Chapter 28: Returning to the Front
The days off passed more quickly than Aaron would have liked. He and his Bravo Team were ready to return to Afghanistan. It was a clear, cold morning in Virginia Beach when he put on his uniform, adjusted his trident badge on his chest, and took one last look at the Rollins house.
Elizabeth was making breakfast, but her expression betrayed her usual concern. Joseph sat at the table, staring at the newspaper, but his rigid posture showed that he was also thinking about Aaron's imminent departure. Catherine, with a cup of coffee in her hand, seemed to be trying to hide her sadness with a smile.
Aaron came down the stairs, ready to leave, his uniform impeccable. Catherine was the first to stand up and hug him.
"You really have to go again, don't you?" she asked, her voice muffled against his chest.
Aaron kissed the top of her head. "I have to. It's my job, Cathy. But don't worry, I'll be back before you know it."
She pulled back just enough to look at him. "You promise?"
"I promise," he replied with a soft smile. "But you have to promise me something too."
"What?"
"That you'll rock the gala with McGarrett. I'm sure you'll be the most beautiful woman in that room."
Catherine blushed and shook her head, but a shy smile played on her lips. "I'll figure out what to wear. And Steve's nervous enough without you putting any more pressure on him."
"Good," Aaron said, laughing. "He should be nervous. After all, he's dating my beautiful little sister."
Joseph stood and squeezed Aaron's shoulder. "Will you take care of yourself, son?"
"Of course, Dad. You know I'm always in good hands with my team."
Elizabeth walked over, wiping her hands on her apron. "Just come back to us, Aaron. That's all we ask."
He hugged her tightly. "Always, Mom. Always."
Hours later, at the military airport, Aaron stood with his team, all adjusting their gear. He looked at each of them, seeing the determination on their faces. These men were his second family, and he trusted them with his life.
Before boarding, he pulled out his phone and texted Catherine: "Take good care of our parents while I'm gone. And enjoy the dance. I want to see pictures. Love you, little sis."
A few minutes later, the reply came: "You got it, big bro. And I love you too. Please stay safe."
Aaron put away his phone, adjusted the strap of his backpack, and climbed aboard the plane with the others. The base in Jalalabad, or J-Bad, was a busy place. Helicopters flew overhead, transporting troops and supplies. Operators from DEVGRU, Delta, the CIA, and Army Special Forces were all crossing paths, all with the same purpose: to fight terror.
Aaron and his team were met by a CIA operative named Collins, who gave them a quick briefing.
"The atmosphere here is tense," Collins said, pointing to a detailed map. "The Taliban are reorganizing and strengthening their positions in nearby areas. We need you for reconnaissance missions and possibly direct action."
Aaron nodded, studying the map carefully. "Understood. We'll prepare for anything."
After the briefing, the team went to their tents to organize. Despite being accustomed to the environment, the tension was always there. Aaron knew that, even though they were trained, each mission posed a real risk.
Meanwhile, in Virginia Beach, Catherine was on the phone with Elizabeth, trying to decide between two dresses.
"I think the red one suits you better," Elizabeth said, smiling. "It will bring out your eyes."
"You think so?" Catherine asked, holding the dress up in front of the mirror.
"Absolutely. And I'm sure Steve will love it."
Catherine laughed, but her face turned a little serious. "Mom, do you think Aaron will be okay? He seemed so calm, but I know he's carrying a lot."
Elizabeth put a hand on her daughter's shoulder. "Your brother is strong, Cathy. He always has been. And he has you and all of us to come back to. That makes all the difference."
On the night of the ball, Catherine put on the red dress and went downstairs to find Steve waiting for her. He was in uniform, and his smile clearly showed how impressed he was.
"You look beautiful, Cathy," he said, offering her his hand.
"And you look very dashing, sailor," she replied, smiling.
Before leaving, Elizabeth took a picture of the two of them. "I'll send this to Aaron," she said with a smile.
Aaron received the picture while sitting in a tent after a long day of missions. He smiled at the sight of his sister and Steve. Catherine looked radiant, and Steve seemed less nervous than Aaron had expected.
"They make a great couple," Duke, one of the operators on his team, commented, peering over Aaron's shoulder.
"Yeah, but he knows if he messes up with her, he'll have to deal with me," Aaron replied, putting his phone away.
Duke laughed. "Like he didn't know that all along."
Aaron just shook his head, his smile fading as he focused back on his work. He knew that even though he was far away, his family was the reason he did everything he did.
Chapter 29: The Presidential Visit
It was a dry, hot morning in Afghanistan when Aaron and his Bravo team were assigned to provide personal security detail (PSD) for President George W. Bush, who was coming to the theater to show support for the troops and assess the situation firsthand. The team was gathered in the operations center, going over the details of the mission with the commander in the field.
