Rogue President. D.K. Wilde

an unmarked Eurocopter Dauphin II to the USS George H.W Bush stationed off the coast of Guinea. Admiral Jack Plower, boss of the carrier and fleet will arrange for your infiltration, by HALO, into the Faranah Region of Guinea.”

      “What story are we using for the Admiral? He is definitely going to know it’s something British if we arrive in a Dauphin (helicopter of choice by the British SAS),” said Wade.

      “True. Sir Roger used his contacts through British Admiralty who in turn approached the US Office of the Chief of Naval Operations and they agreed. Admiral Plower is unaware of your mission but he believes it to be a search and recon.”

      “What about this prototype?” questioned Bud.

      “Basically the size of a H&K USP pistol that has zero recoil, massive muzzle velocity, low trajectory, accurate to six hundred metres and ten to twelve times the explosive power of conventional gunpowder. It can be laser guided, holds up to sixty rounds and each round is fifteen millimeters in length. The power is generated by a chemical reaction and there is no resultant heat transmission or residue,” replied Plant watching the expressions on the faces of the men, seated before him, who had fired most known weapons.

      “Well that’s definitely different,” said Wade. “What about gear?”

      “All in your rooms and ready to go.”

      Dunstall had ensured Wade and his team had all the best equipment and technology money could buy. Each man had his preferred weapons, clothing and comms gear laid out on the floor. They dismantled, cleaned, oiled and reassembled the weapons. Checked every round individually. Utilised the indoor shooting range and calibrated the sights. Tested and retested night vision goggles, radios, headsets, throat mikes, altimeters, watches and anything else they would depend on to stay alive. Years of Special Forces work had taught them that being prepared was their and only their, ultimate responsibility.

      Wade was surprised, that after five years, his command of weapons and shooting accuracy had not diminished.

      “How do you feel about all this?” asked Crystal, sitting up on the bed watching her husband go through his routine.

      “There are definitely a lot of things that don’t add up and I was sceptical of Sir Roger but I feel we’re doing the right thing,” he replied, waiting. Once again quizzing himself as to why he seemed to be able to read everybody he had ever met except his wife.

      “Your gut instinct hasn’t let you down in the past so here’s hoping it’s right again.”

      Wade stared as Crystal played with the ends of her hair. He thought how happy she made him at the same time her strong willed spirit was perfect for keeping him on his toes. Crystal had topped her class when she completed Naval helicopter training and this had earned her the opportunity of a choice of postings. She chose an active carrier group operating in the Pacific region. She loved the work and was extremely popular with her co-workers. One evening after her squadron had completed a very difficult but successful mission the team were celebrating in the officer’s mess. Two hours and many drinks later her attractiveness got the better of a senior officer who tried to grope her as she left the room and headed down the corridor. The stronger man forced her into a cleaning room. With one hand holding her hands above her head he forced the other under her skirt. Crystal bucked and as the man moved fractionally backwards she drove her knee into his groin. Crashing to the floor Crystal raced to her room. The ensuing enquiry, and after both parties had put forward their case, the tribunal found in favour of Crystal but not to damage a very successful career, of a senior officer, Crystal was transferred to a minor fleet. Many believing her transfer as proof she was the instigator. Crystal continued her career unapologetically until she met Wade and left the service.

      Blushing she asked, “What?”

      “Back at home you were going to tell me something, just before Joe arrived.”

      Still fiddling with hair she watched her fingers moving. “How do you feel about being a father?” she softly asked.

      Wade was stunned. His mouth opened but nothing came out. He sat. He stood and he sat again. “My god … really,” he gasped.

      “Really,” she smiled. “I had the test two days ago and we are at fourteen weeks.”

      “We?”

      “Our daughter and I.”

      “Christ … a daughter … my god.” He swallowed, choking back the emotion. “This is fantastic. How do you feel?”

      “Great actually.”

      “Why didn’t you tell me?”

      “I wanted to be sure first. I hope you’re not upset?” she questioned.

      “No, no, not at all. How could I ever be upset? This is great news.” A father. A prospect he had not even contemplated. They had discussed a family but nothing ever seemed to go any further than short discussions. Now here he was about to be a father. Would he be a good dad? Would he need to change his mindset? Military thoughts, especially the type associated with his work, would not seem something that would be beneficial to raising a child. He envisaged building a cot, cubby houses, toys, garden swings. He pictured the finished products. The colour. The excitement on his daughters face as she saw it for the first time.

      The thoughts were coming to him at the speed of a freight train. One moment he saw Crystal and he walking along the beach swinging their daughter into the air with every second step. Kiwi barking in the background. Just as quickly, he saw her starting her first day at high school and at the blink of an eye he was watching her learn to surf as a teenager. He knew he needed to slow down but the excitement was racing through him.

      Wade walked around the bed, bent down and kissed Crystal as he gently touched her stomach. “You realize this changes everything. I can’t go down there now.”

      “Why? What’s different? I’m still the same person I was three minutes ago and you were going then.”

      “Crystal don’t be silly. Your pregnant and I’ll be a father. I can’t go running around hunting down people. I have responsibilities,” he rattled off in rapid succession.

      “I think you need to slow down. I understand this is a shock. Albeit a nice shock but still a shock. I appreciate how this can change things for you especially after loosing your mum and sister but I know that they would want you to finish this as much as I do,” she replied slowly and softly.

      Wade watched as she motioned for him to sit beside her on the bed. They sat in silence for a few minutes with Wade leaning into her head. Did this change anything or was he overreacting? Was he excited or was he worried about something happening? With so many people dying and so much death throughout his life he knew his concerns were justifiable. But he also knew that aside from meeting Crystal this was the best news he could have ever expected.

      “If you knew you were pregnant why did you want to come?” He questioned spinning around.

      “I’m going to see my dad. I want to tell him, to his face, he is going to be a grandfather.”

      “That is so nice. He’ll be thrilled.”

      Two hours later after showering and stowing their gear they all gathered in the dining room. The room was palatial. Eleventh century suits of armour stood throughout. Five metre walls were adorned with various six and seven hundred year old fighting and jousting weapons. Wall mounted candelabra dripped their wax. The highly polished parquetry clicked under the heels of the serving staff. Two large fireplaces roared. A magnificent meal had been served, consumed and cleared away when Dunstall raised his glass.

      “Gentlemen, and lady, I would like to propose a toast to the success of your mission and also to your help in finding my brother,” he said choking back the emotion. Holding up his glass, “Please let me know if there is anything else I can do to help and I will provide everything within my power.”

      “Thanks Sir Roger,” replied Wade. “There is one thing … Can you ensure Crystal gets to her father, in Washington?”