The Reunion

Before Summers could answer, the president spoke, “Mr. Rizzo, you’ve correctly assumed Captain Summers is with our intelligence community, but he isn’t stationed here in Washington. He’s with the naval reserves and has been for some time. He’s here at my request because of something he’s been working on for the Navy relating directly to this. We called him up from his job as a teacher just hours ago. The captain hasn’t even received his final orders, but I can tell you he will be dealing directly with this incident in the Philippines. I want to know how and why this happened as much as you do, and that’s what I’m sending the captain and a team to the Philippines to find out. I assure you we’ll do everything possible to bring all those people home safely.”

Rizzo had been looking at the president as he spoke. He was still leaning forward with his elbows on his knees. He turned back to Summers.

“I believe you, Mr. President,” he said, “but I would still like to hear from Captain Summers. I’d like to know what makes him the expert.”

Summers held the man’s gaze. “Mr. Rizzo, I’m not sure what kind of answer you’re looking for. I don’t give guarantees to anyone in this type of situation. I know the regional commander for the Philippine Armed Forces and can tell you he’ll move heaven and earth to resolve this. I can also tell you the Philippine people will do whatever they have to help get our hostages back. That’s the type of people they are. I know that because I was stationed there and helped to train some of their military.”

“You mean, their Navy?” corrected Rizzo.

“Frank, the Captain’s a SEAL. He could have trained just about anyone in their military,” said Joe Franklin quietly.

“Captain, is what Joe says true? You one of them commandos?” asked Rizzo.

“Yes, Sir.”

“Then you served in Vietnam?” asked Mott.

“Yes, Sir,” replied Summers, “in 1971.”

“You were there in the end,” added Mott, “not when the real fighting was going on.”

Summers smiled. “I don’t know about that, Sir. The bullets and shrapnel that wounded me were real enough.”

There was silence amongst the little group for a second, so Jon decided to take advantage. “Mr. Rizzo, I understand your concerns, but let me reassure you we will do everything we can to free General Gateway and the other hostages.”