Stewart and Tanya escorted José to the military police. Commander Sullivan, Lieutenant Commander Kane, and Lieutenant Phillip approached the Rear Admiral to debrief. It was a bit odd that the Rear Admiral himself would be present—they were usually greeted by a Captain or another Commander—but something about this interaction was different.
“Good work, men,” the Rear Admiral bellowed. “The mission looks to have been a success. Mr. Sanchez will be interrogated and questioned right away.”
That’s odd, Xavier thought. The prisoners they bring are never processed immediately, and they are never taken away by military police from other states.
“Lieutenant Phillip, there is a man from Berlin here to see you. He will be waiting for you in my office. Get yourself cleaned up. We must present ourselves in a proper way. He has asked to see you in twenty minutes. Commander, I need your full report on my desk by 1200 hours. Good day, gentlemen.” The Rear Admiral bid farewell as the three of them saluted.
“I don’t understand,” Lieutenant Phillip said. “Everything about this is off. What’s going on?”
“I’m not sure, Lieutenant. I’ll do some digging, and in the meantime you better hurry to your quarters and get ready. I would suggest you run,” Commander Sullivan added.
Xavier darted off. He ran past the engineering offices and then the mechanics. He jumped up the stairs, taking multiple steps at a time. He bashed through a door, forcing an officer to jump back and get out of the way. Xavier shouted an apology to the officer, zipped past the interrogation rooms, and cut the corner to get up the stairs to his room. At a fierce pace, he ripped his clothes off as he entered his room, and as quick as he could took a two minute shower.
He glanced at his watch and saw that he had twelve minutes to get to the Rear Admiral’s office. He skimmed through his four uniforms, trying to figure out how dressed up he should get. The guy was from Berlin, and he represented the UN, so would this be business or casual? he thought to himself. He was trying to decide between his dress blues, which were more like a business suit, or his dress whites, which were for extremely formal situations. He decided to go with the blues.
His sapphire blue eyes flashed at him in the mirror. He looked tired. With medals hanging off his chest, he stood up straight to extenuate his six-foot-one frame. He wasn’t a very large man, but his muscles had been hardened by non-stop training. Every chance he had he pushed his body beyond its limits. His body was designed for combat. Xavier took a deep breath as he looked at his reflection, he had to get focused, he couldn’t help thinking this might be the last time he would put this uniform on.
Xavier loved being a SEAL. He had frustrations with it, as everyone did from time to time, but he loved it. He had been working for them for years, but he couldn’t help but wonder how much of a difference his service was making. These international criminals always seemed to barter their way out of prison.
But he didn’t have time to worry about it. He had to go meet a man that oversaw his whole unit’s progress and production. He puzzled at the reasoning. He closed his eyes, counted down from five, and went into a unique focus mode. He did this when he really needed to produce. In those five seconds he shut everything else out, took his mind off of everything that was firing through it, and visualized the end goal.
Xavier ran his fingers through his hair for one last check. He thought of his friends back home that would call him a pretty boy for staring too long at his hair. He laughed to himself as he buttoned his coat up and put on his hat. Checking his watch, he headed straight for the door.
As he walked down the hall, he passed José Sanchez’s interrogation room. They made eye contact and glared at one another. He saw classified folders on the desk but had to keep on moving.
Arriving at the office with two minutes to spare, Xavier took a couple deep breaths and prepared himself for a lecture. The door was closed, so he knocked. A voice boomed from the other side, permitting him to come in. He walked in as fear surged through him like an electric shock.
Chapter 4
July 23rd 2062, 9:50 a.m. Rear Admiral’s Office, Fort Burgundy, Kansas City, Missouri
Lieutenant Phillip closed the door behind him as instructed. Standing before him was a hulking six-foot-four man. He commanded respect as his muscles bulged through his clothes. He wore a well-pressed, expensive, grey two button suit with a tie to match. His eyes were a piercing blue and his eye contact was unwavering. He stuck his hand out.
“Captain Stanley Cromwell of Crimson Force,” he introduced himself with a thick British accent. “It’s a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance.”
Xavier saluted him.
“There is no need for that, Lieutenant. Let us speak as one gentleman to another,” he responded with a large grin on his face.
Xavier observed him for a moment. His face was unassuming, and he was full of confidence and joy. If Xavier didn’t know his rank, seeing that he looked like a bodybuilder, he never would have thought of him as a soldier.
“Lieutenant Xavier Phillip of the Navy SEALs. It’s an honor,” he said shaking the Captain’s hand. “If you don’t mind me asking, what is the Crimson Force?”
“It’s funny that you should ask that. I suppose it should not be a surprise that you have heard so little about us. We have not recruited an American in quite some time. However, that is precisely what I am here to speak with you about. Please, have a seat.” He motioned to the seat directly in front of him. “Would you like some tea?”
“No thank you, sir,” Xavier said as the two of them sat down.
