Page 39 of No Regrets

“Quite the challenge, and it looks like you’re enjoying it.”

“It’s working out well. Which brings me to why I’m here. I have one team in place, it’s time for another. I want you to lead the second team.”

Whoa, that's not what Dex was expecting to hear. His own black ops team with Sam Harrison. Holy shit! What an opportunity.

“Wow. I don’t know what to say. I’m honored. Why me? I mean I am in the middle of a hearing.”

“I know. And as I said, I don’t condone disobeying orders, but I can appreciate when you are in the field, or a situation where you can see that there needs to be a change in that order. Putting that aside for a minute, you remind me of me. I need the best. That’s you. I need a leader that is willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done. Think outside the box a little, see the bigger picture. You do that.”

“I do. Gets me in trouble though.”

“Right now, yes, because the rules in SEALs are rigid. I know. I’ve been in your shoes. Under my command, I won’t shut you down just because it breaks a rule. What we do, the landscape can change in an instant, so you may well have a better plan in that moment. I always listen to my team leader and if we need to change the order, we will. You only have to convince me. Sound like something you might be interested in?”

Dex hesitated. It sounded fantastic, but leaving Alpha? Before he could answer Sam spoke again.

“Listen. I don’t know what the Navy will decide at your hearing. You might be busted down a rank, or off the team for a while. I don’t see it going to a court martial or formal reprimand. You saved Lieutenant Kimber’s life. From my view, I’m only concerned about your behavior if you decide to come on board with me. Let me be clear. You fuck up with me and it won’t be good for you.” Sam paused as if making sure Dex understood that. He did, loud and clear.

“Sir, it seems a little strange having this conversation in a diner.”

Sam chuckled. “When we set up Onyx – that's our name – I was given a selection of candidates to choose who I wanted. I picked, and they were asked, or more like volun-told. Seeing them in action, some of them were not the right fit. It took a while to get the right team, made more difficult because I had to stick to a list. I have a great team now, but this time I’m not prepared to be confined to a list. This job is too high-stakes and I want my men understanding what is expected of them. You have to want to be here. So, I’m doing my own vetting. Building the next team my way. And before you ask, the hearing won’t be a problem.”

“The type of ops?”

“Whatever is asked. Counterterrorism, human trafficking, cyber-terrorism, drugs, weapons, hostage rescue, hijackings. You could be Middle East, Europe, even stateside. A little different to what you’re used to. You might work alone. You might be called to work with FBI, DEA, CIA. Joint task forces. Being able to go worldwide means we will support our NATO allies if needed too. Being able to operate here on US soil, that’s never been approved before Onyx.”

“But no military support.”

Sam finished his coffee before answering. “There is some. Depends on the situation. POTUS is still your commander in chief. We’re still military. Otherwise, we would be some rogue black ops team with no one to answer to. There has to be some control. But in all other aspects, Onyx is an independent unit. I can, and have, called on agencies and the military for help. Our orders come direct from D.C. In the field, we’re on our own, but that doesn’t mean we can’t ask for help should we need it. There’s just no guarantee we will always get it. As you know we were the team that was meant to rescue Lieutenant Kimber and recover Bravo. We couldn’t ask for military help there, because of the suspected leak.”

“And then I screwed things up for you guys.” Dex smirked.

Sam chuckled. “Yeah, a little. As of now, the op’s on hold. I believe you blew the place up, so finding bodies will take some time.”

“If that’s where they are.”

“Exactly. With Lazir dead or in hiding, NSA need to get more intel first.”

“Yeah, I guess I did screw that bit up pretty good. But damn, I was glad to see that helo.”

“I bet you were.”

Hell, it was a very attractive offer, but could he leave his team? Then again, as Sam said, he might be off the team anyways, at least for a while.

“Look, I don’t expect an answer now. Take some time to think about it. But I can't wait forever. The team I have are being stretched to the limit.”

“Who do you have in mind for the rest of the team?”

“I don’t. If you take the position, we’ll work it out. It doesn’t have to just be Navy. My existing team, I have Marines, SEALs and Army. If you have anyone in mind, I’m open to listening.”

Dex smiled. “It’s a lot to think about. I gotta say I’m still in shock we’re even having this conversation.” And a little in awe.

“I do my homework. What we do means something. You’re serving your country, but without any recognition. Not everyone can handle that. The upside is no long deployments.”

Sam handed Dex a card.

“My personal cell. If you have any questions, feel free to call me. Onyx is based right here on Coronado.”

Dex balked at that. “Here? On the island? How do we not see you guys?”

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