Chapter 59: A New Connection
The year 2019 brought profound changes for Scott. Since his promotion to Captain, he had dedicated himself fully to managing DEVGRU, maintaining his firm leadership, but also learning to navigate a new reality where he was no longer in the field. At the same time, his personal life began to take on a new dimension with Jane, who had become a constant and significant presence since the beginning of the year.
They were officially together. The relationship blossomed naturally, the fruit of a solid friendship that turned into something deeper. Jane, now fully adapted to NCIS, was raising her children Alex and Julie while dividing her time with Scott, who was increasingly present in her life.
It was a Friday night, and the children were spending the weekend with their father. Jane's house was quiet, a rarity. Scott arrived shortly after eight, wearing casual clothes - a rare thing for someone who spent most of his time in uniform or workout clothes. He was carrying a bottle of red wine and a small smile that immediately lit up Jane's face when she opened the door.
"Did you bring wine? Are you trying to impress me?" Jane teased as she invited him in.
"Maybe," Scott replied lightly. "Or maybe I just know you deserve something special."
Jane laughed, closing the door behind him.
"Whatever the reason, thank you. I'm glad you're here."
The evening began with a simple but delicious dinner that Jane had prepared. They sat at the table, chatting about their daily lives, their responsibilities, and occasionally sharing funny stories from work.
After dinner, they went into the living room. Jane lit a few candles, creating a cozy atmosphere, while Scott put on a soft playlist to play in the background. They sat together on the couch, talking about everything and nothing.
Jane looked at Scott, her gaze softer than usual. — "You've been a constant in my life, Scott. Even when I didn't realize it, you were there, and now… I don't know, I feel like I can finally breathe when I'm with you."
Scott, not used to talking about feelings, just smiled slightly before answering.
— "You make everything worth it, Jane. I don't know if I've told you this before, but you give me balance. Something I didn't know I needed until now."
She smiled, touched by his sincere words.
— "Come here," Jane said, pulling him closer.
The kiss that followed was different from all the others. It wasn't just passion; there was a genuine connection, an intensity that enveloped them completely. Before they knew it, they were in Jane's room.
The soft light of the candles illuminated the space, creating an intimate and comfortable environment. Scott, even though he was used to high-pressure situations, felt a nervousness he hadn't experienced in a long time.
Jane smiled at this realization, lightly touching his face. — "It's okay. It's just the two of us here."
He nodded, his eyes locked on hers as he gently pulled her closer. Jane unbuttoned Scott's shirt, revealing the impressive physique she had noticed so many times but never explored. Every scar told a story, every line of his body a testament to his life of service.
"You're… incredible," Jane murmured, tracing her fingers down his back.
Scott, in turn, admired Jane with equal intensity. She was strong, independent, and at the same time had a tenderness that made him want to protect and care for her. When their bodies finally met, it was as if all the barriers between them disappeared.
The night was marked by soft touches, occasional laughter, and moments of pure affection. Scott was gentle, attentive to Jane's every reaction, while she, in turn, gave herself completely, trusting him in a way she hadn't done in a long time.
Later, as they lay together, Scott with an arm around her, Jane looked up at him with a satisfied smile.
— "I was right. You really are all that, Captain Walker."
He chuckled, kissing the top of her head.
— "And you're even better than I imagined, Jane Tennant."
They sat in silence for a few minutes, just enjoying each other's presence. Jane was the first to break the silence.
— "I think the kids will appreciate you being around more. They really like you, you know?"
Scott smiled. He had already formed a special bond with Alex and Julie, especially little Julie, who seemed to adore him.
— "I really like them too. You've done an amazing job with those kids, Jane."
She squeezed his hand, grateful for his words.
— "Thank you, Scott. That means a lot to me."
The next morning, as the sun rose, illuminating the room with a golden light, Scott and Jane slowly woke up. He watched her sleep for a few moments before kissing her forehead lightly, feeling more at peace than he had ever felt before.
When Jane finally opened her eyes, she smiled at the sight of him.
"Good morning, Captain."
"Good morning, Agent Tennant," he replied with a mischievous smile.
As the day began, they both knew something had changed. This wasn't just the beginning of a relationship; it was the beginning of a partnership that promised to be as solid as Scott Walker himself.
Chapter 60: Scott's New Reality
2019 was a year of transition for Scott. Accustomed to leading missions directly in the field, his new position as Captain and commander of all DEVGRU placed him in a completely different role. Now, he had to adjust to a routine that, while still immersed in the world of special operations, was predominantly administrative and, in many ways, political.
It was clear that the trust placed in him by senior command was absolute. He was one of the few officers to achieve the rank of captain while still in DEVGRU, and the responsibility of leading the most secretive and lethal unit in the United States military fell squarely on his shoulders.
