Chapter 45: A Tragedy in Benghazi
It was a quiet evening at the Walker home in Virginia Beach. Scott was off work, enjoying a family dinner with his parents. They were gathered in the living room after dinner, watching the news. The TV was showing the day's top headlines, but what caught everyone's attention was the urgent news report that came on: "Deadly Attack in Benghazi, Libya. U.S. Embassy and CIA Compound Under Attack."
Michael put down the glass of water he was holding and frowned. "This doesn't look good."
Jennifer, next to him, pulled the blanket over her shoulders. "Oh my God… more Americans being attacked?"
Scott sat in the recliner, staring at the screen, his face growing tense. He was all too familiar with the challenges faced by teams like the Global Response Staff (GRS), a group of military contractors who often operated in war zones to protect diplomats and facilities.
The news anchor continued:
"On the night of the 11th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, a group of insurgents carried out a coordinated attack on the United States consulate in Benghazi and later on a secret CIA annex in the region. Four Americans were killed, including Ambassador Chris Stevens and two former SEALs working as security contractors: Tyrone Woods and Glen Doherty."
Scott took a deep breath when he heard Tyrone and Glen's names. He didn't know them personally, but in the world of special operations, brotherhood was universal. The news hit him like a direct blow.
"Two SEALs," Michael murmured, looking at Scott. "They were from your community."
Scott nodded, his jaw clenching. "Yeah. Even after they leave active duty, a lot of guys continue to help out, whether in the GRS or in other roles. They still risk it all."
The news report went on to detail what had happened:
— "The attack began around 9:40 p.m. local time, when insurgents stormed the consulate. Ambassador Stevens and other diplomats were caught off guard. Meanwhile, the GRS team, stationed in a CIA annex about a mile away, was ordered not to intervene immediately. Eventually, against instructions, the team decided to move in to try to save whoever they could."
Jennifer covered her mouth with her hand. — "They were forbidden from helping? How is that possible?"
Scott rubbed his face with his hands, clearly frustrated. — "Bureaucracy. Politics. Sometimes decision-makers are so out of touch with reality on the ground that things go wrong. And who pays the price? The guys in the field."
The anchor continued:
— "Despite their bravery, Tyrone Woods and Glen Doherty were killed by mortar fire during the attack on the CIA compound. Experts question why the air support requested by the team on the ground was denied. Critics point out that, even though Secretary of State Hillary Clinton knew about the attack in real time, she chose not to send additional military support."
Michael clenched his fists. — "They knew and did nothing?"
Jennifer looked at Scott, her eyes full of concern. — "Is that true? Does that really happen?"
Scott exhaled, trying to remain calm. — "Unfortunately, yes. In situations like this, decisions are not always quick or clear. Teams on the ground may be fighting for their lives while someone in Washington debates the political consequences."
Michael stood up and began pacing the room, visibly irritated. — "These men were there to protect our people, to do what was right. They lost their lives because someone didn't want to take a political risk? That's unacceptable."
Scott watched his father, understanding his frustration. He knew that this feeling of helplessness was common for those outside the battlefield, but it was also something that he, as an operator, had learned to deal with.
— "Dad, I understand what you're feeling, but believe me, things aren't that simple. Many times, decisions are based on incomplete information, or there are bigger concerns that we can't always see at the time."
— "Bigger than saving lives?" Michael asked, stopping in front of Scott. — "These guys were asking for help, and they were ignored."
Jennifer intervened, trying to calm things down. — "Michael, Scott is trying to explain. He knows how these things work."
Michael sighed, running a hand through his hair. — "Sorry, son. I just keep thinking... what if it were you in that place?"
Scott looked at his father, his gaze serious. "I know, Dad. It's something we've all thought about. But that's why we follow protocols and take our own precautions. And most of all, we trust each other."
As the report continued, the anchor brought up the heroic details of the GRS team.
"The remaining five members of the GRS team managed to secure the CIA annex for hours, facing waves of attacks. Thanks to them, dozens of lives were saved. However, the loss of Tyrone Woods and Glen Doherty highlights the risks these men faced and the complexities of operating in war zones."
Jennifer wiped away a tear that was falling. — "These men were true heroes. It's so sad that their lives ended this way."
Scott nodded. — "They did what they had to do. They protected lives. That's what matters. That's what we prepare for, day in and day out."
Michael sat back down, still shaken. — "I hope the government recognizes that. They deserve to be honored, not forgotten."
Scott looked at his father, recognizing the truth in his words. He knew that often the sacrifices of operators like Tyrone and Glen did not receive the attention or recognition they deserved.
Later that evening, Scott sat on the porch of the house, looking up at the starry sky. Jennifer brought him a cup of coffee and sat down next to him.
"Are you okay, son?" she asked softly.
Scott nodded, holding the cup. "I am, Mom. Just thinking about all this. It's hard to lose guys like Tyrone and Glen. Even though I didn't know them personally, I feel like they were part of my family."
Jennifer put her hand on his shoulder. "I know this isn't easy. But you always say there's a purpose in everything you do. They served their purpose, didn't they?"
Scott looked at her, with a small, sad smile. "Yes, Mom. They did. And that's what keeps us going. To make their sacrifices worthwhile."
Jennifer squeezed his shoulder. "And you're doing it, Scott. We're so proud of you."
Scott was silent for a moment, appreciating his mother's support. He knew that difficult decisions and losses were part of his life as an operator, but moments like this, with his family, gave him the strength to keep going.
Inside the house, Michael turned off the TV, still reflecting on what he had watched. He knew his son lived in a world of constant danger, but he also knew that Scott was driven by a sense of duty and honor that few could understand.
As the night wore on, the tragedy of Benghazi lingered as a reminder of the price of freedom and the need to recognize the sacrifices made by those who serve, often in the shadows, to protect others.
