Tok, Alaska
Commander Weston, this is Vice Admiral Clayton. I'm here with Captain Newgate. There is to be a weapons training mission to an undisclosed location and we want you to run a joint ship and land combat training mission." Clayton says.
Wouldn't it be easier to have a different commander take charge? It sounds simple, and I'm on a vacation you all sent me on." Clay says.
It would accept there will be two teams, one already assigned and the team you get. We want you there as superior command to avoid a pissing contest and do make sure it's done right." Newgate says.
Very well, who will I have?" Clay asks.
Lieutenant Siever and his team minus the dog, we heard you have worked with him and Senior Chief Soto so it should be an easy transition. A plane will be at the airport soon to pick up." Clayton says.
Months later
U.S. Naval Station
Norfolk, Virginia
So this is the Nathan James." Weston says, looking at the ship.
USS Nathan James (DDG-151) is an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer of the United States Navy, under the command of Captain (Commander) Thomas Chandler. With a crew of 217 naval personnel 225 with us, fitted with new weapons and supplies for this training mission.
"Yes, that is the ship it just finished getting retrofitted and is scheduled to leave at 1pm." Siever said casually.
He took a deep breath and walked to the Master Chief of the ship with the clipboard who had just let some guys in. He was a strong looking, confident and tall African American man who gave him a once over before he spoke.
"Commander?" He asked in a polite yet curt manner.
"I'm Commander Clay Weston DEVGRU, I'm to serve as command for Special Ops training. With Team 6." Clay says handing him an ID badge.
The Master Chief took the I.D. and scrutinized it for a moment before looking through his clipboard.
"Commander Weston. Welcome aboard the Nathan James, your quarters are.." The Master Chief then told Clay the location of where she would be sleeping.
"Thank you Master Chief…" Clay says.
Jeter." The man says.
Well thank you again Master Chief Jeter." Clay says.
Jeter gives a nod before stepping to the side to let him pass.
Captain's room
"I'm not too happy about this we're going to be babysitting Dr Scott and Dr Tophet." Lt Commander Mike Slattery says.
"I know but." Tom Chandler started to tell Mike to play nice, before a knock comes on the door.
"Come in"
The door swung open and a younger man walked in. Commander Clay Timothy Weston, was standing at the door to the Captain's office. Looks like Omari Hardwickhe, stood 5 ft 10, wearing Summer whites.
"You must be Commander Weston?" Mike says.
Yes and must be Lieutenant Commander Slattery, it is good to meet you. Captain Chandler." Clay says.
"Commander. How have you liked the ship so far?" Tom says.
It's an incredible ship and just remodeled, it's going to be a new one for me which doesn't happen much." Clay says.
Us too but not to your level." Mike says then they all shake hands.
Commander Clay Timothy Weston, enlisted at 17 and graduated from Naval Academy at 20, proceeding to serve 5 tours in 6 years while joining STA-21 off the base Commander recommendation on second tour. Then joined DEVGRU as a Lieutenant and was quickly promoted to Lieutenant Commander. You served for two years on a team as a junior officer before you were transferred to a different team, six really four months later (if you're paying attention) you were given command of said team after the former commander was promoted to XO and at the end of last year you were promoted to Commander and for three month there served as assistant XO and Xo when he was busy." Chandler says.
Sounds about right." Clay says.
You forgot the tiny things known as…" Mike started.
Mike, we don't bring any of that up unless it is necessary." Tom says.
That would be greatly appreciated." Clay says.
"I have to say I'm surprised. I wouldn't have thought they would send you and risk not having available Ops." Tom said.
"I was on vacation and I'm only here to make sure the teams don't get into a fight really. They probably figured it would be a vacation that I couldn't escape by finding a reason to do work or come back to the office." Clay says casually.
Very well, while you aren't really part of the command structure your rank means that you will be someone everyone looks to in serious situations." Tom says.
Yes Captain, I will do my best to defer everything that comes to me to the proper people, I have no intention to cause problems with my rank." Clay says.
Good, one last thing, what will you be wearing?" Tom says.
I've got dark green camo utility uniforms unless you say otherwise, but if I'm planning on getting involved I'll go tactical." Clay says.
Alright. Now it is good to call me Captain in serious situations, but if you do that all the time it will be annoying after a week, call me Tom." Tom says.
