Page 125 of No Fear

When she got back, she planned to tell her parents. She couldn't keep this from them. She had no idea how they would react, but she couldn’t keep this to herself. They had a right to know what really happened that night.

“Charlie?”

“Yes?” Charlie spun around at Ambassador Clarkson’s voice.

“Can you call everyone together; I need to make an announcement.”

“Of course. We’re leaving?”

The ambassador nodded sadly. “It’s getting too dangerous to stay. They’re sending a plane. The Marines will help us evacuate and another team are coming to ensure we get home safely.”

“You did everything you could.” Charlie said. The ambassador had worked so hard, it was understandable that she would be upset that it had come to this.

“It wasn’t enough. Anyway, our military escort should be here within twenty-four hours, so we don’t have much time.”

“Understood. I’ll gather everyone together.”

After the ambassador made the announcement, it was all hands on deck to ensure anything confidential was destroyed. Charlie had never been evacuated before and the realization was beginning to hit home. The crowd outside were angry, chanting.

“Americans go home.”

Just a little longer, and they would get their wish. She was ready to go home.

***

“WHEELS UP IN SIXTY minutes.” Sam entered the war room.

Donnie had just got back from his psych evaluation with Claire. He wasn't expecting to be allowed to spin up. But he hoped to be with the intel team here on the ground.

“We’ll be hitting the ground hot. The protesters are getting agitated, so your primary concern is to get all staff securely to the plane. Marines will get them loaded on the bus, you will provide the escort, and Nyx will be on oversight as planned.”

“Why are they so focused on the embassy? I thought the idea was to attack their own government?” Dex asked.

“There are protesters there, too,” Kelly answered. “Some people feel we could have done more and they’re angry. Then there's Reborn. It’s possible they might attack the embassy to make a point. We all know how anti-American they are. Reborn soldiers could be in the crowd.”

“We should have evacuated sooner,” Tyler said.

“I don't disagree, but it wasn’t our call,” Sam replied.

“We secure the embassy staff, then what?” Steve asked.

“We assess the situation. If Reborn are making a move, we will be stopping them.”

That was what everyone wanted to hear and, damn, Donnie desperately wanted to be there. He had some unfinished business with those guys.

“Suit up, guys.” Sam said. “Donnie, Dex, my office.”

Dex closed the door and Sam handed him a folder. Dex glanced over the document inside and looked back at Sam with a nod. What the fuck was going on here?

“You aced your psych eval,” Sam said.

“Didn’t realize it was a test?” Donnie asked surprised.

“It wasn't, but I needed to know where your head is at for this op.”

“I’m good. I’ll do whatever I can to assist.”

“You’re cleared to operate on paper,” Dex said.