RAW Deception (Round 2 in the RAW Instinct Series)

Chapter 18

Listen to the music:  Two Steps From Hell - Battlecry.

No ticker parade for this hero. No crowds to welcome him back home. No air force personnel to greet him as he stepped from the flossy onto the tarmac at Waterkloof Air Base. Shane, Edward and Raw would be arriving the following day via British Airways.

The personnel in his office resorted to hush-hush tactics when he arrived and the first order of the day was to peruse the morning papers.

Anti-hero arrives back in South Africa

Air Force Hero, Gay

Don't Ask. Don't tell. Don't Push it!

World in Awe of the Gay Pilot who Shunned Bravery Award.

He couldn't sleep that night. His mind raced with a thousand thoughts, all of them required action. He had tendered his resignation to Miyani who had no problem accepting it. He needed to find a place to start his own metalwork factory. Or maybe he'd take early retirement and go live at Canton's Cottage. Of course, Shane would go with him, sell the house. So many thoughts.

The following morning he received a call before heading for the airport to collect his family.

"Colonel, the General wants to see you."

"It's usually "urgent" tagged onto the end of that sentence, Ellin."

"He made no mention of just how urgent it is."

Gregory tapped his desk and stared out the window at the rookies going through their marching drill. He remembered a time when he too, was a rookie. A time when excitement flowed through his veins, when he knew this was the life he wanted. A younger, more handsome Gregory Basye Sander accepting his first commission. His first solo flight. The night he had sex with his best friend's sister. The birth of his son. It all happened from this place, and soon it would be a thing of the past.

He stood to attention in Miyani's office and remained silent.

"At ease, pilot. The minister isn't happy. I'm up to my neck in please explain documents. In fact, no one is happy. Having said this, the minister also thinks you are more than brave by coming out and rejecting the award. He thinks the air force can use that to their advantage. He wants you to reconsider your resignation, Colonel. He also wants you promoted to Brigadier. What are your thoughts?"

Gregory's lips twitched into a victorious smile. "General, I'm humbled by the minister's generosity. I'll need time to think about the offer. I had already started making plans."

"If I was the minister, this would have turned out differently, I assure you."

"With all due respect, General. You're not the minister."

"You have until tomorrow to reconsider your resignation. Dismissed." 

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