At DEVGRU headquarters in Virginia Beach, Scott sat in his office, a room that exuded discipline and professionalism. On the wall behind his desk were several recognition plaques, medals, and an American flag. He leaned back in his chair as he read reports, his eyes skimming the words, analyzing the progress, incidents, and needs of the operational teams.
"Captain Walker, Petty Officer Jason Prescott is here to see you," the assistant announced, knocking lightly on the door.
"You may send him in," Scott replied, setting the report aside.
Jason entered, his posture firm but with a worried expression. He was the third in command of Bravo Team, one of DEVGRU's units.
"Jason, what can I do for you?"
"Sir, I would like to discuss an incident that occurred during Bravo's last mission," Jason began, clearly uncomfortable.
Scott listened intently as he recounted a leadership issue with the team's second in command, who had apparently made risky and unprotocol-related decisions.
— "Jason, I'll be blunt. Situations like this need to be addressed immediately. We can't afford leadership failures, especially on teams like ours. I'm going to call a meeting with you, the team commander, and the operator in question to get this straight."
Jason nodded, relieved to have been heard.
— "Thank you, sir. I trust your leadership to resolve this."
Scott smiled slightly.
— "We will, Jason. The mission is always the priority, but the integrity of the team comes second."
Later that day, Scott met with the operator who had made the mistake on Bravo Team's mission. Sitting at the conference table, with the American flag and DEVGRU emblem behind him, he commanded a presence that demanded respect but was also sympathetic.
— "Ryan, I've read the mission report, and I'll be very clear. Your actions put your team at risk. I want to hear your side of the story."
Ryan explained that he had made the decision in the heat of the moment, believing it was the best way to accomplish the objective.
"I understand what you were trying to do," Scott said, his tone calm but firm. "But in DEVGRU, every decision carries weight. If one leader fails to follow protocol, the entire team can be compromised. I want you to think this through and attend advanced leadership training in the coming weeks."
Ryan nodded, clearly shaken but grateful that he would not be dismissed.
"Yes, sir. I will not let you down again."
Scott dismissed him and sat in silence for a few moments, reflecting on how years ago he had been on the other end of these conversations, being reprimanded or coached by his superiors. Now he was the authority figure who had to mold the next generation of operators.
One of the biggest changes for Scott was dealing with the politics of the position. He now attended regular meetings with other Special Forces leaders and the Pentagon brass. These meetings were the topics of budget decisions, new technologies, and operational policies—topics that, while important, did not have the same appeal to him as being in the field.
At one such meeting, Scott was with other senior officers discussing the approval of new equipment for operational teams.
"Captain Walker," an Army colonel began, "the costs of this new communications system are high, and we need to consider whether it is truly necessary for your teams."
Scott, with his practical experience, interjected:
"Colonel, with all due respect, this system is not only necessary; it can save lives. We have seen communications failures cost entire missions. DEVGRU operates in environments where every second counts, and having the best tools is essential."
After a heated debate, Scott's recommendation was accepted, and the new system was approved. He knew that these negotiation moments were vital to ensuring that his teams were supported in the best possible way, but he could not help but miss the simplicity of being in the field.
That evening, Scott came home to find Jane waiting for him. She was in the kitchen, preparing something light, while he took off his coat and greeted her with a kiss on the cheek.
"Tough day?" she asked, as she poured two glasses of wine.
"Every day is tough now," he replied, chuckling lightly. "But it's different. I feel like I've gone from being the guy who solves problems to the guy who organizes them."
Jane smiled, leaning against the counter.
"You're still making a difference, Scott. Just in a different way. They need you up there, just like they needed you in the field."
He nodded, knowing she was right, but still missing the adrenaline of operations.
"What about you? How are things at NCIS?" he asked, changing the subject of the conversation.
— "Well, quiet today. But I have to say, it's good to see you in this role, Scott. It's like all your experience is finally being used for something bigger."
He smiled, squeezing her hand.
"Thanks, Jane. That means a lot coming from you."
As Scott settled in for bed that night, he stared at the ceiling for a while, reflecting on how his life had changed. He had dedicated his entire career to being the best operator he could be, but now he realized that his true impact would be measured by what he left behind the lessons, leadership, and example he set for future generations of SEALs.
Although he missed the field, he knew his new position was an honor and a huge responsibility. And with Jane by his side, he was ready to take on whatever challenge lay ahead.
Chapter 61: The Elite's Strategy
2019 was moving quickly, and the pace of Scott's life was not slowing down, even off the battlefield. Now a captain, he had to maintain frequent contact with the highest ranks of the military and leaders of government agencies.
