After returning from combat duty with his brothers, Nate reunites with Alina, but in the process re-meets his brothers in arms.
Chapter 7:
Saturday 3rd March 2012
3413 Avenue T, Marine Park
Brooklyn, New York City
1500 Hours
Arriving back in the City of New York, Nate and Adam Zelinski travelled back home via Brooklyn and Natalia.
Brooklyn was driving some of his brothers back in his truck. Nate Dempsey was wearing his Navy dress uniform, his ribbons adorned his uniform, 4 stripes of service belonging to him for his extraordinary years of service to the United States.
The past few days weighed heavily on him; he hadn't slept for a while since before the attacks had begun.
Nate held tears and a haunted look in his brown eyes, the loss of his brother Bobby Thompson was chipping at his soul. Another number added to the tally of soldiers that he had lost under his command.
Bradley Sokolov's name was added to that mental list in his head, another number to the soldiers lost. Losses like that tore a hole into the family, the family understood loss like that, they held onto each other. They cried their losses; they used that pain to take it out on those that deserved it.
Thinking back to the debriefing hours earlier, Nate thought back to the words he had spoken ever so clearly that all the higher ups in the military would never understand.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
11 Hours Earlier
Fort Bragg, South Carolina
Standing in the debriefing room of Fort Bragg in front of so many military officials, there were Generals of the Marine Corps, Army and the Air Force present, there were several Admirals including the commander of the elite Navy SEALs present as well.
Nate Dempsey stood in his dress blues, he stood to attention and spoke clearly with such seriousness in his tone, "Senior Chief Petty Officer Nathaniel Dempsey reporting to commanders as ordered, sir."
"Stand to ease, Senior Chief Petty Officer." General Brighton had said. Nate stood to attention, many of the Generals could feel the stare of Dempsey's eyes on them, General Brighton once again said, "Chief Dempsey, you can sit, you know. We're not forcing you stand up."
"I'll stand, General Brighton." Nate had said tersely.
Nate had remained standing, even in his tired state, he was still functioning, standing ramrod straight to attention. Cap in his hand, ribbons were spotless and clean.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
General Brighton nodded as he continued, "Senior Chief Petty Officer, this hearing will be a private one. One that will not be released to the public, nor will it ever reach the eyes and ears of the public, you are not to share any details on the subject. Not with or to your family, not even your comrades or even your priest."
"Sir, yes Sir. General." Nate said tensely.
Nate thought how to begin and he just spoke, "The mission to take out the Altay Mountain base located in Russia was that Lieutenants Donarelli, Zelinski, Capelli and Lafayette along with former Captain Jose Salazar would lead the ground assault on the base, leading teams of their own landing in separate positions and to secure the perimeter."
"Navy SEALs and Marines lead by Lieutenants Steve and Joseph Lafayette would consolidate and provide entrance points into the base, this meant that assault teams would attack and secure the base before uploading abort codes. I was assigned to Commander Steve Lafayette's command, we were to gain control of base security, keep watch for enemy reinforcements and help with any problems." Nate had finished explaining.
A Naval official spoke up before General Brighton as he said, "Marine Corporal Bradley Sokolov, he was captured during the Azerbaijan mission, he had held off ultranationalist troops with his commanding officer Lieutenant Giuseppe Capelli, he was rumoured to have gotten hold of the abort codes for the launched missiles…"
"That was what had happened, it was thanks to him that we had gained knowledge of the missile base, his ingenuity in keeping his transponder active at certain times so that we were able to track the ultranationalist forces made it easier to launch an assault on said base." Nate had said respectfully.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Throughout the briefing, Nathaniel answered the questions to the best of his ability, outside the door were his friends. But they were more than that, they were people he'd come to love as family.
He remembered it was only him alone for most his childhood and his early teenage years, then he met Lucy and Bobby Thompson who brought him into their hearts, giving him someone to love. The circle expanded however and he was welcomed open arms into the family, an extended family of brothers that started in combat and passed down through the generations.
Those men that stood side-by-side with him during the last 11 days, training together, fighting together and depending on each other in those days that defined who they were as warriors.
General Brighton then spoke once more, "Thank you, for your own accounting of the operation, Senior Chief Petty Officer Dempsey. Once more, the loss of both Master Gunnery Sergeant Robert Thompson and Corporal Bradley Sokolov is a tragedy, one that all of us in the Special Forces all share with you and your comrades."
"Honouring the deeds of those men, we'll remember them for all they gave for their country. In our family, we live with the losses that we suffered, all we have are the memories that we lived with those men that we lost, they gave their tomorrow for our today." Nate had said with solemness in his voice.
Continuing with a dark tone in his voice, Nate had said, "We'll make sure that the families are compensated for the loss of their loved ones. It's been the duty of those who do it out of respect for our forefathers that fought side by side in the past."
Several officials on the panel looked at each other with murmurs as Brighton soon said, "Chief Petty Officer Dempsey, that is not on you, none of what you do to provide for the families of the dead is on you."
