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“How about a hug? I think there are still some bits of intestine and any other body part you can think of stuck to me. Going once. Going twice.”

“I think I’ll pass.” She smiled.

“Ok, suit yourself.” He liked her already. He ran off for a quick shower and some food.

Harwell dismissed the rest of the team and they were all left to shower, eat and resupply.

An hour later, the whole Team reassembled, fully geared to move out to their objectives. Sgt. Dahan had her combat load out equipped with plate carrier and helmet. She was toting a 1W1 TAVOR 7 assault rifle, and Priest noticed a Glock 19 on her hip along with a long rifle case she was toting.

“Nice, what do you have in there?” Priest asked.

She acknowledged the case, “Oh, it’s an 1W1 DAN .338 Sniper Rifle.”

“Sweet.”

Just then, Allison ran into the room, wearing a flight suit and sporting a flight helmet.

Harwell spoke up, “Excuse me, may I ask, why are you wearing a flight suit?”

“I am going too.” She answered.

Harwell was taken slightly aback, “Wait? What for?”

“I have been flying Doug and I can help him navigate and monitor flight readings.”

Harwell looked over at Doug.

Doug nodded, “I could really use the help, and she is a skilled navigator.”

Harwell shook his head, “Point taken. Ok, what the hell are you people doing standing around for? Move out!”

As the team walked out to the Pave Hawk and stowed their gear, Dana, Mia, Kim and Tug came up behind them. Allison ran over to hug the girls while Tug moseyed up to Priest.

“You know, you and the boys are a little nuts, but you’re honorable people. If I was younger, I would go with you kids. Just think, I would be more of a pain in the ass than a help. I see how you boys operate and it’s quite impressive. Good luck to you ‘all and we’ll be waiting for you to get back.” He then turned, shook hands with the rest of the team and walked off.

Priest watched him go until Dana appeared in front of him. She didn’t wait for permission, or even an acknowledgement, before she ran over and hugged him. Priest hugged her back and told her it would be all right. She nodded, kissed him on the cheek and thanked him for everything. Kim and Mia followed suit and walked off to join Tug. Priest hadn’t noticed that Tug had stopped and was there waiting for the girls.

Priest yelled over to them, “Once we get back, we’ll take you girls and see about Dana’s parents and get you to Louisville.” The girls smiled and waved at him before turning and walking back in the HQ building.

CHAPTER 24

Priest turned to the Team and spoke up, “Before we load up and go out in the middle of hell again, I just wanted to say something. You are the best team I have ever led and served with. I have deployed more times than I can count and to more places than I care to remember. In all of that time, I have never encountered an enemy who does not show fear, has no regard for self-preservation and who seems not to possess an ounce of humanity.

That being said, everyone here has performed well considering what we have faced. Not to mention, you all have volunteered to go back out there and brave the storm again. Those whose job is not in the military and do not deploy regularly, have stepped up and face this enemy exceptionally well. I wanted to say thank you and I feel blessed to have all of you with me.

Now, the next thing I am about to do, I have never done before and I don’t do lightly. The Light Reapers are a strong brotherhood who would die for one another if needed. These are not regular times and the brotherhood needs to accept others into our ranks.” He looked at Webb as he spoke. Webb nodded at him as he continued.

Priest reached in his rucksack, pulled out some items and held them out in his hand. “I want to welcome the rest of you to our Team.” Doug, Allison and Lia each reached out and took one. “These are patches displaying the Light Reapers Unit insignia. It holds them in high regard among the brothers and sisters in uniform. Being part of the Light Reapers sets you apart from others who wear this uniform. That patch represents skill, courage, loyalty and perseverance. Wear them with pride and pay honor to those wearing it now and those who died wearing it before you. Welcome to the Light Reapers!” All three attached the patch to the Velcro on their shoulder as the rest of the Team shouted, HUA!

Priest looked at the three of them, “Ok, with that sentimental bullshit out of the way, let’s mount up.”

Doug and Allison entered the cockpit, while Doc, Neville and Shin were stowing everyone’s gear and making sure they removed all the helicopter safety equipment. Shaw was loading and servicing the M48 .50 cal mounted on the right side as Webb, Priest and Lia went over the operational plans. Harwell came out to talk to Captain Webb and confirm a few things, leaving Priest alone with Lia.

“You ever been in combat?” Priest asked.

“I am from Israel. Surrounded by some of the most radical terrorists in the world. I’ll let you answer your own question.” Lia didn’t say it in a condescending tone, but more like a matter of fact.

“Excellent point.” He continued, “So, what’s your story?”