“Enough!” Dale shouted, storming up the hallway. “What the fuck’s going on?”
“Ah, nothing Dale. Just making friendly talk with the Navy boy,” Clements said, bringing his hand to his bloody nose.
Dale eyed them both. Rivers’ lip was cut, his temple beginning to swell. Clements' nose dripped blood, under his left eye beginning to turn purple.
“From the looks of it, you two aren’t being friendly.”
“Don’t worry about it,” Clements said.
“You struck an officer,” Dale said.
“He’s fucking Navy, Dale, doesn’t count.”
“Sure as fuck does.”
Rivers interjected, saying, “It’s fine.”
But Dale turned, snapping at Rivers. “And you should know better. We have an op in a week, tops. Stop your shit and get along or we’ll do some serious PT.”
They were all surprised, for an enlisted man never spoke to an officer in such a manner, Delta or not.
The men huffed, engaged in a few more words, but Dale’s threatening look was enough.
Clements walked away, his Delta friends following. Dale stayed, looking at Rivers, a slow grin forming.
“Clements is a big boy,” Dale said.
“Ah, it was nothing,” Rivers said, rubbing his eye.
Dale shook his head. He was calm, cool, keeping his voice low. “Listen, Jeff, I can’t have this.”
“It wasn’t my fault. Country Fuck there—”
“—I’ll put a leash on them,” Dale interrupted. “Thing is, they don’t know you like I do. I’ll do my best to convey the message. In the meantime, clean yourself up. Think this might happen sooner than we think.”
“Oh?” Rivers tilted his head in question.
“Yeah, Elizabeth said to be ready at a moment’s notice. We have a lot of work to do.”
“Well hopefully your boys won’t shoot me in the back.”
“They won’t.”
“Clements seems the sort,” Rivers said.
“He won’t. Stop worrying about him. What I do need you to watch is that Russian woman, though.”
“Oh, I’ll do that just fine,” Rivers said.
“I’m not kidding, Jeff. There’s no reason for her to be here. I’m thinking something’s off, so keep an eye on her, will ya?”
“Gladly,” Rivers said with a chuckle.
Dale sighed, saying, “Stop thinking with your dick for a second. This whole situation stinks, and you know it. And Elizabeth, I think she’s holding back. I know you two are close . . .”
“Yeah, we’ve had our ups and downs,” Rivers said.
“Well, if you need to go give her a good fucking, maybe she’ll tell us what she’s hiding. We have nothing, no information, going in blind.”
“I know.”
“Then you’ll talk with her?”
“I’ll try, Dale. She’s not too happy with me at the moment,” Rivers admitted.
“Well, I’m counting on you. Now, I’m going to give Clements an epic ass chewing. And no more fighting. Understood?”
“Yeah, I get it.”
“Good. Oh, and Jeff . . . glad you’re here. Glad they brought you in on this one.”
“It’ll be a pleasure to fight by your side again, sir,” Rivers said, giving the man the respect he deserved.
“Don’t call me sir,” Dale reminded with a grin.
“What, ’cause you work for a living?”
“Nah. ’Cause you out-rank me now,” Dale said with a laugh.
“Well, you’ll always be sir to me. You trained me, and since I’m the best, you must have done your job right,” Rivers said with a smile.
“Get some rest,” Dale said, patting the man’s shoulder. “We begin prepping tomorrow.”
75
Dale Comstock walked down the long hallway, passing multiple offices, rooms of computers, empty spaces. At the end of the hallway he turned, walked a bit more until he reached the end.
The door to Colonel Reynolds’ office was cracked, light on.
Dale rapped lightly, pushing it open, easing his head in and asking, “Colonel, mind if we chat?” He remained at the doorway.
“Come on in. Something to drink?” Reynolds replied.
“No, thanks. I won’t take up much of your time, Colonel. Just wanted to talk for a bit,” Dale said, entering the room. The office was simple, a desk with a laptop and a stack of files, three chairs, pale green and barren walls. A simple light overhead, a lamp in the corner; the room had no windows, no life.