Thank you Tom. You can call me Clay, you might hear two from the team I brought say CT." Clay says.
Huh, we'll it's great you got here so early I can introduce you to the other officers and show you the rest of the ship."
Later
Be careful, that's delicate equipment." Dr Scott says.
I take it your my new house guest. Commander Chandler ships Captain." Tom says.
Commander Weston, Special Ops." Clay says.
Rachael Scott, sorry we had to take over your helicopter bay but it was the only place large enough to accommodate our lab." Rachael says.
Dr. Tophet pulls out a chemical mask.
I got 228 men and women on this ship. Anything I should be concerned about?" Tom says.
Oh this is so we don't contaminate the work, not the other way around." Tophet says.
What exactly are you going to be studying up there?" Tom asks.
Birds." Rachael says.
Birds." Both men respond.
We are virologist, tracking obscure microbes in hard to reach places. Pretty boring I actually really do appreciate your assistance, Captain Chandler." Rachael says.
We live to serve." Tom says and leaves.
Four months later
Top secret Delta Mission
Emcon Alpha One
Radio Silence
Damn it cold, I can't feel my face, Lieutenant Granderson do I still have my face?" Mike says.
Yes sir though it does look like you could use some lip balm." Granderson says.
You know that is what happens when you are outside in freezing weather without a face mask." Clay says sipping a hot cup of coffee.
Bastard, I knew I should have taken the Miami desk job." Mike says.
A bit later
Captain's on the bridge." Lieutenant Granderson says.
XO Slattery lets see if we can get your frozen ass back to Norfolk." Tom says.
After the training session.
We had our last combat session yesterday Danny won, let's get the Doctors back so we can go." Clay says.
Agreed. Good afternoon Nathan James this is the captain after four very challenging months at the top of the world. We have just passed our final tests with flying colors and I'm proud to say you did it with flying colors. I'm asking the Pentagon if we can break radio silence today so we can make calls and emails, Bravo Zulu to each and everyone of you, enjoy your success, cause we're going home." Tom says into the speaker.
Tom walks over the map
It's going to drop below 50, get them off the ice." Tom says.
Lieutenant Green, bring them back. Captain's orders." Clay says into a radio.
Later on the ship
Tom, Mike and Clay were walking to the quarters.
Haul ass, from here we can make it back for the series." Mike says.
You don't really think the Cubs are still in it." Tom says.
Weakest division in baseball, we were six games up when we left." Mike says.
That was June and they're the Cubs." Clay says.
Captain Chandler.." Rachael says walking towards them.
Oh hell no, that's all you two." Clay turning down a different walk way.
Two Days later
Mission Extension
What is that woman doing?" Tom says.
I stopped wondering a while back." Clay says.
Minutes later
"Russian contact." Green said over the radio.
"Grab the Doctors and the hell out of there, team two support them. Say the word and we will send more support." Clay says.
On it." Green says.
They start to hear explosions over the line.
Go get me my kit. I'm going on the next helo out if they need support." Clay to a crew member.
A few more explosions.
One helicopter down." A voice says.
Another explosion.
One more down." Someone says.
General Quarters, General Quarters. All hand man your battle stations.." Jeter says.
All hands brace for shock." Mike says as the helicopters attack the ship.
A 5 inch, Sea wiz, and bunch of other guns later and all three remaining helicopters were down.
The haul towards a hanger bay
All our guys are accounted for. Are we at war with the Russians?" Mike says.
Get me Fleet Forces. If they don't answer, get me NMCC. If they don't answer, get me SECDEF.
Supposed to be radio silent." Mike says.
Not anymore." Clay says.
Bay
I told you I'm fine. Just hurry up. Where's Quincy? I need my samples." Rachael says.
You don't get your samples until you tell me what's going on here." Tom says.
You have no authority over me." Rachael says.
Everybody out. Weston stay." Tom says.
You need to hand that case to me." Rachael says.
We may have just gone to war with Russia, and they were after you." Clay says heated.
"No more secrets. Tell me about the cure." Tom yells.
"I can't say anything." Rachael says
I swear to God, I will throw this overboard! I want answers!" Tom says.
