You don't know, you were'nt there (open to one woman)

[guyloveshotstories]

Lt. Colonel Kurt Dereks U.S Army
Age 36
Height 6'1"
Weight 165lbs
Buzzed black hair and blue eyes
Square jaw. Tight, smooth skin, medium build. No tattoos or piercings. Not married. No children. Does not smoke occassionlly drinks

Being placed at the Pentagon was a blessing. After 9/11 I had been sent all over the globe, been to Iraq and Afghanistan several times and I was reaching the point of burn out and now in Washington D.C. allowed my whittled body to rest. Sure, a desk job was not the most glamorous and certainly not one to gain fast promotion, but sinking into my soft leather chair and letting out all the air from my lungs; it was a blessing.

Being here was going to be permanent unless something drastic occured, but until that time I was part of a review board for junior officers seeking promotions; they would be sent to me with all of their certificates, medals, commendations, and training in a neat little bundle at their side and in their best uniforms on and their best faces, and I would determine if they're ready for a formal review board. My first one was a very young, male, 2nd Lieutenant that trembled at my appearance but he had everything in order and I recommended him and it was satisfied in my new job as that would be the most stress I had to endure would be seeing the scared looks on their faces.

For lunch I headed to the center courtyard of the Pentagon and met with my old friend Lt. Colonel William 'Willie' Concorde. We went back nearly ten years, when we were just captains on our way to Afghanistan. He was married to a lovely woman that was also an officer in the Army but with no children; they felt the constant shuffle across the world was no place to put children through right now. As we chatted and did some remenicing Concorde looked at me and jaded that I should get a woman. I knew that, my mother kept at me for that and I did not need that from my old friend but as we went on Willie shook his head slightly, "No, no. You miss the point, Dereks."

"What?" Remarking with a laugh, "A hooker? I could see the headlines now; Army colonel busted with street walker!" We laughed but after a moment Willie had a serious look on his face.

"Dereks, look" and he quickly pointed across the courtyard where many personnel were milling around in the warm afternoon sun, "you see them?"

"Yeah?" Not sure what he was getting at. There were young people from all branches enjoying themselves.

"Look," Willie began, "I know you love the service, I do to. I'll fight to the death for it, but you and I know that everyone has needs..."

"Whoa, wait" interupting him and stepping back, "What are you saying, Willie?"

Carrying this pleased smile on his thin lips Willie replied, "Look, Dereks, there are far more junior officers and enlisted here than senior. There are dozens fresh out of the academy, OCS, and transfers coming in and looking to get ahead and one of your jobs is recommending them to the promotion boards...."

Right there I knew what he was getting at; have me use my position to pervert the system, but I was not the man, just one of several that people would see to determine if they were ready. Our job was to thin the herd for the review board later on and it was not being cruel it was the Army was so large in terms of number that the promotion boards couldn't go through all of them in time so we try to limit the numbers they see but even then I did not have the devine word of promotion, but looking at Willie I asked him what stake did he have in this; he was just a paper pusher. Rubbing out his ciggeratte Willie just smiled and began his walk back inside. Before he left, he turned and looked at me, "Don't you have some people coming for review?"

Indeed I did and going back to my office my secretary informed me there would be a dozen potentials coming this afternoon.

If you're interested or have questions send me a PM. The idea for this thread is to have one or multiple female characters, played by one real woman, come to my character trying to advance their careers. I don't do rape, incest, scat or sick stuff.

 

[guyloveshotstories]

Willie was a strange man. Some would say he 'thought out of the box' but I say he was an opprutunist, not in the foul way but he was always looking for a easier way for everything and what he said to me made me think sitting inside my small office. Looking around at my small mantle of medals, plaques, and photos it was not as I would hope for a career that has been as long as mine such as Willie's. He had at least twenty five medals and two for valor whereas mine were twenty one and just one for valor and it was a ARCOM, not something that stood out for a promotion board to colonel or brigadier general, instead most of my medals were for service and being at the right place at the right time.

Was he right though in using my position as an advantage? A young officer would certainly use whatever they had to their advantage, I knew because I would as well when I was that young once and I could not remember the last time I had female company outside of work and what Willie said made my wonder if he was dabbling in this sort of perversion of the chain of command.