“I said no more formalities. If you call me Stanley, I will call you Xavier, deal?”
Xavier nodded in agreement.
“Now,” Stanley said before taking a sip of his tea. “I have been reviewing your dossier. You have a brilliant service record. You and your family moved to the United States from Sydney when you were four. You played American football and basketball until you joined the US Navy. It shows that you were even offered a few scholarships to play both sports in college, yet you passed on them and joined the Navy, where you were at the top of your class and even set some new records in basic training. And as soon as you were eligible, they moved you to the SEALs. It shows that they even tried to amend some of the rules so you could join sooner. You have received a number of combat awards, and you could have even been the youngest Captain to ever put on the uniform. A story like this is worth telling. However, it seems as though you have a slight problem with your mandated orders. I am curious. Would you care to explain this to me?”
“The only times I have disobeyed an order was for the safety of my team.”
“What about that time in Kassala?”
“That was different; three children were going to be enslaved.”
“And Verona?”
“That one was a little more, personal…” Xavier said as he began to look down.
“How is that?”
“That woman was going to be wrongfully imprisoned for helping us,” Xavier continued, staring doubtfully. “And she was easy on the eyes…” he admitted, slightly embarrassed.
“You would risk the mission and the safety of your team for a lovely lass?”
“Nobody was at risk. We were well beyond the reach of our enemies. We were flying away and I dove down to help her. The only one at risk was me.”
Stanley began laughing. “I’m not sore with you. As a matter of fact, I am a great fan. I believe you are a hero, and you are brave and courageous. At times mad, and occasionally thick, but I believe that is necessary.”
Xavier was puzzled, and his face said it all. What is the purpose of this meeting? he began to wonder.
“As I said before,” Stanley continued full of cheer. “I represent the Crimson Force. The Strike Team, to be a bit more precise. We are the world’s Special Forces. We serve President Conrad of the United Nations. As you may know, all of the world’s continental leaders answer to him. He is halfway through his term and is we
ll loved. It is my duty to recruit the best of the best. You will need additional training, but I believe you qualify.”
Captain Stanley was obviously proud of the Crimson Force and glad to be able to serve under President Conrad. His loyalty seemed unshakable.
Xavier found himself perturbed by the statement, you will need additional training.
“With all due respect, sir, I finished at the top of all my Navy classes. I’m the best marksman here, and I am the best in hand-to-hand combat. And the records show that there has never been a recruit like me. And the SEALs are the best in the world. How much more training can you really offer me?” Xavier asked arrogantly.
Stanley was taken aback, but then began to chuckle to himself.
“You are a cheeky one, Lieutenant. Would you mind accompanying me to my car?” he said, rising up to leave.
Xavier nodded in agreement. Stanley picked up all his things, including the files on Xavier. The two soldiers walked together through the facility and to the parking lot. As they were walking, Xavier broke the silence.
“So you guys don’t have to wear military uniforms?”
“I hate these things. The UN feels that our uniforms can be too threatening to new recruits, so they insist that we dress more business appropriate. As recruiters we are to be inviting, not threatening. Between you and me, my preference would be a t-shirt and some athletic pants.”
“It’s a nice suit.”
“Thank you. If you join, I will get you one.”
As they made their way down the final stairwell, Xavier spoke out.
“When was the last time you went to Sheffield?”
“Not too shabby, Lieutenant. I am actually from Manchester, but well done. How did you know?”
“I dated a girl from Leeds for awhile.”
They had finally arrived at the open parking lot. There weren’t many vehicles, because most of the soldiers lived on the base; it was easier than finding a decent apartment in the area. The car they approached was a silver Vauxhall MVR. Xavier snickered a bit, expecting the Captain that possessed such class and power to be driving something a bit more luxurious, and he couldn’t figure out how such a massive man could ride in such an unassuming car.
Captain Stanley turned around.
“Lieutenant, I feel as though you need a bit more convincing of your lack of sufficient training. I asked you to accompany me so that I may challenge you to a duel. A man such as yourself seems to require a firmer hand. A bit more action. Your one who prefers to learn things the hard way. Therefore…hit me. If you can. And I would advise you not to hold back.”
Stanley had a big smile on his face as he began to unbutton his suit jacket, daring Xavier to action. This caught Xavier off guard, but he grew red with anger as he realized the Captain was insulting him. He was a competitive man, so there was no way he was going to back down from the challenge. In his mind, the entire Navy SEALs were being insulted. He knew he was the best they had and for this man from the UN to stand there and mock him was infuriating. He closed his eyes and counted down from five so that he could refocus. Xavier removed his jacket and began to roll up his sleeves.
The two soldiers stared each other down, and Xavier struck a familiar fighting stance. Stanley knew it was Krav Maga, and in his mind it was a wonderful discipline, but he was trained in the best ways to counteract it. Captain Stanley stood in a very casual stance with his hands at his sides. Xavier glared with aggravation; he felt his contempt for Xavier’s ability had gone too far, and he wasn’t even prepared to defend it.
