Chapter 45 – Leaked Footage and Reconnaissance
Dunphy Home – Los Angeles, California
The sun had already set in Los Angeles, and the Tucker-Pritchett family and the Dunphys were gathered again in Jay and Gloria's spacious living room. The TV was still tuned to the news as everyone digested the information that had been released the night before.
Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was dead.
And although no operator's name had been released, the family knew Grant had participated in the mission.
Jay sat in his favorite armchair, arms crossed, watching the screen with a satisfied look. Phil and Claire were on the couch, with Haley, Alex, and Luke lounging on the floor and in the surrounding chairs. Mitchell and Cam were near the fireplace, holding their wine glasses, while Lily and Joe absently played with one of the house dogs.
Suddenly, the CNN journalist appeared on the screen, her expression serious.
— "New footage related to the counterterrorism operation that eliminated ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi has been leaked to the press. Military sources confirm that thermal images from the drones that accompanied the mission were released by Pentagon insiders."
The room fell completely silent.
On the screen, a grainy, black-and-white recording appeared. The thermal imager showed a structure resembling a fortified compound, with hot spots moving frantically within the perimeter.
"Oh my God…" Claire murmured, clapping her hand over her mouth.
The footage showed troops approaching the site and then the explosion in the underground tunnel.
It was al-Baghdadi's last attempt to escape.
The drone camera then shifted to another perspective, capturing the Delta Force operators retreating from the site, taking a military dog with them.
"That's the dog that helped with the mission!" Luke pointed excitedly.
The journalist continued:
"The images confirm that a K-9 unit dog played a key role in the mission, chasing the terrorist leader through the underground tunnels before he detonated his explosives. The Pentagon has not revealed the animal's name, but sources indicate that the dog was injured during the operation and is recovering."
Gloria placed a hand on her chest.
"Poor little…"
A new image then appeared. This time, it was an official White House photo.
"Now, some unexpected news: President Donald Trump received the military dog from the operation at the White House today. According to official statements, the dog, a Belgian Malinois, was personally honored by the president for his bravery."
The TV showed the scene:
President Trump stood next to the dog, while uniformed military personnel and high-ranking government officials were present in the Oval Office.
"That dog is incredible. He did an extraordinary job. We can't release his real name, but he's an American hero," Trump declared on camera.
Grant's family couldn't help but chuckle.
"He really is a hero," Phil commented, shaking his head.
Mitchell, still holding his wine, arched an eyebrow.
"Okay, so... a dog can be officially recognized, but the soldiers who were there will never be mentioned?"
Jay let out a short laugh.
"That's how it works, son."
Cam crossed his arms thoughtfully.
"I just wonder... Grant was there, right? He saw all this happen, and we'll never really know the details."
The TV continued to broadcast analysis of the operation. Military experts commented on the complexity of the mission and how it represented a decisive blow against ISIS.
"Thermal imaging indicates the mission was executed with extreme precision. The operators acted in coordination and effectively eliminated the threats. We can assume this action was conducted by Delta Force, although, as always, the Pentagon will never confirm it."
Hailey frowned.
"So they know it was Delta, but they can't say so?"
Jay nodded.
"Exactly. These missions are classified. They can't release the names of those involved. And it's better that way. Grant doesn't want fame; he wants to do his job."
Luke shook his head, still impressed.
"It's surreal to think about it… My cousin could be on TV right now, but no one knows."
Claire, still absorbing the enormity of the mission, turned to her father.
"Do you think Grant is okay?"
Jay sighed, thinking for a moment before answering.
— "He always knew what he was doing. But, of course, missions like this… they leave their mark. I just hope he has time to rest a little before the next one."
Alex, who had been silent for a while, finally spoke.
— "Did you guys notice that every time there's a mission that makes the news… Grant is involved?"
The room was silent for a moment.
Cam blinked a few times.
— "Well… when you're one of the best, they always call you for the hardest missions"
Jay smirked.
"And that's my grandson."
Mitchell let out a long sigh, holding Cam's hand.
"I think we've all accepted that Grant will never have an ordinary life, haven't we?"
Hailey laughed.
"Definitely not. But you know what? He was born for this."
The TV switched to a new report on the international reaction to Baghdadi's death, but no one else was paying attention.
The family just stared at the screen, knowing that somewhere, Grant was watching the same thing they were knowing he had been a part of history, even if the world would never know his name.