You want answers? Seven months ago, outside Cairo, there was an outbreak. A virus of unknown origin. Its genetic structure was like nothing any of us had ever seen. It swept throughout the village, killing everyone that it infected. Egyptian officials claim the outbreak was contained, but it wasn't. Instead, it continued to mutate and spread. The CDC and the WHO wanted to sample the virus...and the victims to create a vaccine. But nothing worked. It was my belief that we needed to find the primordial strain here in the Arctic." Rachael says.
The birds." Clay says.
They're just the carriers. They pick up the virus from the melting permafrost. We finally found their feeding ground." Rachael says.
You have what you need to stop this thing?" Tom says.
I won't know until we get it to the lab. We're running out of time. The virus is moving quicker than any of us could have imagined." Rachael says, causing Clay to narrow his eyes.
How would you know that? We've been radio silent since Norfolk." Tom says.
Because I have my own satphone." Rachael says.
We were at EMCON so no one would know our position." Tom says.
Captain there is more to it."" Clay says.
We were at EMCON to protect my mission, not yours. Orders came from the White House. I'm guessing yours did too." Rachael says looking at Clay.
Most likely." Clay says, realizing why a Vice Admiral would be giving the mission.
Well, you led the Russians right to us and endangered my entire crew." Tom says.
It was imperative I stay in contact with the labs back home… to keep them informed of my progress. I don't think you understand what we're talking about here." Rachael says.
Enlighten us." Clay says.
When we left Norfolk… the virus was at phase two… limited to small clusters in Asia and Africa. We are now at phase six… global pandemic. Eighty percent of the world's population is infected. The world is sick, Captain Chandler, Commander Weston. Very sick." Rachael says.
Are you telling me the whole world is dying, and they sent two people to save it?" Tom says.
It took weeks to convince the government to even send me here. Most of my colleagues think that I'm insane." Rachael says.
Are you?" Tom asks.
I told you… that what's in that case might be the only hope that we have." Rachael says.
"Captain, Commander? We have the president of the United States on the vidcom." Mike says.
I'm sorry you had to find out this way. Can I have my samples now?" Rachael.
Captain room
Stand by for the president.
Good morning, commanders." The president says.
Ma'am." Tom says.
I know, the last you heard I was Speaker of the House. The president died two months ago. The vice president a week later. What's left of the federal government is holed up 200 feet below the White House… and communication is getting spotty. So we need to know now: Does Dr. Scott have what she needs to make a vaccine?" She says.
She thinks so, ma'am." Tom says.
We are sending you the coordinates to a secure bio-lab… on the coast of North Carolina. Commander Weston I'm sure you have started to or have completely realized why you are there, you are to protect Dr. Scott and make sure she can make it safely, your experience with Black Ops will be useful. I was asked to alert you to some information that was withheld from you until the right time which was months ago. United States Special Operations Command decided after you left and everything went to hell to pass its powers on to certain people who weren't in the hot zones you were named Commander of Naval Special Warfare Command, with a promotion to Captain upon the success of your mission, congratulations. You were chosen for the ability to command and respect that all branches have for you. No one will challenge your command. There was more information but I wasn't prevalent for it so you will have to wait till you get to command for that information." She says.
Thank Ma'am, but we were just attacked by the Russians." Clay says.
Russia no longer has a functioning government. From what we're hearing, a breakaway force is operating on its own authority. We're still trying to ascertain all the facts." She says.
Ma'am, our families, how do we find out if...?" Tom says.
I wish I could tell you, captain. Most of our population, including our Armed Forces, is dying or dead. We have no allies. We have no enemies. Just a world of sick, desperate people. Your ship was fortunate enough to be out of the hot zone these past months. If Dr. Scott has the makings of a cure, you have to come home now." She says.
Comms room.
Supply chains are completely broken. Food is in short supply. Hospitals are...
Chinese government has detonated a bomb… on its own people to stop the spread of the virus.
With possibly half the world's population dead or dying… rumors that the U.S. is hoarding a vaccine continue to swirl.
Urban services are overwhelmed. In most cities, entire power grids are down, making communication next to impossible.
Where is the government? The virus has no treatment, no vaccine.
So this whole weapons test…" Mike says.
It was all just a cover." Clay says.
"And EMCON Alpha, keep us in the dark about what was going on at home." Mike says.
There's an unmanned refueling station off the coast of France. If we operate at trail shaft, we should just make it." Tom says.
