Chapter 56: Presidential Duty
The year 2018 brought an unexpected mission for Echo Team. Commander Scott Walker received direct orders from Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC): he and his team were to be assigned to a Personal Security Protection (PSD) mission for President Donald Trump.
While the Secret Service was primarily responsible for the president's security, Echo Team was assigned to provide additional support for a highly sensitive visit to a conflict zone in the Middle East. The mission required absolute discretion and precision, something for which Echo Team was known.
In the DEVGRU operations room in Virginia Beach, Scott was gathered with his team: Echo 2, Echo 3, Echo 4, Echo 5, and Echo 6. The briefing was conducted by a JSOC officer and a Secret Service representative. On the screen, footage of the visit site was displayed.
"Gentlemen," the JSOC officer began. — "The mission is simple in theory, but complex in execution. The President will be visiting a military base in the region, and there is a credible threat of attack. You will be the tactical support for the Secret Service. Your task is to ensure that any threat is neutralized before it gets close to the President."
Scott, with his firm and attentive posture, asked a direct question.
"Why us? Can't the Secret Service handle this alone?"
The Secret Service representative responded.
"Commander Walker, there is no one better equipped to deal with threats in a conflict zone than you. Echo Team is the elite, and the President wants the best possible protection. He himself requested tier one operators for this mission."
Scott nodded. He knew this meant the mission had a high degree of risk.
"Understood. We need full access to intelligence, event logistics, and freedom of action in the event of a threat."
"You will have all of that," the JSOC officer assured.
Echo Team arrived at the Middle East military base three days before the president. They infiltrated the area quietly, disguised as civilian contractors to avoid drawing attention. Dressed in casual clothing but armed with concealed pistols and carrying advanced communications equipment, they began mapping the terrain.
Echo 3, the reconnaissance officer, reported to Scott. "Commander, the northern perimeter has a gap. If anyone wants to get close without being detected, this is the place."
Scott studied the map and made a quick decision. "Echo 4 and Echo 5, reinforce this point. I want drones covering the area 24 hours a day. Echo 6, coordinate with the Secret Service for additional patrols of the inner perimeter."
The team worked tirelessly, ensuring that no detail was overlooked. Scott knew that failure was not an option. The atmosphere was tense on the day of the visit. Helicopters flew overhead, and Secret Service armored vehicles arrived in formation, escorting the president.
Donald Trump stepped out of the lead vehicle, waving to the military and civilians present. Scott and his team kept a low profile, but were alert to every move. They were strategically positioned at different points on the base, ready to act at a moment's notice.
Trump walked up to Scott, accompanied by Secret Service agents. He extended his hand to the commander. "Commander Walker, I've heard so many good things about you and your team. I appreciate you being here to make sure everything goes smoothly."
Scott shook the president's hand, keeping his expression serious. "It's an honor to serve, sir. Our priority is your safety."
Trump smiled. "I feel safer knowing that Echo Team is taking care of this. You guys are the best in the world."
While the president gave a speech to the military, Echo Team was on high alert. Echo 2, who was monitoring surveillance cameras, picked up suspicious movement on a hill about 500 meters from the base.
— "Walker, this is Echo 2. I have a possible shooter. Northeast hill, coordinates 34.12.25."
Scott, who was positioned near the stage, responded immediately.
— "Echo 3 and Echo 4, investigate. Echo 5 and Echo 6, hold positions and prepare for evacuation if necessary."
Echo 3 and Echo 4 moved quickly, disguising themselves among the civilians present. As they approached the hill, they found a man armed with a sniper rifle, setting up a firing position.
— "Walker, we have confirmation. It's a shooter. Authorization to neutralize?" Echo 3 asked.
Scott didn't hesitate.
— "Neutralize."
A rapid gunshot was heard, followed by silence. Echo 4 reported:
— "Threat neutralized. Area secured."
Scott informed the Secret Service, who reinforced the perimeter without alerting the public or the president.
After the speech, the president was escorted back to the helicopter. Before he left, he addressed Scott one more time.
"Walker, one more time. Thank you again. I know you probably saved my life today, even if I never know the details."
Scott responded professionally. "That's what we're here for, sir. It's our job."
Trump smiled and gave a small wave before boarding the helicopter.
As the helicopter disappeared over the horizon, Scott gathered his team together.
"Good job, guys. Another successful mission. Let's head back to base and make sure the report is complete before we rest."
Echo 5 joked. "Do you think he really knows how risky it was, Commander?"
Scott gave a small smile. "Probably not, and it's for the best."
At base, Echo Team disarmed and relaxed for the first time in days. Despite their exhaustion, there was a sense of mission accomplished.
Echo 6, the youngest of the team, commented, "Commander, you've protected two presidents now. That's got to count for something."
Scott just shook his head.
— "It doesn't matter who's president. Our job is to protect the country, and that's what we'll continue to do."
With those words, he stood up and left the room, leaving his team to rest. Scott knew that even though the mission had been a success, there would always be another one waiting. For him, the fight was never over.