“Sit,” Reynolds said.
Dale sat as the Colonel took his chair behind the desk.
“What’s on your mind, Sergeant?” Reynolds asked.
“You seem like a straight shooter.”
“I can’t stand bullshit,” Reynolds said.
“I can tell that about you. I’m the same way. Besides, I’ve heard many good things about you, Colonel.”
“Not sure they’re all true,” Reynolds joked.
“My brother is currently serving in your battalion, actually. He’s quite a bit younger than I. Just made Corporal,” Dale said.
“A Marine, eh? You two get along?” Reynolds laughed.
Dale chuckled. “I come from a long line of Marines. My brother, my father, my grandfather—all Marines.”
“Family tradition?”
“Something like that.”
“But you joined the Army instead?”
“Sure did. Went the other way.”
“Bet it pissed them off.”
“At first, yes,” Dale grinned. “Though they got over it. I think they were happy I didn’t join the Navy.”
Reynolds chuckled at this. “I’m curious . . . why didn’t you follow your family’s tradition? You would have made a great Marine.”
“Special Forces, sir. Force Recon sounded good and all, and I almost signed up. But had a few buddies that were Rangers when I was thinking of enlisting. They told me about Delta, at least what the word was on base. Something about it appealed to me. Can’t say exactly why, but I feel I was—”
“—Destined for Special Forces?”
“I suppose so. From the first day of boot camp, I wanted to be in Spec Ops. Shit, I hardly knew exactly what they did, or if the truth was close to the legends. Either way, I wanted in. Joined Ranger school pretty fast, worked my way up, and now here I am.”
“How long you been in?”
“Twenty years, total. Been with The Unit five years.”
“Not too many can compete with 1st SFOD-D, Sergeant,” Reynolds complimented. “I’ve read your files, your accomplishments. Even read the parts off the record—your work with Special Activities Division.”
“Oh?” Dale could only say.
“Your team . . . they don’t know you’ve done work for the CIA, do they?” Reynolds asked.
“No. Then again, they don’t really ask questions.”
“They probably will now.”
“True.”
“And Rivers—they’re curious about him, aren’t they?” Reynolds asked.
“Ha! You could say that. Especially Clements. He doesn’t like him. Just broke up a fight before I came to speak with you,” Dale admitted.
“Think Rivers is a liability? If so, I can talk to Elizabeth. Maybe pull him?”
“No, Clements started the shit, I ended it. Don’t know why he hates SEALs so much, but he does. But it’s under control. Besides, I don’t think she’d pull him.”
“Why’s that?” Reynolds asked.
“The two . . . they have a long history. Trust one another, but fight like pit bulls. Thing is, Rivers is one of the best in the world. He knows his shit, Colonel. Good at his job, good with the high tech stuff.”
“If it was your call, would you have chosen him?” Reynolds asked.
Dale thought a moment, then said, “Without a doubt. I trust him to get my back.”
“That’s good, because with what you’re up against, you’ll need all the help
you can get. I guess Elizabeth has picked the right team, eh?”
“I believe so,” Dale said.
“And more importantly, the right team leader.”
“Thank you, Colonel.”
“You’re not married, correct?” Reynolds inquired.
“Never had the time,” Dale said. “Besides, the divorce rate is pretty high and I figure if I ever do settle down, I only want to do it once.”
“No kids, either?”
“None that I know of.”
“And it’s your fourth tour in A-Stan. You must like it here,” Reynolds commented.
“I suppose I do. Have a good team. We’re close, know one another’s movements, work as one. Not bragging or anything, but we’re good.”
“The best, actually,” Reynolds agreed. “You guys have the best kill ratio. Been pretty much everywhere, done it all.”
Dale nodded, taking a moment of pause, pondering his next words, unsure of what to say next.
Colonel Reynolds broke the silence. “Why are you here, Sergeant? In my office, I mean. You have questions, no doubt.”
“I do, Colonel.”