 

[guyloveshotstories]

Looking through my stacks of papers there were so many people I had to see this month, all prospects to achieve first lieutenant. All so young and eager, much as I was at that age and there were some pretty women but most were married. Unlike civilian life, adultery was punishable in the service and now the Army was cracking down on this like that colonel from the 173rd in Italy, his future looked bleak and it seemed all the pretty ones were married already. Since I gained my commission my parents pestered me to find and marry a woman, saying it was good for image but I didn't want to have a woman just for that as it might end in a messy divorce.

Stack after stack of potentials were carefully sifted through but after awhile they all seemed to blend together and I just wanted this day to end. My body was tired and my mind in a haze. All I could think of was my past with Willie. We had travelled to many countries and though not a drinker Willie was. Together we seemed to be a yin/yang as I was quiet and humble Willie was loud and exciting. He drank, smoked, went to parties and rub shoulders with a lot of brass. He kept coaching me to do the same, saying it would help my career and coupled that with my parents in having a wife, everyone seemed to be trying to point out ways for my career. I remember on case in Germany where Willie picked up two locals and what unfolded could be the stuff of legends. Going to his quarters the next day to pick him up Willie was actually hanging from a ceiling fan by one leg, in the nude. I don't know how he pulled it off, it must have been one well built fan.

Sobering up Willie said everything was a blur but had no regrets over this though his backs and legs pained him for several days. And this, he said, was what he wanted me to do?

 

[lmcms]

2nd Lieutenant Analisa McConlley
Age: 23
Height: 5'7"
Weight: 130lbs
Dark red hair cut in a pixie style and green eyes
Heart shaped face smooth milky skin with a light dusing of freckles, athletic build. No Piercings. A POW tattoo in dedication to her grandfather. Doesn't smoke. Doesn't Drink.

I stood infront of the mirror practicing my standing and critiquing my every move and stance. Tomorrow I have a meeting with Lt Colonel Kurt Dereks to see if I have a chance to face the promotions comittie. I know I have all the correct paper work that would allow such a move but let's face the Army is still a man's world and I'm a woman. I have to beable to do everything a man can only better just to prove I have the same rights as a man to protect my country. Sure they say it's all equal rights now and let's pat ourselves on the back for letting women into the service. But change just isn't that simple.

I am friends with a few female officers and I have heard talk around that the only sure way for a female to make it up the ladder was on her back. Personally I don't think this is true yes I may have to worker harder than a man to get where I am going but if I wanted the easy life I would have stayed a civilian married a rich man and be done with it. That's not what I wanted though, I want to serve my country, to make my family proud.

My phone rings, I check the ID, it's my Dad.

"Hello Sir, to what do I owe this call?" I say rather formally. My Dad was in the army until he was medically discharged so I so him the respect of a superiour.

"Hello Ana sweetie, you have your meeting tomorrow right." My Dad's not so formal he likes to remind me I'm a girl. Not that he's not proud of me just that well I do sometimes forget.

"Yes Sir, I go in right before lunch." I smile I am actually thrilled for this chance even if I am rejected.

"That's my girl, you got everything in order?" He asked already knowing the answer.

"Yes Sir."

"I bet the Lt Colonel could walk up to right now and you be ready for the interview. Pressed dress blues not a hair out of line and all your paper work perfectly order neatly in a folder." He jokes but he really is serious.

"You know me too well Sir." I reply with a light laugh.

"That I do, that I do. Hit the hay and get some rest girly tomorrow's a big day." He says I can hear the smile in his voice.

"Yes Sir." I say before hanging up and doing just as he ordered.

 

[guyloveshotstories]

Packing it in for the day I shuffle some papers and turn out the lights to the office and step out where my secretary hands me a piece of paper showing all the canidates I am to review tomorrow. In 12 point font and without double spacing it took up the entire page! Such a feat would take all day if I was as detailed in questioning as I always was, I coul just tell the person to blow just because they forgot something as simple as 'why the don't salute in doors?'

Looking up the names there was one right near the top: McConlly.

