Enemy #1
Chapter 1
"He's just some rich guy-cowboy-oil millionaire who wants to pretend he's a SEAL" said Cdr. Merker. "Maybe he has some good intel, but there's no way in hell he's going in with us. "
"Merker, you might want to rethink your assessment of Capt. Houston. He served in the Rangers during the war and received four Purple Hearts, the Bronze Star, the Silver Star, and the Medal of Honor. He's no light-weight-wanna-be. Plus, his uncle used to work for the agency and has all kinds of intelligence connections. Using the information they've been able to gather, we stand our best chance of locating and taking out "Enemy #1". We all know how important this is: he has been tied not only to all of the consulate bombings, but to the attacks on England, France, Germany, and Australia. If we take him out, the terrorists will lose the majority of their planning and financing. Houston is going and that's all there is to it. Understood?" Rear Admiral Tompkins glared at the man before him.
"Yes, sir, but I believe his role should be limited to advisement only" Merker replied.
"I don't believe you have the authority to insist on limiting his role in any way. Commander, get with the program: Houston is going in as a team member, just the same as any other SEAL. He doesn't want or expect any special treatment. Is that understood?" Tompkins asked.
"Yes, sir!" Merker snapped to attention. "Will that be all, sir?"
"Yes, Merker, that's all. " He watched the SEAL as he headed for the door. "Merker, give the guy a chance. He just might surprise you."
"SEALS don't care much for surprises, sir." With that he stalked out of the admiral's office.