Chapter 27 – The World Watches
The Tucker-Pritchett living room was silent except for the sound of the television. The whole family was gathered after lunch, and the TV was tuned to the news. Mitchell and Cam were on the couch, with Lily sitting between them. Jay was in his favorite armchair, while Gloria poured some coffee for everyone. Claire and Phil Dunphy were also present, along with their children.
The news on CNN suddenly caught everyone's attention.
"Breaking: A top Taliban leader in Afghanistan has been eliminated in a US military operation. Reports indicate the operation took place in a remote village and was carried out by elite forces."
Mitchell and Cam exchanged a look. Cam's heart raced.
"Is that… is that what Grant was doing there?" he asked, his voice thick with concern and pride.
Jay, who always remained calm, just narrowed his eyes at the TV. He knew these kinds of operations well.
On the screen, the anchor continued:
"Unconfirmed sources suggest the operation may have been conducted by the Army Rangers, known for their high-risk missions. The Pentagon has not yet officially commented on the identity of the unit involved."
Claire took a deep breath.
"Oh my God… Grant is in the middle of this."
The TV switched to grainy black-and-white footage—thermal vision from drones capturing the moment of the operation. The screen showed soldiers moving silently through the village before storming the target's house.
"Leaked footage shows the special operations force's action that night. We can clearly see the operators moving in tactical formation before entering."
Phil swallowed hard.
"This is… scary and incredible at the same time."
The thermal imaging camera showed the soldiers moving quickly, eliminating the enemy outside. Then, the door to the house exploded, and the operators entered.
The narrator continued:
"According to our sources, the neutralized target was one of the main perpetrators of attacks against American and Afghan forces. He is believed to have been directly involved in financing and planning suicide bombings."
Jay finally spoke, his voice firm.
"Grant and his men did the world a great favor. But now he needs to keep his head on straight."
Cam placed a hand on his chest.
"I just want him to come back in one piece…"
Gloria sighed and squeezed Jay's hand.
"He's strong, like you, Jay. He knows what he's doing."
The newscast continued, now showing footage from the Pentagon, where reporters were asking questions of a military spokesman.
"At this time, we cannot comment on specific units involved in this operation, but I can say that U.S. forces remain committed to eradicating terrorist threats."
Lily's face showed a mixture of pride and concern.
— "Grant's out there, saving the world…"
Mitchell nodded, thrilled.
— "Yes, he is. And we'll be here for him when he gets back."
On the screen, the image switched back to the drone's thermal image, showing the silhouette of an operator climbing the stairs.
Claire's heart sank.
She was sure.
It was Grant.
Chapter 28 – Grant's Choice
The military plane landed smoothly on the Fort Moore runway, the vibration of the engines still echoing inside the fuselage. Grant, or Cine, as he was known among his comrades, felt fatigue setting in. The second deployment had been intense, and he was eager to return home, see his family, and simply rest.
The rear ramp of the plane slowly lowered, and the Rangers began to file out, each with their backpack and rifle. Grant adjusted his beret and followed the flow, feeling the cool Georgia air contrast with the dry Afghan heat.
"Welcome back, Cine," Logan said, clapping him on the shoulder. "Nice work out there."
"Thanks, brother. It was intense, but we did what we had to do."
The soldiers began to disperse, heading to their quarters or offices to finalize their return. Grant was already counting the minutes to catch his flight to Los Angeles when an officer approached.
"Specialist Tucker-Pritchett, the commanding officer wants to see you in his office now."
Grant frowned.
"Now? We've barely stepped foot in here."
The officer merely nodded.
"Now."
Grant walked through the barracks corridors to the commanding officer's office. The office was simple but imposing. Maps, medals, and a large American flag decorated the walls. Sitting behind the desk was his battalion commander, a man with a powerful presence.
Beside him, another man stood with his arms crossed. Unlike the regular officers, this man wore a uniform without obvious insignia, a neatly trimmed beard, and a sharp gaze that seemed to analyze Grant's every move.
"Specialist Tucker-Pritchett," the commanding officer began, motioning for Grant to sit.
Grant complied, remaining attentive.
The unknown man got straight to the point.
"My name doesn't matter now. I'm here representing the Unit."
Grant already knew what that meant. Delta Force.
The man continued.
"Last month's operation drew attention. We know you played a crucial role in eliminating the HVT. Your performance was noted."
Grant remained silent, simply listening.
"The Unit is always looking for qualified operators. You've demonstrated skills that could be useful to us. We're offering you a chance to try our selection process. The OTC."
Grant had already heard about the Operator Training Course. It was one of the most rigorous processes within the Special Forces. Only the best passed.
The commander looked at him.
"It's a rare opportunity, Cine."
The Delta man continued.
"If you accept and pass, you'll be a Tier One operator. More classified missions, high-priority operations. We work side by side with the CIA, JSOC, and other elite groups."
Grant took a deep breath. He'd known this day might come. But now that he was faced with the choice, he felt its true weight.
"When would I need to start?"
"You have a month off. When you return, if you decide to try, you'll be sent directly to the selection process. If you pass, full training will take several months. If you don't, you'll return to the Rangers as if nothing had happened."
The commander leaned forward.
"That's your decision, Specialist. You don't need to answer now."
Grant nodded slowly.
"I… I need to think."
The Delta man smiled slightly.
"That's what we expect from someone like you. Think carefully. But don't overthink it."
He handed over a simple card with just a number on it and stood.
"Good luck with your decision."
The commander looked at Grant and, after the man left, spoke in a more personal tone.
"I know it's a lot to process, Grant. But regardless of your choice, know that you've already proven yourself to be one of the best."
Grant took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the decision settle on his shoulders.
"Thank you, sir."
He stood, saluted, and left the room.
Now, he had a lot to think about.
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