“Well, like you said, I’m a straight shooter. Think that’s why Elizabeth likes me, why she chose me. Partially, at least. I’m not here to bullshit you guys. Will tell it how it is. Now, just ask your questions.”
Dale nodded. “Colonel, with all due respect, why you? Why are you our commanding officer and not a member of The Unit? No offense, I respect the Marines and all. Shit, wish a few platoons were going into that valley with us.”
“But why a Marine?” Reynolds repeated.
“Yeah, just been wondering that.”
“I’ve asked myself that same question, even asked my superiors. Never really got a solid answer. Elizabeth claims it’s because of my accomplishments, because of who I am, but that makes no sense.”
“It does, in a way. You’re a natural leader,” Dale said.
“Battalions, maybe. But a wild bunch of Delta? Ha! Not too sure about that,” Reynolds said.
Colonel Reynolds’ demeanor was casual, welcoming even. His presence was awe-inspiring, though his even tone was calming to Comstock.
Reynolds continued. “But I think I know the answer. They won’t say it directly, but I know why I’m here.”
“Why?”
“I think Elizabeth pitched me to her bosses for other reasons. Some legacy to the team, if you can call it that. A high profile name to help out. Also, they figured a by-the-book Marine would keep you guys focused, keep you in line. Ha! If they only knew,” Reynolds grinned. “But that’s not why Elizabeth brought me in. She picked me not because of who I am now, but who I was.”
“I don’t follow,” Dale said.
“They picked your team for a certain reason, Sergeant. You guys are the best at asymmetrical tactics. You improvise, you adapt. You’ve been in A-Stan for multiple tours, been everywhere, seen everything. That’s why you’re here. Rivers, he’s here for the same reasons, though he brings some technology to the team. Fun gadgets, he called them. But to answer your question directly, I’m here because I was once an enlisted man, just like you. Did my ground work, Scout Sniper. Even after officer school, and as I climbed up in rank, I still went out into the field. Shit, still do when I have time, though I don’t let them know that. Imagine, a base commander going out on patrol?”
“That wouldn’t make ’em happy.”
“I’d get an epic ass-chewing,” Reynolds said, grinning. “But it’s in my blood, I guess. Just like you, I was born for combat. Elizabeth brought me in due to what my strengths are.”
“Command?”
“Negative. Attention to details. I understand terrain navigation, can spot a trap a mile away. I can assess a situation in moments, good at flushing out the enemy too. I think my years of Scout Sniper is why Elizabeth tapped me. Why she brought me in. I’m here to offer you boys support, to be your eyes in the sky, so to speak.”
“Are you going in, Colonel?”
“Unfortunately, no.”
“Unfortunately? Colonel, this mission sounds like a death trap. I’d say you are very fortunate.”
“Ah, but that’s where you’re wrong. We’re of the same blood. I’d love to join you. I’d keep up too. Don’t let the graying hair fool you.”
“I believe it, sir.”
“I live for combat, live to get dirty and do my job for God and country and all those fun things.”
“Hoorah!” Dale said with a nod of respect to the Marine Corps.
Reynolds smiled at this, saying, “You know, being a Colonel has its perks. But there are downfalls too. Shit, usually I’m overwhelmed with paperwork, phone calls, worrying about politics and middle management of this damn war. Sometimes, all I wish for is to be a Sergeant once more, out in the field, laying in the sand or some far off jungle and fight.”
“I’m happy you’re here. I feel my team can trust you,” Dale said.
“You can. You have no worries with me, Sergeant. I’m tasked to remain at command, with Elizabeth. I’ll be watching the live action feed, if we have one that is. I’ll be keeping communications with you boys, keeping tabs on our asset inside, watching, your eyes behind your backs,” Reynolds promised.
Dale nodded, saying nothing.
“But that’s not why you’re here, Sergeant. So why don’t you do me a favor, and shoot straight with me. ’Cause you seem a lot like me in that sense, and I think your holding back,” Reynolds said.
76
“Fair enough. This is a high profile mission,” Dale began. “Much bigger than I think anyone can prep us for. I suppose I should be expecting creatures from some movie, or aliens from outer space. Thing is, I’m a normal guy. Can’t wrap my mind around this all.”