"This is a high-level mission, folks," the officer in charge said, pointing to a detailed map. "The president will be here for a few hours. He wants to talk to the troops and get a briefing on our operations directly from you. I don't need to tell you how critical this assignment is. All eyes will be on us."
Aaron, in his Marine tactical uniform, listened intently, arms crossed over his chest. He could sense the tension in the air, but he maintained his usual composure.
"Bravo," the officer continued, looking at Aaron, "you are the best team we have here. The president will have two rings of security, and you will be part of the inner circle."
Aaron nodded. "Understood, sir. We will leave nothing to chance."
Bravo Team prepared carefully, checking every piece of equipment. Their weapons were clean and ready, and the security plan was reviewed down to the last detail. Aaron knew that on a mission like this, any mistake could have catastrophic consequences.
As Air Force One touched down on a makeshift runway, the mood on the base changed. Soldiers lined up, trying to catch a glimpse of the commander-in-chief. President Bush stepped off the plane, warmly greeting the high-ranking officers before addressing the group of elite operators who would ensure his safety.
Aaron and his team stood close to the president, ever attentive. Bush greeted them personally, shaking hands with each operator.
"Lieutenant Rollins," Bush said as he shook Aaron's hand, reading the name on his uniform. "I've heard of you. Thank you for everything you and your team do for our country."
"It's an honor, sir," Aaron replied firmly.
During the visit, Bush had been interested in speaking with the operators about their missions and experiences in the field. At one point, he asked to speak with Aaron privately.
"Lieutenant Rollins," the president began, as they walked together through the secure perimeter, "I'm told you are a man of great intelligence and knowledge of geopolitics. I'd like to hear your perspective on our mission here."
Aaron, always direct and calm, replied: "Sir, our presence here is vital. It's not just about fighting terrorism, but about stabilizing the region to prevent extremist groups from finding a place to grow. However, we need to work in partnership with local leaders. Winning the support of the population is just as important as eliminating high-value targets."
Bush nodded slowly, thoughtfully. "You seem to have a deep understanding of what's at stake here. Any specific recommendations you would make?"
Aaron hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Sir, focusing more on confidence-building operations like infrastructure and education projects can change people's perceptions of us. And we need to be patient. Conflicts like this are won in the long run."
Bush stopped and looked directly at Aaron. "You should be in Washington giving me direct advice, Lieutenant."
Aaron smiled modestly. "I'd rather be in the field, sir. That's where I feel I can make the most difference."
The president chuckled. "Well, Rollins, you have an open invitation to visit the White House when you're in Washington. I'd love to continue this conversation in a less dangerous environment."
"It would be an honor, sir," Aaron replied.
As the president interacted with the troops, Aaron and his team kept a close eye on the environment. They were aware of the constant threats in the region and knew that any carelessness could be fatal.
The whole time, Aaron was in communication with the other members of the team. "Duke, keep the southern perimeter covered. Harris, keep an eye on the crowd. Report any suspicious behavior immediately."
The imposing presence of Bravo Team, with their tactical uniforms and professional demeanor, was enough to discourage any attempt at hostile action.
As the visit ended and Bush prepared to leave, he made a point of addressing Bravo Team again.
"I want to thank all of you for what you do," he said, looking directly at the operators. "I know it's not easy, and your sacrifices do not go unnoticed."
He then turned to Aaron. "Lieutenant Rollins, I hope you will accept my offer and come to the White House when you can. Men like you are rare, and our nation needs to hear more of your wisdom."
Aaron responded with a firm nod. "Thank you, sir. I'll do my best to accept your invitation."
The president climbed aboard Air Force One, waving to the troops before disappearing into the aircraft.
Later that night, as Aaron and his team sat in the tent, the tension of the mission began to dissipate.
"You impressed the president, Red," Duke commented, calling Aaron by the nickname he'd had since the Green Team. "Maybe you should think about politics."
Aaron laughed and shook his head. "I'd rather deal with issues in the field than behind a desk."
Harris smiled. "Well, if you ever run for office, you already have my vote."
"You're a bunch of idiots," Aaron said, tossing a pillow in Harris's direction.
Despite the lightness of the moment, Aaron knew that the mission to protect the president had been one of the most important of his career. He also knew that as long as the war continued, there would be many other missions waiting for him and his team.
Chapter 30: High-Value Operation
The night was silent and dark as a blanket over the mountains of Afghanistan. Aaron and his Bravo team were ready for a direct action operation against a compound where intelligence had determined two High-Value Targets (HVTs). The location had been identified as a command center for an insurgent group coordinating attacks in the region.
