Page 8 of Broken SEAL

“All good,” said TJ. “You’re on time. Greg hasn’t kicked off.”

“Awesome.” Mike took a seat with the others.

“Right, I’ll crack on with your weekly intel update,” said Greg.

The briefing lasted a little over thirty minutes and covered developed and emerging threats worldwide. It started with terrorist activities in the Middle East, wound its way through Europe before covering South American threats, focusing on cartel activity in Mexico and Colombia. Finally, the analyst asked the team if they had any questions.

“Hey Greg, what’s the go with the Barbarossa cartel?” asked Mike. “Any indicators that they’ve gotten their act back together?”

The intel analyst shook his head. “Whoever chopped the head off that snake shut them down hard—with The Butcher gone, the other cartels have snapped up their assets. The remaining members of the family have gone underground. I don’t think they’ll ever recover. My liaison over at the agency has written them off. They’re focused on going after other cartels.”

“Are we going to get a swing at them anytime soon?” asked Rick as the door opened and their newly posted commander, Dan Stark, strode in.

The team jumped to their feet, but Stark held up his hand. “As you were.” He took a seat alongside Greg.

“Boss, we’re just wrapping up our intel briefing,” said TJ. “Rick was asking if we’re going after the cartels?”

“Good question,” answered Stark. “The administration is keen to take the fight to the cartels, and they’re making a lot of noise about using military assets to do it. However, my gut feeling is it’s going to be more of a CIA-led drone-fest. I don’t think there’s work in it for us.”

“That’s a pity,” said TJ.

Stark nodded. “Yeah, I agree, especially with your team’s experience. So, how did it go on Talisman Saber? I haven’t had a chance to read your report.”

“A good exercise, boss—great opportunity to cross level with our allies and gain an understanding of how they do business. We got a hit out with Aussie Commandos, Japanese frogmen, Korean SEALs, and CANSOF.”

“Good stuff. I’ll dig into the AAR this afternoon. In the meantime, I’ll recommend that we attend the next one. I know SOCPAC is keen to include more teams.”

“Count us in,” added TJ.

“Boss, if you don’t mind me asking,” said Mike. “If the cartel thing isn’t going to go down, what’s on the cards for us?”

“Well, apart from keeping your skills sharp for a contingency call out, I’ve also got a job that requires a seasoned team with an excellent understanding of all facets of SEAL Ops.”

“This sounds like a stitch-up,” said Rick.

Stark laughed. “No pulling the wool over your eyes, Corpsman. This does sound like a stitch-up, but I think you’re going to enjoy it. The group has recently established a tech hub and wants me to assign some SEALs to help them test commercial gear. They’ve got a big bucket of cash, and I want to make sure they’re buying gear that operators can use. TJ, please have you and your team steer them in the right direction. Integrate the gear into your training and full mission profiles. If it works, let’s get it fast-tracked into the teams.” He rose. “I’m due up at HQ for a planning meeting. The XO will connect you with the tech guys.” He headed for the door, then paused. “Oh, Rick. I hear congratulations are in order. Job well done, SEAL. Pass on my best to your wife.”

“Cheers, boss,” said Rick.

The commander exited the room, followed by the intelligence analyst, leaving the team alone.

“So, we’re going to be test bunnies,” exclaimed Ernie. “Sounds lame.”

“I don’t know, man. There’s some cool gear out there that we could be integrating,” said Rick.

“I don’t think he was talking about high-tech gym gear. Rocket-assisted bench press isn’t going to make bagging bad guys easier,” quipped Ernie.

“Bro, you couldn’t bench two forty even with rocket assistance. I’m talking about cool shit like this.” Rick pulled out his phone and, a moment later, had a video running of a diver speeding through clear blue water, wearing what looked like a jet pack. “Bro, this thing does 10 knots underwater. Imagine an approach swim at that speed.”

“Esse, if your shoulders were smaller, you’d be able to swim faster.”

“OK, OK, that’s enough out of you two,” snapped TJ. “Rick, you’re obviously the gear head. I’m putting you in charge of integrating us into the tech hub. Ernie, you’re going to work with him to plan training that tests the tech. Mike, you and I will be working with the senior staff on operational readiness and contingency planning. Yeah, I know this isn’t exactly what we thought we’d be doing. But it is a great opportunity to get some family time in and help build capability. Who knows when the balloon is going to go up next, and we’re going to be back in the box.”

“Aye, aye,” said Mike.

“Do I really have to work with Mr. Muscles?” jibed Ernie.

“Yep, and while you’re at it, you can get him ready for being a dad,” said TJ. “I can’t help him with that one.”