Chapter 41: Changes at Echo
The year 2012 arrived bringing changes to Echo Team. After years of service and countless missions, the team faced a new transition. Scott, now a Lieutenant Commander, knew that this was part of life at DEVGRU, but that didn't make saying goodbyes any easier.
The base in Virginia Beach had a different rhythm that morning. The mood, usually full of energy and movement, was more reflective. Echo was gathered in the hangar, in an informal meeting, to say goodbye to three members who would be leaving the team.
Will Cheese, with his characteristic humor, was the first to speak.
— "Well, gentlemen, I guess that's it. After so many missions, so many shots and so many sleepless nights... I'm hanging up my boots."
Everyone laughed, but there was a hint of sadness in the air. Cheese was more than just a skilled operator—he was the team's comic relief, always finding a way to keep morale high, even in the worst situations.
"Cheese, I don't know if this place will be the same without your jokes," Eddie commented.
"Oh, Eddie, you know you're going to miss me," Cheese replied, winking.
Scott walked over, shaking Will's hand firmly.
"Will, it's been an honor to have you on the team. Your skill, your commitment, and of course, your humor, have been instrumental in Echo's success. You'll be missed."
Will smiled, but his eyes showed emotion. "Thank you, Scott. It's been an honor to serve alongside you."
After Will, Rob O'Neill stood up. Rob, known for his precision and coolness in combat, had always been a reliable force on Echo.
— "I'm not very good with words," Rob began, "but I just want to say that serving with you guys has been the greatest privilege of my life. Each one of you is a brother to me. I'll never forget what we've been through together."
Scott shook Rob's hand, looking him in the eye. — "Rob, you were one of the best operators I've ever known. I know this decision wasn't easy, but you deserve your rest. Thank you for everything."
Finally, Cairo, the K9 who had been a silent but essential pillar on many missions, was officially retired. Cairo would be adopted by one of the operators and would live out the rest of his days as a loved and cared for dog.
Scott knelt beside Cairo, running his hand through the dog's fur. — "You've done more for this team than anyone could ever imagine. Enjoy your retirement, kid."
The hangar was silent for a few moments as everyone said goodbye to Cairo. Echo was diminished, but not for long. Within a matter of weeks, two new operators had been added to the team: DJ Shipley and a man named Aaron Briggs.
On the morning of Echo's first meeting with the new members, Scott was at the training center, watching the two newcomers. DJ Shipley was young, but his background was impressive. He had served on other elite teams and was known for his determination and technical skills. Aaron Briggs was a seasoned operator with a calm but intimidating presence.
"DJ, Briggs," Scott began once everyone was gathered, "welcome to Echo. Let me put it bluntly: we're a family here. We work together, we fight together, and we look out for each other. You were chosen because we believe you have what it takes to be a part of this."
DJ smiled, his enthusiasm belying Briggs's seriousness.
"Thank you, sir. I promise I won't disappoint," DJ said confidently.
Briggs nodded, his deep voice echoing through the space. — "We're ready to give it our all."
Eddie, always playful, looked at DJ.
— "I hope you're ready to deal with Scott. He can be a little intense sometimes."
Everyone laughed, and DJ responded in kind.
— "If I survived the training to get here, I think I can handle it."
Scott shook his head, laughing. — "You'll fit right in."
The next few days were spent training and integrating the new members. Scott and the remaining Echo operators spent long hours on the firing range, in CQB (Close Quarters Battle) exercises, and in infiltration drills.
DJ demonstrated exceptional skills in drone technology and handling, something that impressed Scott.
— "That's useful," Scott commented, watching DJ manipulate a small drone with precision during an exercise. — "We can use that on our next missions."
Meanwhile, Briggs proved to be a solid, reliable operator with a methodical approach to combat. His experience was evident in a simulated exercise, where he skillfully led an infiltration.
"You have good instincts," Scott said after the exercise.
Briggs shrugged. "I learned from good leaders."
Although the team was adapting well to the new members, there were times when the operators felt the absence of It was Will, Rob, and Cairo. During a break in training, Eddie commented,
"It's weird not hearing Cheese's jokes or seeing Cairo running around the field."
Scott nodded. "It's weird, but change is part of it. They gave it everything they had while they were here. Now it's our turn to move on."
DJ, who was listening, asked,
"It sounds like they were pretty important to the team."
"They were," Scott replied. "But you and Briggs have a chance to write your own story here. We're ready for it."
At the end of the month, Scott gathered Echo for a moment of reflection.
"Gentlemen, we've been through a lot of changes lately. We've lost valuable members, but we've also gained new ones. I want everyone to know that I trust this team. We have a job to do, and I know we're capable of accomplishing any mission we're given."
Eddie smiled. "Echo's back, Commander."
Scott looked at each member of the team, feeling a surge of pride.
"That's right. We're back."
