The End of the Beginning

Nightfall. Disaster scenario trainings were done for the day. William’s team passed every one of their six sessions. A few were close calls, like their first scenario, but they passed. Like their first ever physical training day, they were bruised, bloody, dirty, and tired but they did not care because they had beaten it all. And, it had allowed them to at least for a little while forget about the void left in their team, Samir.

Dinner that night is when the realization again hit them all that they were down a man. Seeing his teams confusion and distraction over the subject throughout dinner William knew he could not withhold information from than any longer. They had a right to know what had happened to one of their own. Samir had wanted his death to have meaning and staying quiet about it wasn’t helping that hope at all.

After they had all finished their meals and were sipping tea and energy drinks, William told them all about Samir and his death the week before.

“So he did not struggle when you tackled him?” asked Abeo.

“No, he became… calm, relaxed,” William said in a low voice.

“All that stuff he said before he jumped is creepy, if you ask me,” said Amanda.

“It was strange,” agreed William. “I don’t know when we will get a new team member but it will be soon. Probably by next week, after all of our interviews with ISAF are complete. They should start tomorrow for everyone.” “Who will they be with?” asked Abeo.

“Chief of Security Patrick Hernandez.”

Abeo nodded.

“Sounds like he wanted your help, Captain,” inferred Vega. “A man that asks for help before his death is a man who knows he will never find it. Maybe that’s why he asked you, so you could find it for him.” “The they stuff is kinda eerie,” said Gaspard. “Any idea Captain on who the they are?”

William shook his head. He didn’t want to fear monger. “None,” he lied.

No one looked around for a while. They just drank their beverages, thinking, trying to imagine what had happened as if they had been there.

“I wish I could have known him better Boss. I didn’t even get the chance.”

“I know, Mambiri,” said William, putting a hand on Simba’s shoulder, who was sitting next to him. “I know. Me too. If anyone wants to talk about it ever or just talk about anything you can come to me or go to the bases counseling services. Talk amongst yourselves, help each other out.” Vinny put down his cup. “Someone’s got to talk to Sergey about it. He was upset after we finished training today. He stormed off as soon as he could. Can’t really blame the kid, can you?” “I will, Mckay,” promised William.

“I figured but, maybe… you know, if you ever need someone to help you talk about it… Or, or with him or anyone - ” “I know, Mckay,” smiled William, seeing everyone else nodding with Vinny offer. “I know guys. Thank you. Good job today. All of you, good job, really, especially with a man down and all. Get some sleep tonight. Jinping. No more tea. It keeps you up.” “Yes, sir,” Dao said, revealing a tiny smile only he could, showing his tea-stained teeth.

“Eh, lets celebrate today but with a real dinner,” suggested Vinny. “With real food to,” he added. “Tomorrow night, after classes? What do we think? I can go get some real meaty steaks off base. I miss those.” “Oh man, steaks, that sounds fantastic,” agreed William.

“Can’t forget a movie,” chimed Paul.

“Or the popcorn,” said Amanda. “I’m a vegetarian…”

“Or the games,” said Mario.

“I know a game,” said Vega, a hint of something near delight in her voice. “My place. Twenty hundred hours.”

Vinny slammed his palm on the table. “Done!”