Chapter 33: Reflections on the Speech
It was evening in Virginia Beach, and the Walker home was completely silent except for the sound coming from the television in the living room. Michael and Jennifer Walker sat side by side on the couch, watching President Obama's speech. Every word the president said seemed to carry a special weight for them. Although Scott had never explicitly confirmed his involvement in the mission, they knew deep down that he had been there.
Jennifer squeezed Michael's hand, her eyes fixed on the screen. Obama was describing the operation that led to the death of Osama bin Laden, and every detail made her heart beat faster.
"Do you think... do you think Scott was on this mission?" Jennifer asked, almost in a whisper, without taking her eyes off the TV.
Michael looked at her, his expression serious, but with the calm characteristic of someone who had thought about it a lot.
"Jen, you know he was. Remember how he said before he left? He said it was something big, something that would make history."
Jennifer nodded, but the nervousness was still there in her eyes.
"He always said he was prepared for anything, but I… I can't help but worry. Especially knowing he was in something like this."
Michael's hand tightened.
"Our son is a leader, Jennifer. He's a SEAL, and not just any SEAL. He was chosen for this mission because he's one of the best. He'll be fine. I know that."
As the speech ended, the screen switched to images of crowds celebrating in cities across the United States. New York, Washington, D.C., and even small towns were filled with people celebrating the news. The camera panned to families holding photos of loved ones they had lost on 9/11, some crying with relief, others with expressions of pride.
Jennifer picked up the remote and turned down the volume on the TV. She turned to Michael, her eyes filling with tears.
— "Do you think he's okay now? I mean, emotionally. This whole thing... must be so intense."
Michael took a deep breath before answering. — "Jen, he knows what he's fighting for. He's seen the toll this war has taken on people. It won't be easy, but he'll find strength in it. He always does."
She nodded, but she still looked worried. — "I just wish I could talk to him right now. To hear his voice, to know he's okay."
Michael put his arms around her, pulling her closer. — "He'll call as soon as he can. You know how he is. He never keeps us waiting too long."
Meanwhile, back at Langley, Jane Tennant sat on the couch in her living room. The soft light from a lamp illuminated the room as the television broadcast the images of the president's speech.
On the screen, Barack Obama's serious, determined face contrasted with the images of celebration that followed his speech. Alex and Julie were asleep in their rooms.
Alex, at seven years old, was beginning to understand what his "Uncle Scott" was doing, although Jane still tried to shield him from the harsher details. Julie, only one year old, slept peacefully, oblivious to the world around her. Jane held a mug of tea, but she hadn't drunk any. Her mind was elsewhere, wandering between Obama's words and Scott's memories.
She knew he was on this mission. She didn't need confirmation.
"You always said your life was full of surprises, Scott," she murmured to herself, a small smile playing on her lips. "But this… this is beyond what I imagined."
She remembered their last conversation before he left. He had said he would be gone for a while, but assured her he would be fine. Jane knew he was trying to reassure her, but she also knew that missions like this were dangerous.
— "You're stubborn, Walker," she said softly, as the TV camera panned to Times Square, covered in American flags. "But you're also the bravest man I've ever met."
Jane stood up and walked to Alex's room. She slowly opened the door and saw the boy sleeping soundly, hugging a small toy airplane that Scott had given him when he visited. The sight made her smile, but it also brought a sense of melancholy.
— "He adores you, Scott," she whispered. "You're his hero."
Then she went to Julie's room. The little girl slept in her crib, her expression peaceful, which made Jane feel grateful, even in moments of uncertainty.
Returning to the living room, Jane picked up the phone. She wanted to call Scott, but she knew he wouldn't be able to answer. Still, she sent a quick text: "I know you're okay. Let me know when you can. We're all proud of you."
She knew he probably wouldn't respond anytime soon, but writing it made her feel connected to him.
Back in Virginia Beach, Michael and Jennifer turned off the TV and sat in silence for a few minutes. It was a moment of reflection. Jennifer looked at her husband and smiled, despite her tears.
— "Do you think he knows how proud we are of him?"
Michael smiled back, his expression a mix of pride and determination.
— "I'm sure he does. But the next time we see him, we're going to make sure he hears it from us."
Jennifer nodded, determined.
— "Yes. He deserves to know."
Meanwhile, the night wore on, and the world was still processing the news. In Virginia Beach and Langley, two families were united by a special connection the courage of a man who had risked everything to accomplish his mission.
To Michael, Jennifer, Jane, and even the children, Scott was not just a special forces operator. He was a son, a friend, a role model. And that night, each of them slept with a mixture of worry, pride, and love in their hearts.
Chapter 34: On the Road to Fort Campbell
Scott sat in the small briefing room at the base in Afghanistan, along with the rest of the Echo team. Everyone was visibly tired, but the feeling of relief and pride was undeniable. The muffled sound of planes taking off and helicopters landing echoed in the background as the officer in charge of the base entered the room with a clipboard in hand.