How do we know they have fuel to get us across the Atlantic?" Mike says.
We don't." Tom says.
What will we tell the crew?" Mike asks.
Everything." Clay says sadly.
We tell them everything." Tom finishes.
That night
Captain's on the bridge." Jester says.
Sir, we're 50 miles off the coast of Europe… and still no contact with French Naval Command. We've got extra watch and guns at the ready." Granderson says.
Were you able to reach home?" Tom asks.
No, sir. I think only four people got through to anyone… and the news wasn't good. Last time we made port in France… I promised my girlfriend we'd come back and see Paris together. With everything, that's all I keep thinking about." Granderson says.
Well, that's the stuff that matters." Tom says.
XO's on the bridge." Jeter says.
I got through to home. My boy's gone." Mike
God." Clay says
Oh, Mike." Tom says.
Christine is up in Deer Park, some sort of safe zone, for now. The girls are with her." Mike says.
Why don't you take a break?" Tom says.
No, no. I'm not gonna sit around my cabin staring at the walls. This is where I need to be." Mike says.
Sir? We have a fire order. It came across all channels, but it's garbled. They cannot authenticate." Granderson says.
Oh shit. Green, Seiver, get everyone ready I'm on the bridge." Clay says into his radio.
Minutes later they watched a nuke blow up the French harbor.
After the power was restored.
Granderson talk to me." Clay says.
All engines ahead full. Left full rudder. Steady on new course 270." Granderson says.
What's our fuel percentage?" Tom says entering.
Eleven percent, sir. Even at max conserve, we'll run dry in six hours." Granderson says.
Any contacts on surface search?" Clay says.
No, sir, 30-mile range." A sailor says.
What is that in the radar shadow?" Mike says.
Change range scale." Tom says.
Looks like a ship." Clay says.
Calculate a course to intercept." Tom says.
Later
Markings indicate the ship is Italian."
Bridge to Bridge operational?" Tom says.
I think so, sir." Granderson says
Vessel in vicinity 48 degrees north, 15 degrees west… this is U.S. Navy Warship 151 on your starboard bow. Acknowledge and identify yourself. Over." Tom says.
We are going over." Tom says.
I'll suit up." Clay says.
No, I need you here to run ground Ops so the ship commanders can focus on the ship operations." Tom says.
Alright I'll have team 2 suited and ready to go if you need help. May I suggest we post a watch on the non-boarding side for small vessels." Clay says.
I'll get that done immediately." Mike says.
Minutes later deck
Soto, Smith, Rowler, Benz, Green, you're on provisions. Master chief, Seiver, you'll assist Chung with the unrep. We get as much food and fuel as we can, and we get out. Weston has requested we check for security supplies if you find any in order and not contaminated bring them." Tom says.
On the bridge
Radio
CHANDLER: Send Naval Warfare to the kitchen. Get as much food and supplies as you can.
DANNY: We got the stock rooms. Benzo and I will make our way to the galley.
CHANDLER: Get that fuel line across and pump it.
JETER: Sending over the hose.
CHUNG: Feed the line.
SLATTERY:Engineering, Bridge. Engage fueling.
MAN 1: System online. Commence fueling.
SOTO: Ship's clear. No one alive, Commander Chandler. Over.
After listening to Tom and Rachael, Clay focused on the other conversations.
CHUNG: Master chief, we're running dry here.
SLATTERY: Engineering, Bridge. Disengage.
JETER: Yes, sir. They've got it, Chung. Let's get out of here.
Yes, sir.
DANNY: You're gonna be fine.
FRANKIE: Get away. Just take the food and go get the hell out of here.
DANNY: I am not leaving you, Frankie.
FRANKIE: I'm a dead man. Just get out of here.
DANNY: No, man. I'm not leaving you.
FRANKIE: You tell him.
RACHAEL: He's been exposed.
God damn it." Clay says.
DANNY: We put him back in his suit and we quarantine him on the ship.
FRANKIE: You can't risk it, sir. Mission comes first. I'm not too interested in dying like these people."
CHANDLER: Give me the gun, sailor.
DANNY: Frankie, don't be stupid.
CHANDLER: I am giving you a direct order! Put down that weapon!
DANNY: Frankie, no!
[GUNSHOT]
All teams stand down, get your items and get off the ship, they will handle the rest there. I repeat don't head for Green's position." Clay says firmly.
