“Who’s Duran Duran?” Vincent asked.
“A rock band from the 80s,” I answered quickly before Santino could bash them. “They’re good.”
Santino rolled his eyes and laughed to himself.
“I’m partial to the Beach Boys myself,” Vincent commented.
“Really?” Santino asked suspiciously.
Vincent looked hurt. “What’s wrong with that? Can’t an old man enjoy quality music as well?”
Santino smirked. The Beach Boys were about as classic as music came in his opinion. I always enjoyed them though.
“Of course, sir,” Santino replied as he held up his hands near his shoulders, and raised and lowered them like a scale. “It’s just that when I add together European and Priest, the Beach Boys isn’t exactly the answer I get.”
It was my turn to smirk. Santino generally came off as dimwitted as a retarded donkey, usually in one of his ridiculous attempts at humor, but I knew better. The guy was Delta, the most hardcore of them all, next to my SEALs, of course.
They were trained not just to infiltrate, but to completely immerse themselves in a society, blend in, and systematically take it apart from the inside. You wouldn’t know it by looking at him, or especially speaking to him, but Santino was one of the smartest guys I knew.
He spoke Russian, Arabic, and Spanish fluently, and I knew he had been in the process of learning Mandarin Chinese in preparation for possible future operations in the area. The guy was a ghost, able to slip past borders on a whim, mingle amongst the natives, get the job done, and get home safely, making it all look easy.
“I just thought,” Santino continued, “a guy like you would stick to Mozart or Beethoven.”
Vincent leaned back in his chair, and grinned. “Ah yes, I enjoy them as well, although Vivaldi is my personal favorite.”
“The Four Seasons is one of my favorite classical pieces,” I offered, nodding appreciatively.
Vincent smiled at my recognition of his favorite composer’s most well-known piece, while Santino dropped his head and shook it. Wang and Bordeaux chuckled at the interchange, and the conversation quickly broke down into banter and debate about an assortment of topics. I followed passively as I finished my meal.
I was working on my so called dessert, when Vincent checked his watch.
“Okay, briefing room in five. Hunter, eat it or leave it.”
“Yes, sir,” I mumbled, my mouth trying to process the goo.
***
The briefing room was small enough that creature comfort was at a minimum, forcing everyone gathered to sit shoulder to shoulder. In front was a podium and a pull down screen for a projector attached to the ceiling. Other than that, the room was completely empty, except that by the time I arrived, the rest of the team were already in their seats.
McDougal was at the podium checking his notes, while the rest of the team was seated amongst the chairs. The chairs were arrayed three across, and two deep, just enough for the team. Santino, Wang, and Vincent were in the first row, Bordeaux and Strauss were in the back, with an empty seat between them. Bordeaux turned and smiled, patting the seat next to him. The rest of the guys turned and tried not to laugh, while Strauss just sat, arms folded, completely focused on the chair in front of her.
Making my way to my seat, McDougal did a double take when he noticed my blackening eye, and looked at me pathetically. I tried to ignore his disapproving stare as I took my seat, and made doubly sure I didn’t so much as glance at Strauss, deciding two could play her little game.
McDougal cleared his throat and began his briefing.
“Welcome to His Holiness’ Service. Hence forth, you are now a part of the Swiss Guard, specifically the Pope’s Praetorians as he likes to call us, and all allegiance to your former commands have been transferred here. As you know, you have come here in an effort to not only protect the Pope, but also to help end any threat facing Christendom and its allies. Each of you has brought unique combat experiences and skill sets, so get used to teaching one another and learning from each other as well.
“All right, since most of you have already gotten a chance to get to know each other, we’ll run through introductions quickly. My name is Dillon McDougal, major, Special Air Service. I’ve been in His Majesty’s service for thirteen years, and have commanded troops in Afghanistan, Iraq, North Korea, Russia, and Iran.
“You all know Captain Vincent. He’s our liaison with the Pope as well as our Chaplain. Prior to joining the military, he studied political science and classical studies, and is our resident linguist, speaking numerous languages throughout Europe and the Middle East, and can read ancient Greek and Latin as well.”
My interest perked up. I hadn’t been aware of Vincent’s educational background. I’ll have to pick his brain later about his knowledge of Roman History.
“Next up is Lieutenant James Wang. Wang has served with me for over five years in the SAS and is extremely proficient in hand to hand as well as small arms combat. He’s also team medic.
“Lieutenant John Santino was a member of America’s 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta, and has spent considerable time with the Green Berets. He specializes in stealth infiltration, reconnaissance, and believe it or not, is our cultural expert, having spent years of his service behind enemy lines in Romania, Ukraine, Lebanon, and Brazil.”
There were a few mock gasps of surprise from the audience in response to Santino’s status as “cultural expert.” Santino stood and offered an obnoxious wave and bow.
“Are you through, Lieutenant?”
Santino merely smiled and I smiled with him. It was easy to see why we had always gotten along so well. We were both notorious jokesters. While Santino was more of a prankster and standup comedian, I was just a smartass with a penchant for his sense of humor.
McDougal continued his briefing, waving a hand towards the large Frenchmen.
“Lieutenant Jeanne Bordeaux was a member of the National Gendarmerie Intervention Group. He’s worked mainly in Africa subverting terrorist activity before it reached Europe, and played an integral part in planning Operation Raven Claw, stopping the only major African offensive at Gibraltar in 2019. He’s our demo man.
“Lieutenant Helena Van Strauss is our sniper. She’s only been shooting in Germany’s KSK for a few months, but prior to joining, won gold in multiple shooting events at the Olympics. In the short time that she has served in the military, her kill count is quite impressive, so gentlemen, please try not to end up in her crosshairs.”
Santino tossed his head back and laughed, and I shifted in my seat.
“Finally, our newest arrival is Lieutenant Jacob Hunter. Formerly a U.S. Navy SEAL, Hunter is our water insertion specialist. Our location on the Tiber River is ideal for covert departures and arrivals back here to base. To do so, we’ll be utilizing underground sewers that require us to swim out to a tunnel system constructed by the Vatican and fed by the Tiber, before continuing out to the Tyrrhenian Sea where a sub will pick us up and take us where we need to go. Each of you has done at least some water insertion training, but if you feel you need some extra help, see Hunter after the briefing. He is also cross trained in underwater explosives, Bordeaux you may want to get in touch with him in regards to that. Finally, he is also a qualified sniper. You’re quite the Renaissance man, Hunter. With that, swim buddy assignments.”
My stomach churned because I knew exactly where this was going.
“Our combat operations doctrine is that of two-man elements working in tandem as a unit, so as situations require, we can split up. Santino, you’re paired with Vincent. Bordeaux, you’re with Wang, and I’ll tag along with you two when we’re in the water. That leaves Strauss and Hunter. Hunter, you’ll act as her spotter, and since she’s the least experienced in the water, you two could not have been a more perfect match.”
This time it wasn’t just Santino who couldn’t help himself, but the rest of the guys began laughing as well. I even saw Vincent’s shoulders bobbing in silent amusement.
Grudgingly, I finally looked over at the one person on the team I would soon have to become closest to. I saw her turn and catch my eye with equally deliberate slowness.
I smiled, keeping it completely platonic.
Strauss let out a small sigh, resigning to the situation, and offered me the first sign of affection since meeting me.
