceases to amaze us! Let’s see if he made it across the line.”
The spectators held their breath as the referees cleared the players off John, who felt as if he was caught in an avalanche. As the latter was assisted up by his two teammates, the officials marked where he fell and debated about what call to make. Should they mark him in or out?
After what felt like an eternity, the officials raised both arms to signal a touchdown, much to the crowd’s delight. As the crowd erupted in loud cheering, hoots, and hollers, John Elliot’s buddies hoisted him up on their shoulders and carried him to the Montrose bench. All the benched Pioneers piled upon him in celebration as Coach Rockwell strolled over , a big grin plastered on his usually austere face.
“You’ve done it, Johnny boy! We are the champions! We owe it all to you!”
The sports star felt a grin grow on his face as he prepared to make a speech.
“No sir, it is all thanks to the rest of the Pio-Waaagh!”
John Elliot shuddered as he was drenched with water. He glanced behind him to see his teammates having the laugh of their lives as a large bucket held by both Tubbs and Jefferson hung over him, it had hit him what had occurred.
“You bastards!” He admonished them, but only lightheartedly. Nothing could ruin his victory, which could very well be an important milestone in his life.
“That was the bomb, Johnny!”
The quarterback turned to see his younger brother Tommy rush over to him. The younger Elliot enveloped his older brother in a brief hug before patting him on the back.
“Gee, when did you get so tall?” John made a show of looking him over. ” Yeah, thanks for the compliment, Glad you liked the show. You know, you really should try out for basketball.”
“Already ahead of you on that one.” Tommy smirked. “I’ve been playing forward on the school team for half a year now.”
The champ tilted his head to his side. “Holy moly, it’s been that long. Well, what else is new? How is Freddy? Is he behaving himself?”
“Yeah, though not without months of a strict training regimen.”
John turned to see his sister Amy approach, her cream blonde hair flowing back, holding their pet Siberian husky Freddy on a leash. Her hair contrasted with Tommy’s darker tone while John held a middle ground with his dark brown hair. The star athlete walked over to pat his dog on his forehead. The pooch with the black and white coat, who was but only a pup when the Elliot’s adopted him, sniffed the fingers of the master that he was separated from, but recognizing him. Barking with joy, the dog licked John all over his face.
“Did mom and dad actually show up this time?”
Amy nodded. ” Of course. They are back at the stands. They are proud of you, in case you are wondering.”
John felt his insides warm up immensely. “That is good to hear, especially from dad, who is harder to please than King George the 2nd. Do we have any plans for afterwards?”
Before either of his siblings could respond, two of his teammates, Walker and Winston, hurried over to him.
“Ey Johnny, Coach Rockwell wants you in the locker room for the postgame briefing.”
Gotcha!“John nodded before glancing at his brother and sister. “Tell mom and dad I’ll meet them by the parking lot.”
---
“Hey, you wanna join us at Rocky’s? I hear Elizabeth Newton and her gang will be present. Maybe you’d have a chance with her or any of the gals. After all, the winner of today’s game shouldn’t have an issue.”
John glanced at Jeffries, the defensive tackle of the Pioneers, as he got out of the showers.
“Yeah, sure. Just give me a minute to put on my civilian clothes and I’ll be out. Plus, I need to tell my family.”
“Cool.” The defensive player nodded before he and the others exited the locker room. ” See you at Rocky’s.”
As John finished dressing up, he heard the door open and close. He froze, glancing around a bit wary.
“Dudes, I said I’ll meet you at Rocky’s. I’m on my way now.”
As he walked toward the door, he noticed that no one was near it. Frowning, the quarterback warily glanced around as if expecting his buddies to leap out at a moment’s notice form behind the lockers or a close door that could open like a coffin.
“This really isn’t funny, guys. I swear I will deck you across your faces if you keep this up. Now cut it out and show yourselves!”
As he rounded a corner, he ran into a man wearing a gray tweed suit. Startled, he moved back , but felt a hand on his shoulder. He jumped back, startled as he saw another suited figure with a fedora hat materialize behind him.
“Mr. John Elliot, I presume?”
John found himself glancing between the two ominous man, his eyes wide with nervousness.
“Who’s asking?”
The first man presented a badge. “The United States Secret Service.”
“What have I done to warrant a visit from government agents?” John frowned.“I swear I was not involved in any seditious acts or another. I am no fascist or commie, I am truly patriotic. My father even served during the world war. I’m sure it’s some misunderstanding we can clear.”
“I assure you were are in no trouble,” the second agent explained. “Now follow us, we just want to talk.”
Suspicious of these men’s intentions, John trailed them out of the locker room and into the parking lot. The sun was just setting behind a few dark clouds, giving the horizon a colorful yellow tinge , as the day winded down. John wondered what these government security guys wanted with him. That was based on the assumption that they were who they said they were. For all he knew, they could be mobsters taking him away to their Packard. If he had refused their demands, they’d take out their tommy gun and he’d be found in cement shoes on the bottom of Utah Lake, perhaps decades later. He shuddered at the thought and tried to brush it aside.
Get ahold of yourself, Jonathan Joseph Elliot. You are letting your imagination run wild after watching Little Caesar with the lads.
At that moment, he spotted the Lincoln limousine parked across the sidewalk of the stadium’s lot and his heart began to pound in his chest.
No, please don’t let it be what I think it is. Why would some greaser don want to wack me?
“Easy there, fella.”
One of the agents supported John as his legs felt like Jello. The quarterback felt himself hyperventilate as they got closer to the car. The door opened and John was assisted inside by an agent before another joined him on the other seat and shut the door. The young man clenched his jaw and braced for a blow that never came. Frowning, he glanced up and wondered why he didn’t have machine guns pointed at him and why he wasn’t being offered a deal he couldn’t refuse by the big boss?
“Apologies for bringing you here on short notice, son, but I’d like to have a word with you. I am impressed by your athletic achievements, especially that stunt you pulled back there which won you the championship game. I admit I didn’t see it coming and I am mostly pleased with your ability to think creatively which will be a useful asset in an assignment I’m going to give you. Should you choose to accept, I’ll give you all the details now. Should you refuse, no harm done. We will send you on your way to meet your friends for a well-deserved celebration. Though I doubt you will refuse to serve your country.
The gray-haired man in the spectacles, seated on the seat adjacent to him, coughed into his sleeve before turning back to the young buck.
“I am sure I need no introduction as a lad your age is quite aware of my identity, especially one who my New Deal has affected greatly, but it is only polite for me to remind you that I am-”
“Franklin Delano Roosevelt, no frickin’ way!” John breathed out. “Here I was thinking I’d be meeting a Sicilian don or a greasy New York crime boss, but the president himself is giving me an offer I can’t refuse! So what’s in it for me?”
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLW51sulLPF
