Chapter 39: Operation Shadow in Iran
Tensions were high as Scott and Echo prepared for yet another top-secret mission. This time, the destination was Iran. Intelligence had detected that nuclear scientists were collaborating with the QUDS Force to develop advanced weaponry. Echo's mission was simple on paper but extremely dangerous: infiltrate, gather intelligence, and, if necessary, sabotage operations, without leaving a trace.
In the briefing room in Virginia Beach, Scott watched intently as the CIA officer assigned to the mission laid out the plan. Agent Kaitlyn Meade led the briefing, conveying calm and professionalism.
"Gentlemen, this mission does not officially exist," Kaitlyn began, pointing to a map projected on the screen. "You will be inserted near Qom, where we believe the underground laboratory is located. The QUDS Force has regular patrols in the area, and if you are caught, the U.S. government will not acknowledge your presence."
Scott crossed his arms, taking in every detail.
— "And the primary objective?" he asked.
— "Intelligence. We need to know what they're developing, who they're collaborating with, and where the sensitive materials are. If they find anything that could compromise global security, they're to neutralize the threat."
Will Cheese, one of Echo's most experienced operators, raised an eyebrow.
— "Neutralize how, exactly?"
— "Discreet explosives," Kaitlyn replied. "Leaving no trace that could be attributed to you or the US."
Scott nodded.
— "Understood. Equipment?"
— "You'll be issued compact drones, hacking systems, and untraceable explosive charges. The rest is standard DEVGRU. You now have 24 hours to prepare before transport."
When the briefing was over, Scott gathered the team together.
— "All clear?"
They all nodded, trusting Scott's planning and judgment completely.
Two days later, Scott and his team were at a makeshift air base in Afghanistan, waiting for the aircraft that would take them to the Iranian border. The tension was palpable, but Echo was focused.
The insertion took place in absolute silence. The stealth plane dropped them off a few miles outside of Qom, where they parachuted into a remote area. Upon landing, they quickly gathered their gear and began their infiltration, moving like shadows across the rugged terrain.
On the way, Scott activated his internal radio to coordinate with Will, who was leading the rearguard.
— "Cheese, status?"
— "All clear so far, but thermals show a patrol 300 meters to the north."
Scott studied the tablet in his hand, which displayed images of the drones that had been sent earlier.
— "Stay low. We'll avoid contact."
After hours of careful movement, the team reached the perimeter of the lab. It was a camouflaged structure, with only a small entrance visible. Armed guards patrolled the area, and drones hovered overhead.
Scott signaled Cairo, the highly trained K9, to move forward silently and identify any immediate danger. The dog quickly returned, indicating that the entrance was secure, but the guards would need to be neutralized.
"No gunfire," Scott whispered. "We'll use tranquilizers."
Will and another operator, Eddie, crept up, eliminating the two guards with tranquilizer darts. When the coast was clear, Scott led the team inside. The hallway was narrow and dark, lit only by emergency lights. Scott checked the building's layout on his tablet while Will set up a jammer to block any internal communications.
"We have three main rooms," Scott explained. "Lab, server room, and storage. Split up, but keep in constant contact. We have at most twenty minutes before they miss the guards outside."
Scott, Will, and Eddie headed for the server room.
Using a hacking device provided by the CIA, they transferred all the data to an encrypted drive. Meanwhile, Cairo and two other operators inspected the lab, where they found cylinders containing radioactive material.
Cheese's voice came over the radio: "Walker, we found something concerning. It looks like enriched uranium. What do we do?"
Scott frowned. "Explosives, but set it up to look like an accident."
Will, who was standing next to Scott, said quietly: "If this goes off, it'll take them years to recover."
Scott nodded. "Exactly the idea."
With the data transferred and the explosives armed, the team began to retreat.
However, as they approached the exit, they heard voices in Farsi. Cheese warned over the radio: "Extra patrol is coming. We have three minutes."
Scott took a deep breath. — "Move fast, but stay out of sight. We'll wait until they pass."
They hid in a side room while Iranian soldiers checked the perimeter. When the footsteps faded, Scott signaled for the team to continue.
As they exited the building, explosions began. Flames and smoke rose, confusing any attempt to trace the source of the attack.
The team reached the extraction point, where a stealth helicopter was waiting. The pilot, in a calm voice, radioed:
"Welcome back, Echo. Climb in quickly. Patrols are on their way."
Scott was the last to board, making sure all the team and equipment were safe.
As the helicopter took off, Scott finally relaxed, looking at his team.
"Good job, guys. Another mission accomplished."
Will gave a slight smile.
"And without a single shot. We're getting good at this."
They all laughed, easing the tension as they left Iranian airspace.
Back at base in Afghanistan, Scott reported back to command, handing over the data drive and reporting that the lab had been neutralized.
As he reviewed the mission's events, Scott thought about the precision and reliability of his team. He knew their work was dangerous and full of uncertainty, but moments like this reminded him that Echo was more than a team: they were a family.
With another operation completed, Scott knew the fight would never end, but he was ready for whatever challenge came his way. After all, this was what he did best.
