Best of the Best

Commander "Tex" Hunter's eyes focused on the distance as he listened to the voice coming through his Mark 7 transceiver headset. "That's affirmative," he said softly into the microphone.

He turned his steely grey eyes on his three member squad. They'd been through so much together; they were more a family than just another special ops squad...a family he may have to sacrifice for the good of the mission. Josie, the 'little sister' whose pert cuteness hid one of the sharpest minds ever to be awarded a Ph.D in Sub-Nuclear Theoretical Web Design from Princeton...and she could cook too! Marty, the 'younger brother' who tried so hard to live up to Tex's standards. He'd shot a man in Reno, just to watch him die. And finally, Inuk, 'the clown' of the family. There'd been some who doubted the beluga whale's committment to the team. Inuk had put those doubts to rest by setting a new record on the obstacle course...and never lost that beluga sense of humor.

Hunter scanned their faces one more time, hoping they'd all make it through the mission. Josie's face was alight with eagerness. A relaxed smile played across Inuk's countenance. Marty, as always, looked serious.

"Okay, we've practiced this a thousand times," Hunter said confidently. "You know what to do. I'll take care of the guards. Marty, you blow the door. Josie, you hack the computer and get the info. Inuk, you gather some fish then spin in a tight circle. Any questions?"

He knew there wouldn't be. They were ready. They were the best of the best.

"Right," Tex said. "Then let's go earn our pay."

posted by greg @ 6:20 PM