Chapter 46: Mission Omega
It was a cold February morning in 2013 when Scott and his team received the summons for a briefing at a secure CIA facility in Langley. The call came directly from the deputy director of operations, signaling that the mission would be of the utmost importance and sensitivity. It was not uncommon for DEVGRU operatives to be assigned to top-secret missions by the CIA, but the tone of the message indicated that this one would be different from all the others.
In the facility's conference room, the lights were kept low, and a projector displayed high-resolution images of maps and photographs. A tall man in a gray suit and a stern expression waited for the team. His name was Henry Calloway, a CIA veteran known for leading high-risk covert operations.
— "Gentlemen, thank you for coming," Calloway began, looking directly at Scott, known to his leadership as Echo 1. "What I'm about to share with you does not officially exist. If anything goes wrong, you will have no support from the American government, and your actions will not be recognized."
Scott exchanged quick glances with his companions, Echo 2, Echo 3, and so on down to Echo 6. They all knew what this meant: an Omega mission.
Calloway continued: "Our target is a former American intelligence operative who has defected to an emerging terrorist organization in the Middle East. He possesses critical information that compromises national security, including data on undercover agents, covert operations, and financial schemes. He must be neutralized or captured before he shares this information."
On the screen, the man's photo appeared. His name was Victor Kane, and he was as dangerous as he was intelligent.
— "Victor's current location has been confirmed as a remote town in Syria. He's holed up in a safe house, protected by local militiamen. We can't risk a conventional operation because that could trigger a diplomatic crisis."
Scott frowned. "So we're talking about something clean and quick, without drawing attention to ourselves?"
Calloway nodded. "Exactly. You'll be traveling as civilians. No military fatigues, no heavy weapons. Handguns, light armor, and minimal equipment. Your infiltration will be overland, and the extraction will be coordinated with a trusted local contact."
"What if we're compromised?" Echo 4 asked.
Calloway answered without hesitation. "You won't be rescued."
The silence in the room was palpable, but Scott finally broke the ice: "Understood. When do we leave?"
Calloway smiled slightly. "In 48 hours. Good luck, gentlemen."
Back at their temporary quarters in Langley, the team began to prepare. The tension was clear, but there was a quiet confidence among the men. Scott gathered everyone together to review the mission and align expectations.
"Okay, guys, we know how it goes. This isn't our first time without a safety net, but we have each other, and that's all we need. Victor Kane is our target, and our priority is to neutralize him before he can endanger any more lives. Follow protocol and stay alert. No mistakes."
"As always, boss," Echo 5 replied with a smile.
Echo 6, the newest member of the team, added,
"Just pistols and body armor… it's an interesting challenge."
Scott nodded. "All the more reason to be precise and fast. No room for error."
Two days later, Echo arrived in the Middle East disguised as Western businessmen. Dressed in plain civilian clothes, jeans, cotton shirts, and light jackets—they looked anything but elite operators. The pistols were hidden under their clothes, and each member wore thin tactical vests that could be easily disguised.
They met up with their local contact, a man named Farid, at a small roadside café. Farid was a former CIA informant, now working as a mercenary. He led them to an old but functional vehicle and began explaining the route.
— "The house where Victor is staying is in a discreet residential area. There aren't many guards, but they are armed. You'll have to be quick, get in and out before the local militia notices."
Scott thanked them for the information and organized the forged papers that would grant them access to the area without arousing suspicion.
As night fell, the team positioned themselves around the house Farid had indicated. Scott, as Echo 1, led the infiltration, with Echo 2 and Echo 3 covering the entrances and Echo 4 through 6 providing the rearguard.
They moved like shadows, almost silently, as they checked the entrances and monitored the guards on the perimeter. Echo 5 whispered over the radio, "Two targets at the main entrance. They're not paying attention. We can take them out silently."
Scott gave the go-ahead. With surgical precision, Echo 5 and Echo 6 neutralized the silenced guards, hiding the bodies in the shadows.
Inside the house, the situation was more complicated. Victor Kane was upstairs, protected by three armed men. Scott led the charge, moving carefully up the stairs while Echo 2 and Echo 3 provided cover.
In the hallway, one of the guards suddenly appeared, but Scott was faster, taking him down with a silent shot to the head. The team continued advancing to the room where Victor was hiding.
When Scott opened the door, Victor was sitting in a chair, apparently waiting for them. He raised his hands, but wore a defiant smile.
"So, you finally found me," Victor said, with a wry tone. "I thought it would take longer."
Scott kept the pistol pointed at him, while Echo 3 handcuffed him.
"You're coming with us, Victor. No tricks."
Victor smiled. "Do you think this is going to end here? I have allies. You have no idea what you're up against."
Scott ignored the taunt and gave the command:
"Team, extraction now."
The team left the house with Victor in custody, but the local militia noticed the movement. Shots began to ring out, and Echo had to move quickly, taking cover as they advanced to the extraction point.
Farid was waiting for them in a vehicle, ready to take them to safety. As they fled, gunfire continued, but the team managed to escape without casualties.
Back at the safehouse, Victor was handed over to another CIA agent, and Echo began to dismantle their disguises and prepare for their return to the United States.
Back at the temporary quarters, Scott gathered the team for a quick debriefing.
"Mission accomplished. Kane is in custody, and we're all in one piece. Good job, guys."
Echo 4 chuckled. "I think we can survive without the heavy toys."
Scott smiled. "With a team like this, we can do anything. Now, enjoy your break when we get back. You've earned it."
As everyone relaxed, Scott knew this was just another mission in a long line of operations that would never be officially acknowledged. But for him and his team, the goal was clear: protect the country at all costs, even if it meant operating in the shadows.
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