“Well, like you said, I’m a straight shooter. Think that’s why Elizabeth likes me, why she chose me. Partially, at least. I’m not here to bullshit you guys. Will tell it how it is. Now, just ask your questions.”
Dale nodded. “Colonel, with all due respect, why you? Why are you our commanding officer and not a member of The Unit? No offense, I respect the Marines and all. Shit, wish a few platoons were going into that valley with us.”
“But why a Marine?” Reynolds repeated.
“Yeah, just been wondering that.”
“I’ve asked myself that same question, even asked my superiors. Never really got a solid answer. Elizabeth claims it’s because of my accomplishments, because of who I am, but that makes no sense.”
“It does, in a way. You’re a natural leader,” Dale said.
“Battalions, maybe. But a wild bunch of Delta? Ha! Not too sure about that,” Reynolds said.
Colonel Reynolds’ demeanor was casual, welcoming even. His presence was awe-inspiring, though his even tone was calming to Comstock.
Reynolds continued. “But I think I know the answer. They won’t say it directly, but I know why I’m here.”
“Why?”
“I think Elizabeth pitched me to her bosses for other reasons. Some legacy to the team, if you can call it that. A high profile name to help out. Also, they figured a by-the-book Marine would keep you guys focused, keep you in line. Ha! If they only knew,” Reynolds grinned. “But that’s not why Elizabeth brought me in. She picked me not because of who I am now, but who I was.”
“I don’t follow,” Dale said.
“They picked your team for a certain reason, Sergeant. You guys are the best at asymmetrical tactics. You improvise, you adapt. You’ve been in A-Stan for multiple tours, been everywhere, seen everything. That’s why you’re here. Rivers, he’s here for the same reasons, though he brings some technology to the team. Fun gadgets, he called them. But to answer your question directly, I’m here because I was once an enlisted man, just like you. Did my ground work, Scout Sniper. Even after officer school, and as I climbed up in rank, I still went out into the field. Shit, still do when I have time, though I don’t let them know that. Imagine, a base commander going out on patrol?”
“That wouldn’t make ’em happy.”
“I’d get an epic ass-chewing,” Reynolds said, grinning. “But it’s in my blood, I guess. Just like you, I was born for combat. Elizabeth brought me in due to what my strengths are.”
“Command?”
“Negative. Attention to details. I understand terrain navigation, can spot a trap a mile away. I can assess a situation in moments, good at flushing out the enemy too. I think my years of Scout Sniper is why Elizabeth tapped me. Why she brought me in. I’m here to offer you boys support, to be your eyes in the sky, so to speak.”
“Are you going in, Colonel?”
“Unfortunately, no.”
“Unfortunately? Colonel, this mission sounds like a death trap. I’d say you are very fortunate.”
“Ah, but that’s where you’re wrong. We’re of the same blood. I’d love to join you. I’d keep up too. Don’t let the graying hair fool you.”
“I believe it, sir.”
“I live for combat, live to get dirty and do my job for God and country and all those fun things.”
“Hoorah!” Dale said with a nod of respect to the Marine Corps.
Reynolds smiled at this, saying, “You know, being a Colonel has its perks. But there are downfalls too. Shit, usually I’m overwhelmed with paperwork, phone calls, worrying about politics and middle management of this damn war. Sometimes, all I wish for is to be a Sergeant once more, out in the field, laying in the sand or some far off jungle and fight.”
“I’m happy you’re here. I feel my team can trust you,” Dale said.
“You can. You have no worries with me, Sergeant. I’m tasked to remain at command, with Elizabeth. I’ll be watching the live action feed, if we have one that is. I’ll be keeping communications with you boys, keeping tabs on our asset inside, watching, your eyes behind your backs,” Reynolds promised.
Dale nodded, saying nothing.
“But that’s not why you’re here, Sergeant. So why don’t you do me a favor, and shoot straight with me. ’Cause you seem a lot like me in that sense, and I think your holding back,” Reynolds said.
76
“Fair enough. This is a high profile mission,” Dale began. “Much bigger than I think anyone can prep us for. I suppose I should be expecting creatures from some movie, or aliens from outer space. Thing is, I’m a normal guy. Can’t wrap my mind around this all.”
“You’re right. I’ve been involved with a few high profile missions, and I’ve never seen anything like this. So few details, such vagueness. I’ve taken some very long shots at some very important people, been in places where they’d deny my existence if captured, and guess what? This is far bigger,” Reynolds said, agreeing.
“Guess that’s why I’m here. What are we up against? They really that good?”
“Yes,” the Colonel replied.
Dale nodded at this, soaking it in. “And I’m going in with eight others, one being a woman.”
“Yes,” Reynolds repeated.
“No coverage, no backup.”
“Correct.”
“What am I bringing?” Dale asked.
“Anything you want. Enough ammo and explosives to take on an army, Sergeant. You’ll jump with your normal equipment. Once in the adjacent valley, you’ll be stocked up on whatever else you need.”
“Sure about that?”
“Michael is the best in the business. A natural-born smuggler. You’ll have enough ammo to seize a city if need be. Whatever you want, it’s yours.”
“All but support,” Dale said, shaking his head.
“Sergeant Comstock, if you’re not the right man for this job, please say so,” Reynolds said.
“Hey, I didn’t say that,” Dale responded quickly, tensing and a bit irritated. “But this CIA shit is for the birds. You know what it does? It gets my men killed. Thing I’m beginning to wonder is this: Are we meant to come back?”
“I’ll do everything in my power to make that happen. Sergeant, if you’re worried about the CIA fucking you over, don’t. I’ll risk my career over my men any day. If you need help, I’m your commanding officer, and by God you’ll get help.”
“I’m humbled. To be honest, I wasn’t sure at first. About you, that is.”
“And now?”
“I feel like we stand a chance with you at the helm, so to speak,” Dale replied. “Now that I think on it some, it was smart for Elizabeth to tap you. Like you said, your Scout Sniper background is a good angle on this, especially with such limited information. I hear you keep up practice too.”
“Try to shoot every day,” Reynolds replied.
“I was at last year’s thousand yard competition,” Dale commented.
“Oh?” Reynolds said calmly.
“It’s insane. You guys… you measure by millimeters. A thousand yards is amazing. I’m always baffled by such precision.”
“No different than hostage rescue. We’re trained to be precise,” Reynolds said, humbly.
“I saw you shoot at the event.”
“I had a pretty good day,” Reynolds responded. “Missed the mark, but came close. Like you said, it’s measured in millimeters. Sure was that day.”
“Hey, you placed second of the best long range shooters in the world. I’d say that’s impressive,” Dale remarked.
“Well, just once I’d like to take first. Maybe one day. But damn, that Swagger is a fine shooter. Can’t complain coming in second to him.”
“Know him?” Dale asked.
“Know of him,” Reynolds responded.