Next day
Lord God, by the power of your word… you stilled the chaos of the primeval seas… made the raging waters of the flood subside… and calmed the storm on the Sea of Galilee. As we commit our brother, Franklin Edward Benz, to the sea… grant him peace and tranquility… until that day when Franklin and all those who believe in you… will be raised to the glory of new life… promised in the waters of baptism. Amen." Jeter says.
Left face. Present arms. Ready. Aim. Fire." Officer says.
Later
Bridge, COMMO. Get me the captain and commander.
Sir, we finally got the comms up. This came through. A message from POTUS." Lieutenant Mason says.
This is five days old." Clay says looking at the paper.
Transmitted while the radios were down." Mason says.
We need to confirm these. Get me the Pentagon." Tom says.
Sir, I've been trying, but there's no answer." Mason says.
I'll try the lab. Get the presidential bunker." Tom says.
North Carolina's not safe. President wants us to change course. There's a lab in Jacksonville that's secure. No answer there or the Pentagon." Tom says to Mike.
Sir, nothing from the bunker." Mason says.
Signal's not getting out. Checked the transmit side?" Mike says.
That's not the problem. Their phones are ringing." Clay says.
Sir, I have another message coming through. It was transmitted at the same time as POTUS: It looks like a much bigger file. It's an mpeg, sir." Mason says.
Play it." Mike says.
Then Tom's wife appeared on screen and the other three left.
Lab later.
You said you have what it takes to make the vaccine. If you had to, could you do it here on the ship?" Tom says.
The lab wasn't built for that. It's for collecting data." Rachael says.
But if you had to, could you?" Clay says.
A quiet area later.
Still no answer from POTUS and nothing from Mayport or the lab. We can't even get an FM radio signal." Tom says.
If the power grid's down, everything's down. We'll know more when we get boots on the ground." Mike says.
Mike, we're not going home." Tom says.
What are you talking about?" Mike says.
The lab's 200 miles inland. You saw the news footage." Clay says.
We'll fight our way in there if we have to." Mike says.
And then what? Generators run out in a couple of weeks. Maybe the civilian population tries to overrun it. Too many variables." Tom says.
What do we do, we stay on the ship?" Mike says.
Dr. Scott says she has what she needs here." Clay says.
We have standing orders from the president of the United States." Mike says.
From five days ago. In the absence of command structure… I decide what's in the best interest of our mission. And Weston decides for his mission." Tom says.
And for the record this is his idea I just strongly agree." Clay says.
And we have enough food here to last us, what, a week? How much fuel?" Mike says.
We'll find what we need." Tom says.
We'll die out there." Mike says.
No, we will not." Tom says.
Tom, I appreciate what you're trying to do. It's not gonna work. People wanna get home." Mike says.
And who exactly gets to go home… when we have 80 bio-hazard suits for 228 people?" Clay says.
We draw lots." Mike says.
I can't think like that, Mike." Tom says.
Give people a chance to get back to their families, to say goodbye." Mike
I'm not letting anybody on this ship give up." Tom says.
It's not your call. You don't get to play God." Mike says.
I'm still the captain of this ship. Now, I've laid out our mission. I expect you to fall in line." Tom says.
Later on deck
This is the captain speaking. We have no contact with home, and I have good reason to believe… the American government is no longer functioning. The country we all hoped we were coming back to no longer exists. We left these shores four months ago as members of the United States Navy… but now we are more than that. Now our duty is to the entire world. On board this ship is the hope… for our futures, for our families, and for all humanity. Because in that lab in our helo bay… are the ingredients for a cure… and this is the safest place on Earth for our scientists to do their work. On a 3-billion-dollar piece of machinery protected by 225 of the U.S. Navy and DEVGRU's finest. Our mission now is simple. We do whatever it takes to stay alive at sea until they find that cure. There's an unmanned food and fuel station outside Guantánamo Bay. For the moment, that is our destination. We've lost so much already… but this is the most courageous and resilient crew with whom… I have ever been privileged to serve. We will come through this together, and we will prevail. Carry on." Tom says.
Attention on deck. Lieutenant Granderson, permission to salute the captain." Jeter says.
Permission granted." Granderson says.
And salute." Jeter says.
To which Clay and everyone salutes.