"That's where you're wrong, General. It is on us, what we do for their loved ones, comes from the experiences we shared, we all pay a sign of respect to our family. We saw death, day after day, battle after battle, loyalty means everything to us, because of how far we'd go to bring everyone home. We're just ordinary soldiers, siblings in arms." Nate said determinedly.
From where the chain of command sat, everyone was shocked by Nate's tone, they all knew that it weighed heavily on him, they knew it weighed deeply on all the brave men and women that took part in the fighting, that risked everything to save their loved ones.
It worried them that the men and women of this elite squad would form a considerate front based upon their values and ideals they've held for many years. None of the brass understood how men and women like these depended on each other and fought under conditions that were different to them, men and women who went to the ends of the earth to come home, just one more day.
After reviewing the mission through Nathaniel Dempsey's account, he was then dismissed from the room who executed a salute and an about face, walking out, he encountered his brother-in-law Adam Zelinski who offered him a lift back to New York City after the briefing went through.
They stood alongside Brooklyn who would give them a ride home along with Natalia and a few others in the group.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
3413 Avenue T, Marine Park
Brooklyn, New York City
Nate stopped outside the house that he had lived in since the early 90s, he saw the service flags in the window, there was a flag with 2 stars in the window. The top star was now golden instead of a silver star.
Nate knew what it had meant when there was a golden star, there was a fallen soldier in the family.
Folding his arms behind his back, he saw the bouquets of flowers left on the porch, the tears still brimmed in his eyes, trying to remain strong for his mother. Turning to his car, he put his duffel bag in the trunk and he turned to walk away until he heard somebody say, "Nathaniel? Nathaniel Dempsey?"
He turned to find a woman in her late 60s approaching him, he turned full front to pay attention to her. Shoulder length brown hair with waves, her emerald eyes were filled with light and kindness.
"Mrs Leilani, is that you?" Nate had asked, not sure of the woman's last name.
Walking over, the woman had said, "Nathaniel, welcome home. I heard about Bobby, I'm so sorry."
"Thank you, Mrs Leilani. Thank you." Nate had said softly.
Mrs Leilani touched his arm lightly as she asked, "How are you feelin'?"
Maintaining a calm composure, Nate replied, "I'll be okay, it's gonna take time, time's all we need in this, don't we?" "Sometimes it is. Will Bobby have a funeral?" Mrs Leilani had asked.
"He was a Marine; he'll get a soldier's funeral for his service. The military will provide that for him." Nate said quickly.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Mrs Leilani nodded as she smiled softly to Nate, she saw a kind and honest spirit within him, he was an old soul, with an understanding of how the world ran. Like many of his family members, he also had a dark side, it was frightening and disturbing, reacting with both violence and rage.
Nate bid his goodbye to Mrs Leilani as he continued walking down the street.
On a mission of sorts, he found himself at Cypress Hills, at the cemetery, walking until he found the memorial that held the names of the members of family that had stood as the protected pillars of New York City.
He stared at the flowers that he had surprisingly picked up, he stared at the monument that held a list of names of the dead that were inscribed. The names filled him with hurt, losing the ones that he loved.
Men like Luigi, Stefan, Bradley and Bobby, there were other men who were still missing in action, their names not added to the wall, everyone holding onto the hope that they were still alive and out there waiting for someone to come and find them.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Walking away from the monument, Nate continued on his way to Manhattan, he needed to see someone he needed to see the one that was able to bring a smile to his face.
He needed to see Alina Lafayette.
Walking down the streets of New York City, he walked to her favourite coffee shop, looking in, he could not see her inside the shop, he walked in, many of the patrons saw his uniform as they smiled in appreciation.
One of the baristas looked up with a smile and said, "Welcome home, sir. Would you like anything?"
"I'm lookin' for somebody, she comes here all the time, dark hair, brown eyes, name's Alina…?" Nate asked as he pulled out a picture of her in her red dress when they were attending Adam Zelinski's wedding.
The barista smiled recognising the brunette girl, she nodded and said, "Just in the corner at the big table, she's with her brothers and nephew."
Nate turned to see all the Lafayette family together, her brothers wore their dress uniforms, as did her nephew, he recognised all of them including Enzo Lafayette in his Marine dress greens, the family all laughed about something that Matthew had told them.
Nate smiled seeing his fellow war vets just relaxing and having fun, even after the losses they suffered they still kept smiles on their faces and stayed strong together.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Joseph Jr saw Nate Dempsey as he smiled and nodded to his fellow SEAL team brother.
Even though Nate was called reckless and crazy by other Navy SEALs, Joseph had always respected Nate for his skill and courage in battle, remembering how he had fought under Nate's leadership during the 2nd Battle of Fallujah, the way he was fierce during the battle frightened him.
Joseph had saved his team leader's life twice during the battle and Nate had recommended him for a citation.
The pair were quite close as teammates and got along well with each other, when Nate found himself facing an inquiry into his mental stability, Joseph Jr, his father and his uncle Steve stepped up and defended Nathaniel Dempsey on his behalf.
