Anyone walking by Mike Montaine's apartment door the following Thursday afternoon would have thought there was a wild party going on inside. It was his and Jeanie's day off, and they planned to spend the entire day alone, together, taking it easy. The portable radio was turned up rather loud, and Mike was engaged in tickling Jeanie as she lay on the sofa. They were both giggling hysterically and as she tried to catch her breath to speak, Mike sat up on the edge and bent to give Jeanie a romantic kiss.
"Mmmmm," she mumbled, and threw her arms about his neck, fairly melting in his embrace. When they finally came up for air, she pushed herself up to lean back on the sofa's arm and looked into Mike's eyes. "Do that again!" she said, seductively, and he more than willingly obeyed, feeling passion envelop him in a warm wave. He felt his face turning red, as Jeanie's soft hands caressed his body all over. When they parted she took in a long breath and giggled again as she saw he was blushing.
"You think that's funny, do you?" Mike growled in false anger. He was about ready to grab her when the music on the radio was interrupted by a special announcement.
"Attention, everyone, attention!" the man's stern voice said. "I have a special message from The Joint Chiefs Of Staff in Washington, D.C.. I repeat, I have a special message from The Joint Chiefs Of Staff in Washington, D.C.. If Spirit Lad can hear my voice, he is asked to report to General Pick, General of The U.S. Marines, immediately. Spirit Lad, report to General Pick at his office as soon as possible. Thank you."
The music resumed. Jeanie gave Mike a disgusted look. Mike frowned.
"I've got to go, and you know it!" he told her. "I'm sorry, honey, but it must be something very important or else they wouldn't have called me."
"Oh, I know. But it seems like we haven't had a chance to be alone for ages, and I was just beginning to enjoy myself."
"Me too. We'll have more of a chance....you'll see. Especially after the MLC business is over."
"Yeah, I suppose so. Be back soon, won't you? Please?"
"I'll try with all my heart."
Mike gave her a hug and was into his costume and gone in seconds. He appeared in The Pentagon in the hallway outside Gen. Pick's office. A young man wearing a uniform came up to him.
"You must be Spirit Lad," he said with a smile. "Follow me."
Mike was ushered into the office and immediately recognized the General at the desk before him. He went to shake his hand.