Chapter 46 – Rescue in Somalia
The African night was inky black, illuminated only by the cold glow of the stars and the faint reflection of the moon over the Indian Ocean. The sound of the rotors of MH-60 Black Hawk helicopters cut through the silence over the vast Somali landscape.
Inside one of the helicopters, Grant "Cine" Tucker-Pritchett adjusted his NVG (Night Vision Goggles) over his eyes, observing the surroundings through the greenish glow of the goggles. Beside him, the other operators of Delta Force's C Squadron were performing final checks on their equipment.
The mission was clear: rescue an American citizen held hostage by the terrorist group Al-Shabaab in a remote Somali village.
CIA intelligence had located the hostage in a fortified compound on the outskirts of Jilib, one of Al-Shabaab's strongholds. The mission would be a quick and lethal entry: eliminate the guards, secure the hostage, and exit before reinforcements could arrive.
On the radio, the mission commander's voice rang out firmly:
"Alpha Team, 30 seconds to infiltration. Remember, we want all hostiles eliminated before they can react. Move quickly and with precision."
Grant took a deep breath, adrenaline surging through his veins.
"Ready for action," he replied, tightening the grip on his modified HK416.
The helicopter dropped altitude, hovering over an open field near the enemy compound. As soon as the rear ramp opened, Grant and his teammates jumped to the ground with speed and precision.
The team moved quickly in tactical formation, advancing toward the compound.
Silence. Controlled breathing. Soft footsteps on dry earth.
The operator in front of Grant raised a clenched fist—the signal for a full stop.
Through the NVGs, Grant could see two armed guards walking along the perimeter wall of the compound, their AK-47s slung over their shoulders.
Click.
Two suppressed gunshots cut through the silence. Both guards fell without a sound.
The team approached the wall, using telescopic ladders to quickly scale it. Grant was one of the first to climb, jumping to the other side with his weapon at the ready.
"Area secure. Continued advance."
The team split into two groups. Grant followed three operators down the side corridor of the compound, while another group advanced through the main entrance.
Time was of the essence.
Inside, the terrorists were relaxed, unaware of what was about to happen.
Grant made eye contact with his partner on his right. He held up three fingers. Three targets.
With deadly precision, the team advanced.
"CLEAR!" Grant muttered into the radio as the three terrorists fell.
Ahead, the door to one of the rooms was locked from the inside.
"Here's where he should be."
One of the operators prepared C4 explosives to blow the door open.
"Everyone ready? In in three... two... one... GO!"
BOOM!
The door was ripped off its hinges, and the team rushed in, sweeping the room with their weapons drawn.
At the back of the room, a man with disheveled hair and frightened eyes cowered in the corner. The hostage.
Grant immediately approached, lowering his weapon.
"We're Americans. You're safe now."
The man blinked a few times before bursting into tears.
"For God's sake... I thought I'd never get out of here alive."
"It's over. Let's get you out of here."
Grant helped the hostage to his feet, while the other operators covered the retreat.
But then, an alarm sounded in the distance.
—"Shit, enemies approaching! We have to get out now!"
The team moved quickly through the compound, eliminating the enemies trying to impede them. The Black Hawks were already on their way to the extraction.
Grant and the operators positioned themselves on the roof, providing covering fire as the hostage was hoisted into the helicopter.
—"Everyone aboard! Move, move!"
Grant was the last to climb, covering the rear as the helicopter took off.
The mission was a success. The hostage was safe.
Once again, the family was gathered in the living room, watching the news that dominated the TV channels.
—"The Pentagon has confirmed that an American citizen has been rescued from captivity in Somalia in an operation conducted by U.S. special forces."
On the screen, a military expert explained the context of the mission:
"From what we know, this rescue was conducted by Delta Force operators, who are responsible for high-risk missions like this."
Hailey raised an eyebrow.
"Again? Whenever something like this happens, we know Grant is involved."
Luke smiled.
"I'm sure he's watching this right now and laughing."
Claire crossed her arms.
"It's amazing how these operations are always attributed to Delta, but no one can officially confirm anything."
Jay let out a long sigh, a look of pride in his eyes.
"I never doubted that my grandson would make history."
The TV continued to broadcast more information about the rescue, while Grant's family reflected on the man he had become.
A true shadow warrior.
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