Chapter 57: Operation Charlie One
The muffled sound of a Black Hawk helicopter's rotors cut through the darkness of the night sky as Echo Team sat aboard, reviewing the final details of the mission. Commander Scott Walker stood next to a mysterious Intelligence Support Activity (ISA) agent known only as Charlie One.
The mission was highly classified and sensitive: locate and extract a nuclear scientist captured by insurgents in a remote area of northern Iraq. The scientist had been coerced into working on developing weapons of mass destruction. The ISA had tracked the captive's location, but the rescue required the strength and precision of a special operations team and none were more capable than Echo.
Hours before the mission, at the forward operations base, Scott met Charlie One for the first time. The agent was unassuming, dressed in simple clothes and carrying a backpack full of equipment. His face was partially hidden by a short beard, and his eyes were cold and analytical.
"Commander Walker," Charlie One said, extending his hand.
— "Charlie One. I've heard a lot about you."
Scott shook his hand firmly, studying the man in front of him.
"I hope it's good news. You'll need to tell us everything you know about the target and the location."
Charlie One nodded.
"You'll have everything you need. My job is to guide you on the ground and ensure the asset is safely extracted. But I need to make one thing clear: if all else fails, I'm gone. I don't expect a ransom, and you shouldn't look for me."
Scott frowned.
"That's not going to happen. If we're together, we'll get out together."
Charlie One gave a half-smile, but didn't answer.
In the operations center, a holographic map of the enemy compound was projected. Charlie One pointed to the area with precision. — "The scientist is being held here, in an underground bunker. The main entrance is protected by armed guards, but there is a secondary access that the insurgents seem to be unaware of. We'll use that to get in."
Echo 4 interrupted.
"And what do we know about resistance?"
Charlie One answered without hesitation.
"About 15 to 20 armed men. Most with assault rifles and a few grenades. Nothing you can't handle."
Scott analyzed the information and began assigning tasks.
"Echo 2 and Echo 3, you guys take the outer perimeter. Echo 5 and Echo 6, me and Charlie One inside. Echo 4, remote drone support. We'll keep this clean and fast."
The Black Hawk hovered over the designated location, and Echo Team, along with Charlie One, parachuted in for a HALO (High Altitude Low Opening) jump. The darkness of the night was their best cover as they descended silently to the ground.
"Comms clear," Echo 2 whispered over the radio. "Perimeter secure."
The team moved forward in silence, following Charlie One's lead to the secondary entrance. It was a narrow opening in the side of a hill, partially covered in vegetation.
"Here it is," Charlie One said, parting the vegetation to reveal the entrance.
Scott led the way, weapons drawn and senses heightened.
The hallway leading to the bunker was dark and dank, but Echo Team moved like shadows. Charlie One was right behind Scott, guiding them through the maze of tunnels with a digital map on his tablet.
They approached the first resistance: two armed guards standing in front of a steel door. Scott signaled to Echo 5 and Echo 6, who quickly eliminated the targets with silent gunfire.
— "Clear area," Echo 5 muttered.
Charlie One examined the door. "This is the entrance to the main bunker. I need cover while I work on the lock."
Scott nodded. "Echo 6, cover the hallway. Echo 5, with me."
As Charlie One worked quickly to unlock the door, the sound of footsteps echoed down the tunnel. Echo 6 spotted two insurgents approaching and quickly neutralized them before they could alert the others.
"We're inside," Charlie One said, opening the door.
Inside the bunker, the scientist was chained to a table. He looked exhausted, but conscious.
"You're here… finally," he said, his voice shaking.
Charlie One walked over and began working on the handcuffs, while Scott and Echo 5 covered the room.
"Contact!" Echo 3 called over the radio. "We have insurgents coming around the perimeter."
Scott responded immediately.
"Echo 2 and 3, hold position and slow the advance. We're moving out now."
Charlie One finished freeing the scientist, and the team began to retreat the way they had come in. The sound of gunfire and explosions echoed in the distance as Echo 2 and Echo 3 held off the enemy.
"Move quickly," Scott ordered.
On the way back, they encountered more resistance, but Echo Team was able to relentless. Charlie One demonstrated his skill, taking out two enemies with precise shots while covering the rear.
When they reached the extraction point, the helicopter was already waiting. Echo 2 and Echo 3 arrived shortly after, with signs of combat on their clothing, but otherwise intact.
"All hands aboard," Scott shouted.
The helicopter took off as shots ricocheted off the hull. Charlie One sat next to the scientist, checking on him.
"He's going to be fine," he said, looking at Scott.
Scott nodded.
"Good job, guys. Another mission accomplished."
At the base, as the scientist was being taken away for questioning, Charlie One approached Scott.
"You're exactly as I was told. A true leader."
Scott looked at him, tired but satisfied.
"And you're better than I expected. Working with you has been a privilege."
Charlie One smiled slightly.
— "Perhaps our paths will cross again, Commander."
Scott squeezed his hand.
"I hope so. But next time, let me know before you disappear."
Charlie One laughed and left the room, disappearing into the night like the ghost he was. For Echo Team, it was just another day at work. But Scott knew that every mission like this made a difference.