"Attention, everyone," the officer said, looking at the group. "I have some new information for you. When you return to the United States, you will not be going directly to Virginia Beach. There will be a stop in Fort Campbell, Kentucky."
The group exchanged curious glances, but no one spoke immediately.
"Why Fort Campbell?" Matt Bissonette asked, breaking the silence.
The officer gave a small smile.
"The President and Vice President want to meet you personally. They want to thank you for your service and award you the Silver Star for the successful operation."
The room fell silent for a few seconds. It was rare for special forces operators to receive this kind of public recognition, especially directly from the President.
"Is this serious?" Rob O'Neill asked, still trying to process the information.
"Very serious," the officer replied. "You have made history, and the country wants to show its gratitude. You are authorized to inform your families, but keep details to a minimum. Is that understood?"
"Understood," Scott replied, speaking for the team.
After the briefing, the team was released to rest before the next leg of the trip. Scott returned to the barracks and picked up his secure phone to call his parents. He knew Jennifer and Michael would be anxious to hear from him.
The phone rang only twice before Jennifer answered, her voice thick with emotion.
"Scott! Thank God you called. How are you, son?"
"Hi, Mom. I'm fine, really. Everything went as planned."
On the other end of the line, Jennifer breathed a sigh of relief.
— "We're so proud of you, Scott. Words can't describe how much we're proud of you."
Scott smiled, though she couldn't see him.
— "Thanks, Mom. That means a lot to me. Listen, I wanted to let you guys know about something. When I get back, I'm not going straight to Virginia Beach."
— "Oh? Where are you going first?" Michael asked, who was now standing next to Jennifer, listening to the conversation on speakerphone.
— "Fort Campbell, Kentucky. The President and Vice President want to meet with us in person and present awards for our mission. I'm getting the Silver Star."
There was a moment of silence as the news sank in.
— "Scott... that's amazing," Michael said, his voice filled with pride. "You deserve this more than anyone."
Jennifer, with tears in her eyes, added,
— "I knew you were on to something big, but hearing this... My heart is bursting with pride. We'll be watching from wherever we can."
Scott smiled again, feeling the warmth of his parents' support.
— "Thank you, both of you. I knew you'd understand."
After hanging up, Scott hesitated for a moment before calling Jane. He knew she was busy with Alex and Julie, but he wanted her to know.
The phone rang a few times before Jane answered.
— "Scott! I've been waiting for your call. How's it going over there?"
— "Hey, Jane. It's okay here. I just got out of a briefing and wanted to tell you something."
— "Sure, what happened?"
— "When I get back, I'm not going straight to Virginia Beach. I'm going to stop at Fort Campbell. The President wants to meet us and award us the Silver Star for our mission."
On the other end of the line, Jane was silent for a few seconds, processing the news.
— "Scott... that's amazing. I'm so proud of you."
— "Thank you, Jane. I know this doesn't change much, but I wanted you to know."
— "This changes everything, Scott," she said, her voice soft. — "You're making history, and everyone who loves you is here to support you. Alex and Julie are going to be so proud when I tell them."
Scott laughed lightly.
— "Don't tell Alex too many details. He'll want to tell everyone at school."
Jane laughed too.
— "I'll try to keep this a secret. But he'll be so happy. And so will I."
Back at the dorm, Scott sat on his bed, staring at the ceiling. The weight of recognition was starting to settle in. He didn't do what he did for awards or glory, but knowing that his team would be recognized felt like justice.
— "Are you ready to be treated like a national hero?" Matt asked, walking into the room with a bottle of water in his hand.
Scott looked at him, smiling slightly.
— "I'm not doing this for recognition, Matt. But I think it's good for the team. It's good for the country to know we're here, even if the most people never know our names."
Matt nodded, plopping down on the bed next to him.
"You're right. But enjoy the moment. It's not every day the President wants to shake your hand."
Scott laughed, but he knew Matt was right. When the day arrived to leave Afghanistan, the Echo team boarded a military plane, knowing that their next destination was one of the most important of their careers.
The flight was smooth, but the tension in the air was palpable. Each member of the team knew that they were representing not only DEVGRU, but all the service members who had fought in that war. Upon landing at Fort Campbell, they were greeted with a mix of formality and warmth. High-ranking officers greeted them, but the focus was on the ceremony that would take place the next day.
As they rested that night, Scott reflected on everything that had happened in the past few months. He knew that recognition was important, but his mind was always on the next mission, the next challenge.
Still, that night, he allowed himself to feel proud of what he and his team had accomplished. The next day promised to be memorable, but for Scott, the greatest recognition was knowing that he had done his duty. and that he was surrounded by people who trusted him both on the battlefield and off it.
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