Strangely that name sounded familiar but could not recall. Taking the paper home with me and stuffing it inside my briefcase I collasped inside my small apartment that was only halfway done unpacking. I was only the first day and it felt as though it was a prison sentence for a crime I was unaware of. Hell, it might be guilt by association with Willie.

Taking the papers out again and looking them over that name 'McConlly' it sounded so familiar but just couldn't put a face on it for some reason. A second lieutenant by what was printed so that couldn't mean we served...did I serve with a relative? Her father, perhaps?

 

[lmcms]

I was awoken by the sound of my phone going off it was a half hour before the alarm would and I only know one person so onery as to do so. Without looking at the phone I answered. "Good Morning to you Sir as per usual you hit the mark early however you made it out of boot camp I will never know."

There was a deep rich laugh on the other end. "Only with you dear. Your interview is today right? Who's it with?"

I streched in the bed before answering. "Yes and a Lt Colonel Dereks."

"Dereks, Dereks, Dereks.... Kurt Dereks?" replied the stunned voice of my older brother.

"Yes Sir I believe so. Why?" Now I was curious I was never one to push away insider information.

"I've done a few tours with guy.....you want details huh?" Mark asked laughing at me again but not making me answer. "Good guy a few years older then me,use to be pretty laid back as long as all the I's where dotted and the T's crossed. That shouldn't be an issue for you. Last I heard he was still single but he was a handsome bloke. Maybe you'll get that husband after all." At this he stopped speaking because he was laughing too hard.

"That's it Mark McConlley I am never speaking to you again." I said in my hautiest voice this of course made him laugh harder.

"I am going to take a shower and have some coffee you have a good day Sir." I said hanging up and shaking my head.

I was in and out of the shower in less than 15 minutes. I'm not like others I do what needs to be done and keep on going. While my peers go out to party I stay in and study or workout. Once again if I want to get somewhere on my choosen path in life I have to be the best because the path I choose is over run with me. I know plenty of females who follow the work hard play hard rule sometimes I wish I could but I just don't think it's in me. Don't get me wrong I do get lonely for male companionship but when you don't drink and you don't party it makes finding it hard.

 

[guyloveshotstories]

Waking up early and seeing the glowing red numbers on the clock made me feel sick that it was this early. Not only getting up but shower, dressing, breakfast and traffic to get to the Pentagon was a pain, but I did it nonetheless. Putting on my uniform and making sure my black shoes were nicely polished I went out into a warm day with my briefcase at my side holding all the names of the potentals for review. If anything I hoped they would be ready as oon as I arrived so they could be popped out as quickly as possible.

That name 'McConlly' was still bouncing around but could put my finger on it. There was Facebook where I could have done a name search but I didn't have that; instead just stuck with letter writing and phone calls and only used the military email when I had to. All the electronics of today were making me feel old and outdated, hell, I had a cellphone that had no texting or internet whereasi see most others tapping out text messages faster than on a computer keyboard.

Arriving at the Pentagon and going through security I arrived at my office before my secretary and dropped off my briefcase and sank into my comfortable chair.

 

[lmcms]

Thanks to Mark getting me up early I was 15 minutes earlier than the half hour early I had planned to be. So I was sitting in this office waiting for my interview almost an hour if the Lt Colonel was time linger if he was running late. Wanting to make a good impression in case the man asked his secretary her opinion I sat at attention not a seem out of line my hat balanced and centered squarley on my lap as I waited to be told I could go in. I didn't speak to anyone and kept my gaze train to a spot in the wall like my life depended on it.

 

[guyloveshotstories]

My secretary kept glancing over at Lt. McConlly but never said anything feeling that she may 'snap' in some way. It was best to let a person stew or contemplate in their own way. Usually when canidates come here tey read from manuals or quiz one another about potential questions that wuld arise and as more people came in my secretary began organizing them in order. As McConlly was first she would be the first reviewed by me but it was not time yet, I ddnt have my coffee yet and there was paper work for just about everything inside the Army that I needed to look at and sign.

Dotting the last 'I' and glancing up at the clock it was 0800, 8 o'clock, meaning the opening of business. Opening a drawer and dropping in a stack of useless papers to clear my desk and closing it I called out "send in the first one" to my secretary, whom, in turn, turned to McConlly and said "that's you."