His weekly meetings with the commander of JSOC (Joint Special Operations Command), SOCOM (U.S. Special Operations Command) officers, and senior CIA case officers had become a vital part of his job. It was during these meetings that strategic decisions about joint missions were discussed and shaped.
On a Thursday morning, Scott walked into his office, carrying a folder of reports and updates from the operational teams. The soft morning light illuminated the room, reflecting off the gold DEVGRU emblems that decorated the wall behind his desk.
He sat down and opened his laptop, reviewing the main topics that would be covered in the virtual meeting scheduled for the next few hours. The list included:
Progress on joint operations in the Middle East.
Planning for a potential rescue mission in North Africa.
Integrating new surveillance and intelligence technologies.
Scott felt a slight weight on his shoulders. DEVGRU had always been known as the best, but maintaining that reputation required constant work and difficult decisions.
At 10:00 a.m., Scott logged on to the video conference. Familiar faces appeared on the screen: the Army general in charge of JSOC, two admirals from SOCOM, and two CIA case officers, including the agency's Director of Special Operations.
"Good morning, everyone," Scott said, opening the meeting. "I hope you're ready for a productive discussion."
The general spoke first:
"Walker, first of all, congratulations again on taking command of DEVGRU. Your work thus far has been impeccable, and I know we can count on you to lead in critical moments."
Scott nodded in acknowledgment.
— "I appreciate that, sir. I'm here to ensure DEVGRU continues to deliver results, whether in the field or out."
The SOCOM Admiral chimed in.
— "Walker, we need to talk about the situation in North Africa. There are American hostages being held by a local Al-Qaeda cell. The CIA has informed us that they may be being moved to a more remote location."
The CIA Director of Operations confirmed.
— "We have received information from our sources on the ground. We have a very short window to act. We believe DEVGRU and Delta Force should collaborate on this operation. What is your opinion, Captain Walker?"
Scott considered for a moment, choosing his words carefully. — "With all due respect, gentlemen, DEVGRU is more than prepared to lead this operation. Our experience in hostage rescue, especially in hostile environments, is unmatched. However, if JSOC determines that the mission will be joint with Delta Force, we will need extremely detailed planning to ensure there are no operational conflicts."
The General nodded.
"This will be a sensitive operation, and we are confident that your leadership will be essential."
The conversation then turned to the implementation of new surveillance technologies.
"Captain Walker," the SOCOM Admiral began, "SOCOM is considering integrating more advanced autonomous surveillance drones. They have the ability to operate in hard-to-reach areas and provide real-time feeds. What do you think about testing them with DEVGRU?"
Scott crossed his arms thoughtfully.
— "These drones look promising, but I want to make sure they've been tested in simulated situations before sending them into the field. We can't risk failure in high-risk operations."
The CIA Director interjected:
"Captain, these drones will also be useful for real-time intelligence during joint operations. We can collaborate to conduct initial testing."
Scott nodded.
"Great. We'll align DEVGRU's technology teams with the CIA's to begin testing as soon as possible."
After nearly two hours of discussion, the meeting concluded. Scott leaned back in his chair, reflecting on the complexity of his job. He now led not just a team, but an entire organization, juggling demands from political, military, and intelligence leaders.
As Scott reviewed his notes, his assistant entered the room.
"Captain, there's a call from General Matthews at JSOC. He'd like to speak with you privately."
Scott picked up the phone and answered it.
— "This is Walker. How can I help you, sir?"
The General's voice was serious.
— "Walker, I wanted to thank you again for your deliberation in the meeting. You have a clear view of DEVGRU's needs, and that gives us confidence in your ability. I want you to know that no matter what happens, JSOC is with you."
Scott felt a momentary warmth in his chest. "Thank you, sir. That means a lot to me and the team."
That night, after a long day, Scott arrived home to find Jane waiting for him.
"Hey, Captain," she said with a teasing smile as she poured two glasses of wine.
"Captain, huh?" he replied, laughing. "You know I'm just Scott to you."
She laughed and walked over, handing him a glass. "How was the meeting?"
Scott sighed, setting his glass down on the table. "It was good, but intense. We're planning a rescue mission in North Africa. It's sensitive, and there's a lot at stake."
Jane put her hand on his shoulder. "You're doing an incredible job, Scott. I know you miss being in the field, but the impact you're having now is even greater."
He smiled, taking her hand.
"Thank you, Jane. It's good to hear from you."
As they toasted, Scott couldn't help but think about the future. He knew his role as leader was crucial, and even though it would be challenging, he was determined to ensure that DEVGRU remained the best special operations unit in the world.
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