Echo had undergone a transformation, but the spirit of the team remained the same. With DJ and Briggs on board, Scott knew they were ready to take on the challenges ahead. The work was never done, but together, they would continue to write Echo's legacy.
Chapter 42: A Visit to Norfolk
The sun was shining brightly on a quiet morning in Virginia Beach, but Scott wasn't at the base or with his Echo team. He was off duty, a rare occurrence, and he was taking the time to visit Jane Tennant at her new job at the NCIS office in Norfolk. Jane's transition from the CIA to NCIS had been a big step, and Scott wanted to see how she was settling in.
After driving for about 30 minutes, Scott arrived at the nondescript building that housed the NCIS office. The place was secure, but without the grandeur of the military bases he was used to. He parked his truck and walked up to the entrance, where he was greeted by a security officer.
"Can I help you?" the officer asked, looking Scott over.
"I'm here to see Agent Tennant," Scott replied, flashing his military ID.
The officer checked the system, nodded, and let him in.
Jane was in the conference room, hunched over a wall of photos and documents. She looked focused, reviewing information about some active case. Her brown hair was pulled back in a bun, and she wore a black blazer that made her look even more professional. Scott knocked lightly on the glass door, catching her attention.
"Hey, I hope I'm not in the way," he said, smiling.
Jane looked up in surprise, and immediately smiled when she saw him. "Scott! Of course you're not in the way. Come in."
Scott walked into the room, taking in the surroundings. The conference room was simple, with tables, chairs, and a wall covered in maps and information.
"So, this is where you work now," he said, looking around.
Jane smiled slightly. "Yeah, it's not as glamorous as the CIA, but it's a good place. And the work is more local, which means I can be more present for Alex and Julie."
Scott nodded, understanding the importance of this.
— "I'm happy for you. You deserve some stability after everything you've been through."
Jane crossed her arms, leaning against the table. — "And you? How are you? I heard you lost some members of Echo recently."
— "Yeah, it was tough. Cheese, Rob, and Cairo were part of the family, but we have new operators now, and we're adjusting. Life goes on, you know."
Jane nodded, her eyes softening. — "I know. It's always hard to say goodbye to important people."
After a few minutes of conversation, Jane offered a brief tour of the NCIS office.
— "I'll show you where I spend my days now. It's not as exciting as a mission with Echo, but it has its moments."
She led him through the halls, introducing him to a few colleagues. One of them, a short, smiling man named Agent Carter, greeted Scott warmly.
— "So you're the famous Scott Walker," Carter said, shaking his hand.
Scott laughed, a little awkwardly. "Famous? I don't know about that."
— "Oh, Jane speaks highly of you. I think everyone here has heard your stories."
Jane blushed slightly. "I just mentioned that he's a good friend."
Carter raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying Jane's modesty, but decided not to press.
After the tour, Jane and Scott returned to her small office, where they could talk more privately.
"You seem to be doing well here," Scott said, sitting in a chair while Jane settled behind her desk.
"I am," she replied honestly. "NCIS is different from the CIA, but the work is still meaningful. We protect people, solve crimes, enforce justice. It's a different kind of adrenaline rush."
Scott watched her for a moment, admiring her strength and determination. — "You know, Jane, you're an inspiration. To go through everything you've been through and still keep fighting... it's incredible."
Jane smiled, touched by his words. — "Thank you, Scott. But I'm not the only one who fights. You do too, every day."
He shrugged, trying to downplay it. — "I just do my job."
— "No, you do more than that," Jane insisted. — "You lead, you protect, and you give your all. Don't think that goes unnoticed."
Scott looked away for a moment, touched by her sincerity.
— "And how are Alex and Julie?" he asked, changing the subject.
Jane laughed. — "Alex is doing great. He loves talking about you, you know? He says he wants to be a 'hero' like Uncle Scott when he grows up. And Julie... well, she's just starting to walk. She's so cute."
Scott smiled, feeling a warm feeling in his chest. He loved the children very much and appreciated the affection they had for him.
— "I'll need to visit them soon," he said.
— "They'd love that," Jane replied, her eyes shining.
As they were talking, Jane's phone rang, interrupting their moment. She answered it quickly, exchanging a few words before hanging up.
— "It seems I'll have to deal with a new case soon."
Scott stood up, understanding that their time was running out. "Well, I won't bother you anymore. I just wanted to see how you were doing."
Jane walked him out, pausing for a moment before he left. "Scott, thanks for coming. Seriously, it means a lot to me."
He smiled, leaning in a little. "Anytime you need me, Jane. I'm here."
They shared a brief hug before Scott left the building, leaving Jane with a smile on her face.
As he drove home, Scott thought about Jane's strength and how she managed to balance so much in her life. He felt a special connection with her, something that grew with each meeting.
Maybe, at some point, he would have the courage to explore it more deeply. For now, he was content knowing that she was well and happy in her new job.
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