 

[lmcms]

I rose slowly tucking her cap under my arm my file in hand and crisply walked into his office. The whole while I could hear my father and brother chanting in my ear "Show no fear and they'll never know what hit 'em. Show no fear girlie."

Walking into his office I shut the door quietly behind me. Standing straight shoulders back my voice clear I said, "Lieutenant Conolley reporting as order Sir."

I stood stiff waiting for instructions my eyes never wavering from the spot straight ahead of me. I hadn't actually seen him just a vage impression of an older man short hair fairly tall considering he was seated and nice build.

 

[guyloveshotstories]

When she stood before me and I read the name tag the name still didn't strike and neither did the straight face. Fairly young, for me that is, I said "At ease. Have a seat, lieutenant" speaking rather plainly. It wasn't her that as the problem it was 'im not a morning person' and having a whole list of people to go through by the end of business day was going to give me a major headache but pushing on my eyes looked her over in a fine tailored uniform with every piece of brass polished and colors bright it was impressive but a clean uniform is just part of it. "Your records" reached across the desk to her.

 

[lmcms]

I handed over the folder crisply. I could tell he was in a bad mood is blue eyes alight with irritation. This would not go well for me and I knew it I was on a wing and prayer here no doubt. I wanted to cry sure just because he was in a sulley mood and I was the first to step into his dungen I would quickly be slayed. But none of it showed on my face no emotion at all. Show no fear. I kept my gaze straight and focused as he read my file though a part of my mind acknowledge his good looks and reminded me of my dry spell and loneliness but again no emotion showed on my face. I was a soldier first and a woman second I always head been according to my father.

 

[guyloveshotstories]

Opening it up there was not a whole lot there. A second lieutenant would not have a record as thick as mine but what I saw here was impressive though my eyes just kept reading the small, black font. God I needed my coffee. So far no blemishes on her record, no screw ups or censures then I read on through the pages and saw a familiar name and my blue eyes flicked up to hers and i asked, "You're MarK McColly's daughter?"

Now I knew where that name. Mark and I went back a ways. He was not like Willie, a little more straight laced but also a fun guy to be with and unlike us, he apparently decided to settle down and have a family.

Setting the records down a smile came to my thin lips, "How is your father?"

 

[lmcms]

I couldn't help myself I busted out laughing I tried I did but I couldn't hold it back,"No offence Sir but you must need coffee you math is off. For Mark to be my father he would have had to be 10 when he had me Mark is my older brother. He'll get a kick out of being called my father." I couldn't help it I laughed again.

"I'm sorry Sir I don't mean to be rude would you like me to get you a coffee while you read?" I tried to sit straight again but a smile still graced my lips.

 

[guyloveshotstories]

my eyes dropped and then opening the folder again looked, I had misread one of the lines. One of the problems of getting old is the diminishing of the eyesight. Guess I had to go see the doctors, but opening up the papers again and looking it over I re-read and found who her real father is but looking at her, she was still cracking up and it was just cute how someone so young could not keep it together over a simple mistake.

"How is your father?" asking again trying to keep it going. If we stayed here and laughed then that might give the wrong impression to those waiting outside.

 

[lmcms]

I was doing my best to compose myself and when he asked how my father was I almost lost it again but I managed myself this time and took a deep calming breath bringing myself back to normal, "Father is well we spoke last night he was his normal high spirited self and Mark is still his fun loving self calling well before the alarm clock rings. When the interview's over he would like me to pass you his number to get back in touch. Thank you for asking Sir."

I said all this with a straight face like I hadn't answered more than his question I was back in control and I knew my outburst had probably cost me a rejection on my record at the very least. This was bad news I could already hear Mark dressing me down for the out burst after he had his own laughing fit of course.

 

[guyloveshotstories]

Taking the piece of paper and putting it away I had to bring up the records and now that the introductions were out of the way, we could start to get serious about this matter. Though I could not bestow any promotion on any individual gracing my office, my selection apparently did carry weight therefore I had to be careful in my choices.

Going through the entire envelope and reports and looking back at her face as she tried to regain her rigid posture I asked, "What is it that you're trying to achieve in the Army, Lieutenant?"