Chapter 40: The Surprise Promotion
The morning sun lit up the Virginia Beach sky as Scott, still unsure of what to expect, donned his impeccable uniform. He had been summoned to a ceremony at DEVGRU headquarters. It wasn't uncommon for ceremonies to take place, but he assumed the event was to recognize some of the teams that had recently completed critical missions.
When he arrived at the location, he found the courtyard decorated with flags and the operators from the various teams gathered together. Among them, members of Echo were lined up and standing at attention. Scott noticed something odd many familiar faces were present, but no one seemed willing to share any details about the event.
"Walker, good to see you here," said Adam Seaver, Alpha Team's leader, with a smile.
"Seaver," Scott replied, his expression curious. "What's going on? They didn't mention many details about this ceremony."
Seaver shrugged. "I guess you'll find out soon enough."
Scott raised an eyebrow, but before he could ask more, he was called to line up with the others.
The admiral in charge of DEVGRU, along with other high-ranking officers, took the podium. He began with a speech about the importance of the teams' work, highlighting the group's contributions to the fight against global terrorism.
"Today, we recognize not only the bravery and commitment of our operators, but also those who have demonstrated excellence in leadership and strategic skill," the admiral announced.
Scott listened intently, but he still had no idea what was coming.
The admiral continued:
"There are times when a leader stands out in an exceptional way, leading his team with determination and ensuring success in missions that define the course of history. Today, we are here to honor someone who exemplifies these values."
Scott began to notice the looks his team and other operators were throwing his way. He frowned slightly, feeling a slight discomfort.
— "Lieutenant Scott Walker, please report!"
Scott's heart raced. He stepped forward, adjusting his posture as the eyes of everyone present turned to him.
— "Lieutenant Walker," the admiral said with a smile, "in recognition of your extraordinary service, impeccable leadership, and unwavering dedication, I am honored to promote you to the rank of Lieutenant Commander of the United States Navy."
The applause was deafening, and Scott could hardly believe what he was hearing. He stood still for a moment, processing the news, until the admiral motioned for him to come forward.
— "Walker," the admiral said, "we have a little surprise for you."
Scott looked to the side and saw his parents, Michael and Jennifer Walker, coming out from behind the stage. They were both smiling broadly, with tears in their eyes. Scott was visibly moved, but he maintained his military bearing.
Jennifer carried a small case, while Michael, with a glint of pride in his eyes, held Scott's new rank patch.
"Son," Michael said as he walked over to him, "we were called because we wanted to be a part of this moment. You make us proud every day, and there is no greater honor than being able to do this in person."
Scott took a deep breath, trying to maintain his composure, but his eyes betrayed the emotion he felt.
"Dad... Mom... this means the world to me," he said, his tone low but full of sincerity.
Michael removed the old patch from Scott's uniform, while Jennifer pinned on the new one, representing his promotion to Lieutenant Commander. When they were finished, Jennifer hugged her son, a gesture that drew applause and smiles from those present.
"We are so proud of you, Scott," she said, tears streaming down her face.
"Thank you for being here," Scott replied, his voice breaking slightly.
After the patch exchange, Scott took the stage at the admiral's request, who gave him the floor.
— "Ladies and gentlemen," Scott began, looking at the faces of his team, his colleagues, and especially his parents. — "I don't know what to say. This moment is something I never imagined I would experience. I want to thank all of you for being a fundamental part of my journey."
He paused, trying to control his emotion.
— "Everything I have achieved so far is thanks to the people around me: my team, my family, and everyone who believed in me. I know that leadership comes with great responsibilities, and I promise to continue to honor this uniform and the trust you have placed in me."
The applause that followed was even louder than the previous one.
After the ceremony, Scott and Echo gathered at a small gathering organized at the base. The team was in high spirits, and everyone made a point of congratulating him personally.
— "Lieutenant Commander Walker," Will Cheese joked, holding up a bottle of soda. "Sounds good, huh? I guess we're going to have to get used to it."
"Don't exaggerate, Cheese," Scott replied, laughing. "I'm still the same guy."
"That's true," Eddie Guzman interjected. "But seriously, Scott, it's deserved. You've led us through some of the toughest missions, and we've never doubted you for a second."
"You guys are the reason I do what I do," Scott replied, looking at each member of Echo. "We're a family, and that's how it'll always be."
Later that night, Scott was home with his parents. Michael and Jennifer had prepared a special dinner to celebrate.
"Did you know this was going to happen?" Scott asked, as he cut into a piece of meat.
Michael smiled. "We had an idea, but we didn't know the details until right before the ceremony."
"I'm still trying to process it all," Scott admitted. "Getting promoted like that… and having you guys there. It was amazing."
Jennifer put her hand on his shoulder.
"You deserve it, son. We've always believed in you, and we're so proud of the man you've become."
Scott smiled, feeling more connected to his family than ever before.
As they finished dinner, he thought about the responsibilities that would come with his new position. He knew the journey was far from over, but in that moment, surrounded by those he loved, he felt like he was exactly where he was supposed to be.
New stories in my Patreon
News stories there: "SUITS: The Lawyer " , " The Lawyer and Policeman " and " Former CIA, Now LAPD "
This story is already complete there
[email protected]/SHADOWGHOST07
Just replace the @ with an a