Xavier ran at him with unmatched quickness and agility. A swing shot at him, and Stanley dodged. In a swift motion, Xavier ripped a combination with fluidity, but the punches and palm strikes were easily read by Stanley. He slipped every attack. With each dodged strike Xavier grew angrier. Stanley was backing up to circle Xavier. Xavier jumped back and pushed off Stanley’s car, launching himself at the Captain. The kick caught Stanley off guard, but he was able to dodge it and pushed the kick to the side. A single strike stopped Xavier’s momentum, and with a follow up punch, Xavier fell to the ground. In a flash Stanley was mounted on top of Xavier. The match had been won.
“You did better than I expected! I do hope you decide to join us,” Stanley shouted with a laugh, helping Xavier up. “Training you would be great fun.”
Xavier felt ashamed and defeated. It was obvious to him that Captain Stanley was right and he needed more training. Stanley shook his hand and gave him an invitation with impressive gold engraving and embroidery.
“This is the address you need to be at and the time to be there if you decide to join us. I truly hope that you consider it,” the Captain said, getting into his car.
Xavier slung his jacket around his shoulder as Captain Stanley sped off. I’m supposed to go to DC? he thought to himself. That place was ground zero. He didn’t even know if it was safe to go there. He walked past the Rear Admiral’s office as he headed back to his quarters. Just then the Rear Admiral hung up the phone and called him into the office and out of his thoughts.
“Lieutenant! We just received the news from Berlin. What an honor this is!” he shouted with glee.
Xavier looked confused. The Rear Admiral explained how long it has been since anyone in the US military had been recruited by the UN. He offered Xavier a Commander position if he elected to stay with the Navy SEALs upon his return. He gave Xavier three days to make a decision, which was the amount of time he had before he had to fly out to Berlin. After a few more minutes of chit chat, Xavier asked if he could go home for a couple of days to make his decision and the Rear Admiral nodded his approval.
Chapter 5
July 24th 2062 4:00 p.m. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The screeching brakes of the train forced Xavier awake. His years of training caused him to snap to awareness and notate everyone and everything around him. The train reeked of old leather and sweat. He had been on the train for over a day and was ready to get off. He grabbed his large duffel bag and darted off. He had less than two days to make a decision. He could either stay where he was and get the promotion he felt he had earned years ago, or he can go to an unknown land, under unknown leaders, with no idea what kind of results he would get.
As he stepped off the train he was met with an overwhelming kiss of grease, peppers, and steak. One of his favorite food places was right inside the train station and without hesitation, he purchased a much needed cheese steak.
After the bomb went off and the war started, the capital city was moved to Philadelphia. DC was polluted and unlivable. Most of the people in DC were killed, and the few survivors had significant health issues do to the nuclear air.
Xavier stepped out of the train station. The air was warm and the precipitation felt higher than usual. As a blanket of hot air fell on him, he became aware of the streets and inhaled the Philadelphia air. He noticed that the streets had been cleaned up significantly. Car horns and shouting drivers echoed in the distance. Home sweet home, he thought to himself. It was nice to be away from cows, chickens, and pigs. Fort Burgundy was on the outskirts of Kansas City, and you had to travel for miles to get to civilization. Xavier waved down a taxi.
America, as well as the vast majority of the world, hadn’t experienced much technological advancement. Many research facilities were destroyed, and the few that remained after the war were dissolved and moved to a couple of UN ran, highly-secured facilities. For the first time in its history, America had to fight this war on their home front. Canada and Mexico allied with America at first, but both countries switched their alliances during the war once they felt like they were going to be on the losing side. This forced America to have to fight the war on every front. The United States had lost some land and infrastructure in order to negotiate, and several states in the northern Midwest had been destroyed. America had dispensed much of its resources in order to rebuild and regain some strength.
“Laurel Hill,” Xavier called out to the driver.
; Laurel Hill was the largest cemetery in Philadelphia. Xavier’s family was buried there, and he hadn’t been there since before he left for the Navy. As Xavier made his way to the easternmost section of the cemetery, his feet grew heavier and he became somber. Flashes of the news story filled his mind.
Both of his parents had to work hard. They were refugees from Australia and didn’t have much of a choice. His father was a welder and often had to work late on corporate buildings, and his mother was a waitress at a popular restaurant and bar in the area. One night his father was on his way from picking his mother up from her shift. She was six months pregnant with a baby boy. As they made their way across Chestnut Bridge, a bomb went off, taking out one of the main support pillars. His father ran his wife to safety just off the bridge, and he ran back to help several other people off the bridge. Eventually, the entire bridge collapsed, taking his father, mother, and unborn baby brother with it. It took them a couple of days to identify the bodies.
Dawn of a New Era (Crimson Blue Book 1) Page 3