Page 15 of A Trident Christmas Baby

“Sienna,” Bailey said, taking a deep breath. “Mr. Whiskers isn’t getting his balls chopped off.”

“But that is what Daddy said, and Daddy doesn’t lie.”

Alex and Tenley both coughed, trying to hide their laughs. Poor Bailey, Alex thought.

Right at that moment, the oven timer went off.Saved by the bell!Alex thought to herself.

“Alright, the next batch of sugar cookies are ready,” Alex announced as she pulled the pan from the oven.

Alejandra and Sienna both cheered.

As the group continued baking dozens after dozens of cookies, the room filled with conversation and more laughter.

Alex took a moment and stood back, watching the scene unfold. The girls decorated cookies with an enthusiastic flair, with sprinkles and frosting covering both the cookies and themselves. They even gave Zuma some cookies.

Her heart swelled with gratitude. These women and their children were her family. She couldn’t wait for Christmas when the rest of the gang would join them. This laughter, love, and a sprinkle-covered kitchen was what the holidays were all about. The only thing missing at the moment were the guys. Hopefully, Santa would fulfill their wish and bring their husbands home safely in time for Christmas.

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Inside a dimly lit, weather-beaten structure, Ace sat with his team around a rickety table, their faces illuminated by the soft glow of a tactical map displayed on a tablet. The mood was grim as every man in the room understood the gravity of the mission that awaited them.

Outside, the blustery wind howled across the barren tundra of Attu Island, its icy claws slicing through even the thickest layers of clothing.

Attu Island once was home toCasco Cove Coast Guard Station. The Station ceased all operations and closed aboutfourteen years ago. Since then, the island has been uninhabited. However, its runways were still operational for emergency use, though they are not maintained, which Ace and the team had gotten to experience firsthand. The weather didn’t help either, as the pilot had to make three passes until he was able to land due to the persistent fog and strong winds that the island was known for.

Having access to the island to prepare for the mission was a benefit because it was only two hundred-seven miles from the boundary with Russia and only three hundred twenty-two miles to Nikolskoye, where their intended target was holed up.

Ace had to keep reminding himself that they weren’t just going up against ordinary adversaries. Kirill Sokolov and his crew were Russian Spetsnaz. They were elite soldiers trained to the peak of human capability. But what gave Ace and his team an edge was the element of surprise.

Derek’s voice crackled through the satellite phone perched in the middle of the table. “Your ride is en route and should be arriving within the next thirty minutes. Again, Maksim Pavlov is a trusted Russian ally. To remain undetected, he’ll drop you near a lake approximately fifty miles from the center of Nikolskoye. Kirill’s compound is about five and a half miles outside of the city. There will be two DPVs to be waiting for you at the drop site.”

Ace exchanged a glance with Potter, who gave a subtle nod. DPVs meant speed and mobility, which are crucial for covering rough terrain quickly.

Derek continued. His tone was steady. “Once you reach the three-mile mark from the compound, you’ll leave the vehicles and proceed on foot. The goal is to hit the compound at midnight, Nikolskoe time, which is seventeen hours ahead of Virginia Beach time. Timing is everything here.”

The team leaned in closer, every word from Derek etched into their minds.

“Intel still shows three individuals in the compound,” Derek said. “But we can’t confirm with one hundred percent accuracy because they have a material they’re using to cover some of the buildings that are throwing off our drone’s heat sensors. Assume the possibility of reinforcements or hidden personnel.”

There was a brief pause as Derek let the weight of the mission settle. “Once the target is eliminated, you’ll retrace your route back to the drop-off point. Maksim will be waiting. Timing and precision are critical. No unnecessary risks. Understood?”

“Yes, sir,” Ace replied, his voice calm and authoritative.

“Good luck, gentlemen,” Derek said.

The phone clicked off, leaving a heavy silence in the room. Ace stood, the team’s eyes instantly locking onto him. He surveyed his men—his friends and brothers in arms. They were some of the best SEALs the Navy had ever produced, and tonight, they’d prove why.

“Alright, listen up,” Ace began, his voice firm but steady. “This mission isn’t just another notch on our belts. As Derek said, we’re stepping into enemy territory with limited intel against guys who know the land like the back of their hands. But here’s the thing—they don’t know we’re coming. That’s our advantage, and we’re going to use it.”

He paced slowly, meeting each man’s gaze. “Trust your training. Trust each other. We’ve done this a hundred times before, and we’ll do it a hundred times again. Watch each other’s backs, stay sharp, and don’t hesitate to adapt if things go sideways. We don’t leave anyone behind. Understood?”

“Yes, sir,” the team responded in unison.

Ace nodded. “Good. Keep your head in the game. And remember, the second we touch down, it’s showtime. No doubts.No second-guessing. We get in, we get the job done, and we get out.”

As the minutes ticked closer to their departure, Ace allowed his mind to drift briefly to Alex. He pictured her smile, her infectious laughter, and the soft swell of her belly where their child grew. A pang of longing mixed with determination surged through him.

Silently, he offered a prayer.Keep them safe, God. Let me come home to them.

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