Aaron, designated Bravo 1, was leading the mission. He adjusted his equipment as he mentally reviewed the plan. The team was positioned in an MH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, flying low to avoid detection.
Hours earlier, in the hangar at the base in Jalalabad, the operations officer had detailed the plan.
"Bravo team, you have a priority target: an insurgent commander identified as Al-Rashid, as well as his second-in-command. They are meeting with other operatives at the compound you are going to raid," the officer said, pointing to a digital map displayed on the screen.
Aaron studied every detail. "Confirmed heavy weaponry at the site?"
"Yes," the officer replied. "Defenses include heavy machine guns and RPGs. The approach will be difficult, but we have CAS (Close Air Support) on hand if needed."
Aaron looked at his team. Bravo 2, an experienced sniper, adjusted his rifle; Bravo 3, the medical operator, checked his emergency kit; Bravo 4 through Bravo 7 prepared explosives and other essential equipment.
"Remember," Aaron said, standing up to address everyone. "We need precision and speed. No room for error. Identify, neutralize, and extract. We work as one unit."
In the helicopter, the operators remained silent. The whir of the blades filled the space as Aaron checked the communications one last time.
"Bravo 1, checking radio."
"Bravo 2, clear."
"Bravo 3, clear."
"Bravo 4, clear."
"Bravo 5, clear."
"Bravo 6, clear."
"Bravo 7, clear."
"All clear," Aaron said. "Arrive in two minutes. Remember the plan. Bravo 2, you'll cover the perimeter. Bravo 3, stand by for support if necessary. Bravo 4 and 5, explosives for entry. Bravo 6 and 7, interior cover. Let's do this."
The helicopter hovered at a hundred feet as the operators quickly descended the ropes. The ground was dry, and Aaron quickly got into position with his team.
The team moved silently toward the compound. Bravo 2 climbed a nearby ridge, positioning himself to observe and eliminate outside threats.
"Bravo 2 in position," came the voice over the radio. "I see two guards at the main entrance."
"Neutralize," Aaron replied.
The muffled gunfire from Bravo 2's rifle was accurate. Two bodies fell without alarm.
Aaron gestured to Bravo 4 and 5, who quickly placed explosives on the compound's door. With a signal, the charge detonated, blowing a hole in the structure and exposing the interior.
The team advanced. Aaron led the way, moving quickly and accurately, his rifle always level and his eyes on every corner. The first few rooms were empty, but then the gunfire came.
"Contact, corridor ahead!" Bravo 6 shouted as he positioned himself behind a barrier.
Aaron reacted instantly. "Bravo 3, maintain cover. Bravo 6 and 7, suppressive fire. Bravo 2, see if you can get an outside angle!"
The shots ricocheted off the walls, but Aaron moved forward with Bravo 5 to flank the enemy. He tossed a stun grenade before rushing in, taking out the two insurgents who were hiding.
"Area clear," Bravo 5 announced.
Aaron glanced at his watch. Every second counted. "Keep moving. The HVT should be on the top floor."
On the top floor, Aaron found the objective. Al-Rashid was surrounded by other insurgents, who opened fire immediately. Aaron and his team responded with brutal efficiency. Bravo 7 threw a grenade, scattering the enemy, while Aaron and Bravo 6 picked off the survivors.
Al-Rashid tried to flee, but Aaron was faster. He immobilized him with a shot to the leg and handcuffed him.
"Bravo 1 to command, HVT captured," Aaron radioed.
"Confirmed, Bravo 1. Extract now."
With the objective secured, the team retreated, but the enemy had been alerted. Gunfire began to echo through the compound as Aaron coordinated the exit.
"Bravo 2, we need cover for the extraction!"
"Roger that, Bravo 1. I see a group approaching from the east. Eliminating targets."
Bravo 2 held the enemy at bay as the team made it to the extraction point. The Black Hawk landed under enemy fire, but everyone made it aboard.
Aaron pulled Al-Rashid inside before sitting down and looking at his team.
"Everyone okay?" he asked.
"Bravo 3 here, all uninjured," the medic replied.
Aaron sighed in relief as the helicopter pulled away from the combat zone.
Back at the makeshift base, the HVT was handed over to intelligence for questioning. Aaron removed his helmet, running a hand through his sweaty hair. His team relaxed as well, taking off their heavy gear.
"Mission successful, guys," Aaron said. "Rest for now, but keep your gear ready. We don't know when the next one will be."
Bravo 6 gave a slight smile. "Do you think the president will invite us back to the White House after this one?"
Aaron laughed. "Only if he needs advice on how to escape a war zone."
Despite the momentary lightness, Aaron knew the missions would only get harder. But as long as he had his team by his side, he was ready to face any challenge.
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