 

[lmcms]

"What is it that you're trying to achieve in the Army, Lieutenant?"

There where many ways to answer this question most where over used even if true I picked my words carefully before I spoke letting the truth ring for itself. "I am not sure you would call it achieving anything in the Army Sir, My aspirations however are to be of service to the Army when it comes to defending my homeland in any way the Army deems me fit Sir."

 

[guyloveshotstories]

"What do you plan with your career?" I asked with one hand carefully going through the papers. It was all an act to give the appearance that I was trying to delve deep into her life, "Do you want to do the full twenty?" meaning if she wanted to go through twenty years of service and, hopefully, retire. By that time, if she made it and had the right stuff, she could make it at least a lieutenant Colonel like myself, but with the wars overseas there was a potential for faster promotion.

"You haven't been deployed overseas, yet, have you?" asking still skimming through the papers.

 

[lmcms]

I considered my answer to these questions but trully there was but one answer and that was the truth.

"I'm a lifer Sir it runs in the family and no Sir I have not though I consider it both a blessing and curse." I said being as honest as possible for some reason I could not look into his blue eyes and stay my rigid self his eyes invited so much more and I needed no more marks against me

 

[guyloveshotstories]

Nodding and skill skimming through the papers I kept up the questions knowing that in her mind she had to answer all of them and though I could ask her almost anything what I had going was giving several serious questions such as "career choices, deployments, and MOS (military occupational specialty) changes and then insert a question that is out of the blue.

"Do you plan on changing yoiur MOS?"

"Do you wish to go overseas to Iraq or Afghanistan?"

"What cat is better: calico or siamese?

 

[lmcms]

"I would like to achieve 920 Quartermaster someday Sir."

"Yes Sir I would like to be deployed for 2 reasons. One I would be honored to help my fellow soldiers over sea as my family has always done. Two being deployed would increase my chance of becoming quartermaster."

"Well Sir they both have qualities are admireable but I would have to say Siamese Sir."

She kept herself ridgid the whole time though inwardly she was shaking her head, the man was crazy.

 

[guyloveshotstories]

The idea for the cat question was to purposely make her slip up to see how she would handle it. So far she was showing to be capable of handling herself. As we went on she kept up a serious face ad as I hada long line of people waiting I was not going to keep her for a prolonged period of time as her own commanding officer would miss her.

"Okay, Lieutenant" I said closing the folder and passing it back, "I'm going to ask you three simple questions, and I want your honest opinion on this. I'm not going to ask you about who is right politically in all that. What I'm going to ask is simply: what can we do to improve these fields, understand, Lieutenant?"

1. I think that women should be put on the front line with the men. Why, as a woman, that so many think differently?

2. Do you think that you deserve a promotion?

3. Should there be more benifits available to veterans after discharge?

The questions were deliberately varied to make her think broadly.

 

[lmcms]

I thought about this not really sure how the questions had any relivance to me being able to go before the promations board. The man is deffinately crazy I decided. I took each question in turn.

"If a woman is trained the same as the men I don't see why they couldn't join them on the front line after all they do have the same training why should one have more rights to fight then another."

"Do I think I deserve a promotion? Well Sir that is not really up to me but I would like to think I do yes Sir I work hard to serve my country but if my coutry dosn't think I deserve a promotion there is not I can do about it is there Sir?"

"Yes Sir I do after all they have protected our country fought wars and stood on the front lines. They should beable to come home and be taken care of as they took care of us."

This last question was something she believed strongly in.

 

[guyloveshotstories]

It was to test her beliefs and conviction and though some may look at it with a raised eyebrow or rather contempt to let personal feelings get in the way of a meeting such as this it was my ultimate discision to make at the end of it.

Nodding as she talked I believed she had conviction as well as character as did a lot of women did before however in looking she did not have awhole lot of years and experience to back up her conviction. Perhaps some more time and a deployment could change all that around, but knowing this system longer than she had there was certainly a lot of people higher up that would forever be looking down their noses at her. It did not matter if she came home with "The Medal of Honor" around her neck, there will always be those that say "she's a woman." But goingthrough it and nodding I took the list given to me by my secretary and scribbled down some words beside her name and slid it under some other folders to prevent her from seeing it.