When he found out his uncles all had known Nate Dempsey and defended him, they always welcomed him to beers and steaks when they weren't on mission.
He always wanted to bring Alina along and introduce Nate to her, but he wondered why Nate was always single and wasn't attracted to any girl that he tried introducing to him.
He spoke to a lot of people in the family unit, they all told him the same thing, "I don't know why, but he always says he's busy, he never found the right person to be with."
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Joseph Jr was brought out of his thoughts as Matthew had said, "Earth to Joe Lafayette, come in, Chief Petty Officer Lafayette?"
Joseph looked at Matthew who had said, "Welcome back, Frogman, we were worried for a few minutes."
"Somethin' on your mind, son?" Joseph Sr asked. Joseph Jr had replied, "Nothin's wrong, thought I saw somebody."
"Somebody have a name?" Alex winked suggestively. Enzo laughed as he said in a British accent, "Alex, we all can't be you… besides, I'm sure the poor kid is concerned about more important matters than a staring at a pair of legs."
"Enzo, we all can't be you who has women clawing each other's eyes out because of your accent." Steve teased.
Enzo frowned before saying, "Well pardon me, if I'm the one who is well-travelled, very charming with dodgy morals."
Alex and Matthew coughed as they said, "Bull-crap!" "Tactless!"
Alina laughed before saying, "How about arrogant?!"
The table burst out laughing as Enzo applauded his older sister before saying, "I'll hand you that one, my dear sister."
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Alina laughed as she stood up, but when she turned around, she saw Nathaniel Dempsey smiling in appreciation. She softly had said, "Nate, your home."
"Hello, Alina." Nate smiled.
Alina walked towards Nate who engulfed her in his arms, she was twirled around by Nate, her hair flew in the twirl as he cupped her cheek in his hand, he kissed her passionately as she said to him softly, "Welcome home, sailor."
"I'm home in your arms, Princess." Nate softly said in her ear.
Around them, the patrons and others smiled in appreciation at a soldier's homecoming, being welcomed home by his girl. The Lafayette's smiled in appreciation, Joseph Jr smiled seeing his SEAL Brother find love even if it meant it was found with his beloved Aunt Alina who he loved very much.
Joseph and Steve smiled with appreciation in their eyes, Nate was one of their brothers, another soldier who had a purpose, to protect and defend their home like any other soldier.
Nate stared at both Joseph and Steve who nodded to him signalling their approval and blessing to be with Alina.
The Lafayette men stood up as they signalled to the couple to follow them outside.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Following their family outside, Alina and Nate looked at each other as they walked towards Central Park, Matthew looked at Nate and had said, "Guess you know what this is about…"
"This is about me wanting to date your sister?" Nate asked. Steve nodded as he said, "This is precisely what this is about, we know what you're made of, what you've been through."
Joseph Sr looked to Nate and said, "We know you'll treat her like a diamond, she's the best thing us Lafayette's have got. You hurt our sister, we won't hesitate to bring the rest of our brothers in and make you suffer. We're a part of the family and so are you."
Nate nodded as he stood to attention.
Alex walked and stood by Nate and said, "Note that we're all soldiers, we know each other's weaknesses and strengths. You hurt any of us, I'll put a dent in that head of yours that you won't see straight."
"Sir, yes sir." Nate replied. Alex nodded as he said, "Good man."
Enzo walked over as he said, "You're a good man Dempsey, just remember that if you hurt Alina, your ass is gonna be on the receiving end of my boot."
"You have my word as a veteran and a SEAL, I won't hurt Alina, she means a lot to me." Nate had said with pride.
The brothers and Joseph Jr smiled as they said, "Then you have our permission to date Alina. Go be with her, Frogman."
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Nate smiled as he went to be with Alina, the pair walked through the park together, they only had eyes for each other.
Alina was constantly twirled around as her dress fluttered in the wind, holding Nate's hand made her feel like she was on cloud 9.
Everyone was fascinated by her beauty, the way they saw her with Nate who was a soldier. Both saw the world in black and white, grey area.
Alina looked to Nate and had said, "Don't worry, Nate. It's going to be okay."
"I know, Alina. It's just, it's a long time since I ever felt something like this, for another person, I care about you, very deeply. I meant what I said when I was currently on a tour of duty…" Nate had paused for a moment.
He then spoke as he said, "I love you, Alina. It's you, when I want someone by my side. I want it to be you, you made me happy in a long time, I want you by my side like all my brothers and sisters, to be there with me."
Alina smiled widely, her smile threatened to split her face in half as she said, "I love you too, Nathaniel Dempsey."
Wrapping her arms round his neck, Alina kissed Nate proudly as Nate placed his hand on her upper arm, moving his other hand to the small of her back.
From a distance, there was a person who was photographing Nate and Alina, the frown on his face was very evident and he had said to himself, "She is not going to be happy about this!"
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
After reuniting with Alina, Nate begins to feel happy with himself and his situation, but someone doesn't look to be happy, who is this mystery person?
Hope you enjoy the chapter. Please like and review, I look forward to your views.