Chapter 58: The Surprise Promotion
The auditorium at the Naval Base in Dam Neck, Virginia, was filled with familiar and respected faces. Operators from DEVGRU's four squadrons, high-ranking officers, members of the special operations community, and a few civilians, including Jane Tennant and Scott's parents, Michael and Jennifer, waited patiently for the ceremony to begin. The atmosphere was one of anticipation, though no one had revealed the real reason they were gathered. Not even Scott knew what was about to happen.
Today, Scott had thought it would be just another brief honor roll call for DEVGRU teams. When he was called into the auditorium, he was wearing his impeccable dress blue uniform, his medals glinting in the light. As he walked in, he noticed something was different. The place was fuller than expected, and the expressions on the faces of the attendees seemed to hold pent-up emotion.
When he saw Jane sitting next to her parents in the front row, Scott frowned in puzzlement. He hadn't known they would be there, which only heightened his suspicion that something special was about to happen.
The naval base commander stepped up to the podium and adjusted the microphone.
"Ladies and gentlemen, today we gather to recognize the extraordinary contributions of a man who has dedicated his life to the defense of our country, leading with courage, wisdom, and above all, humanity. Commander Scott Walker has been the backbone of DEVGRU, guiding Echo Team through some of the most critical and dangerous missions in modern history."
The applause echoed around the room, and Scott, sitting in the front row, felt his face heat up. He never liked being the center of attention, preferring the focus to be on his team.
The commander continued,
"Today, we are honored to take a step forward, recognizing that your leadership is essential not only on the battlefield, but also in overseeing and training the next generation of elite operators."
Scott looked around, trying to process the words. Something big was about to happen.
The commander signaled, and a junior officer approached, holding a small box lined with blue velvet.
"Commander Walker, please come forward."
Scott stood, adjusted his uniform jacket, and walked to the stage. He stood tall, but inside he was confused. He walked up the steps and stood in the center of the stage, his eyes fixed on the commander.
The commander opened the box, revealing the gold captain's insignia.
"Scott Walker, for your years of extraordinary service, your unparalleled leadership, and your unwavering commitment, it is with great honor that we promote you to the rank of Captain in the United States Navy."
Applause erupted as Scott stood still, taking in the moment. He had always known that promotions were possible, but he never imagined that he would be removed from his operational position so soon.
The commander leaned forward slightly and whispered to Scott, "It's time for you to command all of DEVGRU, Captain. Congratulations."
Scott gave a small nod, still processing the weight of responsibility that came with the promotion.
As the applause continued, the commander called Michael and Jennifer Walker to the stage. Scott's parents stood, visibly moved, and walked over to their son. Michael held the new insignia, while Jennifer's eyes welled up.
"We're so proud of you, son," Michael said as he removed the Commander insignia from Scott's uniform and replaced it with Captain's.
"So proud," Jennifer added, touching her son's arm.
Scott, ever the self-possessed one, couldn't help but smile slightly. He hugged his parents as the audience gave him a standing ovation.
After the ceremony was over, the guests dispersed for a cocktail hour in the adjacent ballroom. Scott, now with his new badges, was approached by colleagues, superiors and subordinates, all congratulating him on his achievement. When he finally found a moment of peace, he went to Jane, who was talking to her parents.
— "So, this is the famous Jane Tennant?" — Michael said with a warm smile, extending his hand to her.
Jane shook his hand, a little shyly, but confidently.
— "It's a pleasure to finally meet you. Scott talks about you a lot."
Jennifer smiled, studying Jane with maternal eyes.
— "And he talks about you a lot too, Jane. I think this is the first time we've seen Scott smile so much when mentioning someone."
Scott snorted awkwardly, while Jane laughed.
— "Well, he's not exactly the most expressive, but I'm starting to understand how he works."
The four of them laughed, and for the first time in a long time, Scott felt genuinely lighthearted.
Later, as the party continued, Scott stepped out onto the ballroom balcony, where the sea breeze was refreshing. He stared out into the distance, reflecting on the new chapter that was about to begin. He knew that leading the entire DEVGRU would be a monumental task, but he also understood that it was an unprecedented honor.
Jane approached, holding two glasses of wine. "Thinking about what's next?"
Scott took one of the glasses and nodded. "Always. I won't be operating in the field anymore, Jane. That… is going to be hard to accept."
She placed her hand on his arm. "But you're going to make an even bigger difference now. Training, leading, making sure the best of the best are ready for anything. That's what you've always done, just on a bigger scale."
Scott looked at her, taking in her words. "You always know what to say."
She smiled. "That's my job."
As Scott walked back into the room, surrounded by colleagues and friends, he knew his life was about to change completely. It wouldn't be easy, but he was up for the challenge. He was no longer just a team leader; he was now the guardian of one of the most respected units in the world.
And for the first time in a long time, he didn't feel alone in this journey. He had Jane, his parents, and a legacy of sacrifice and excellence to uphold. Captain Scott Walker was ready to write the next chapter of his story.
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