“You’re right. I’ve been involved with a few high profile missions, and I’ve never seen anything like this. So few details, such vagueness. I’ve taken some very long shots at some very important people, been in places where they’d deny my existence if captured, and guess what? This is far bigger,” Reynolds said, agreeing.
“Guess that’s why I’m here. What are we up against? They really that good?”
“Yes,” the Colonel replied.
Dale nodded at this, soaking it in. “And I’m going in with eight others, one being a woman.”
“Yes,” Reynolds repeated.
“No coverage, no backup.”
“Correct.”
“What am I bringing?” Dale asked.
“Anything you want. Enough ammo and explosives to take on an army, Sergeant. You’ll jump with your normal equipment. Once in the adjacent valley, you’ll be stocked up on whatever else you need.”
“Sure about that?”
“Michael is the best in the business. A natural-born smuggler. You’ll have enough ammo to seize a city if need be. Whatever you want, it’s yours.”
“All but support,” Dale said, shaking his head.
“Sergeant Comstock, if you’re not the right man for this job, please say so,” Reynolds said.
“Hey, I didn’t say that,” Dale responded quickly, tensing and a bit irritated. “But this CIA shit is for the birds. You know what it does? It gets my men killed. Thing I’m beginning to wonder is this: Are we meant to come back?”
“I’ll do everything in my power to make that happen. Sergeant, if you’re worried about the CIA fucking you over, don’t. I’ll risk my career over my men any day. If you need help, I’m your commanding officer, and by God you’ll get help.”
“I’m humbled. To be honest, I wasn’t sure at first. About you, that is.”
“And now?”
“I feel like we stand a chance with you at the helm, so to speak,” Dale replied. “Now that I think on it some, it was smart for Elizabeth to tap you. Like you said, your Scout Sniper background is a good angle on this, especially with such limited information. I hear you keep up practice too.”
“Try to shoot every day,” Reynolds replied.
“I was at last year’s thousand yard competition,” Dale commented.
“Oh?” Reynolds said calmly.
“It’s insane. You guys . . . you measure by millimeters. A thousand yards is amazing. I’m always baffled by such precision.”
“No different than hostage rescue. We’re trained to be precise,” Reynolds said, humbly.
“I saw you shoot at the event.”
“I had a pretty good day,” Reynolds responded. “Missed the mark, but came close. Like you said, it’s measured in millimeters. Sure was that day.”
“Hey, you placed second of the best long range shooters in the world. I’d say that’s impressive,” Dale remarked.
“Well, just once I’d like to take first. Maybe one day. But damn, that Swagger is a fine shooter. Can’t complain coming in second to him.”
“Know him?” Dale asked.
“Know of him,” Reynolds responded.
“Well, the Marines did fine. Shit, the Army scored behind that Canadian fellow,” Dale said, grinning.
“All great shots. Though it really only counts on the battlefield. You know that world. Shooting a paper circle is different than a well placed shot on a human. At any distance, it’s worlds apart from range time.”
“Amen to that,” Dale agreed. “Who’s the best? In your opinion?”
“Bob Lee Swagger is number one. Will always be in my book. Followed closely by Carlos Hathcock, then Vasily Zaytsev.”
“All famous, and two Marines,” Dale chuckled.
“True,” Reynolds chuckled again, “Perhaps I’m biased, but those men, they’re the best. There’s a few more, but it’s not just about how good a shot you are. It’s about concealment, what you’re capable of under pressure and in the field. Shit, those three men alone would work over a full division up in these hills,” Reynolds said.
“The art is becoming lost,” Dale mentioned.
“No, it’s just evolving. Asymmetrical Warfare—what you guys do is becoming what’s necessary to win conflicts.”
77
“Still concerns me, bringing in that Russian gal. War isn’t a pretty sight, as you know. Anything we can do about it?”
“That’s a negative,” Reynolds said. “And trust me, I’ve tried.
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