Commandos (32 page)

Commodore Charles Levi was the first to step into the room, followed by Captain Joanna Starska, Commando David Scar and tracker, Victor Berg. They were welcomed by a deafening ovation which echoed throughout the base.

They stood in front of the Defence Council, waiting for the noise to die down. The president approached them and once the ovation quietened, he spoke loudly.

“Gentlemen… and ladies.” He winked at Jo, proud to have such an outstanding female officer under his command. “I am overwhelmed, as I’m sure everyone else in this room, by happiness. Your successful mission and Kaminsky’s death are a gigantic step forward in our struggle.” The room went quiet, listening to their leader’s voice. “We have lost a soldier, that’s true.” The commandos bowed their heads. “But the world of terrorism has lost so much more. We’ve deprived them of leadership and at least for a time gained a great advantage.”

Jo looked at Victor out of the corner of her eye. He was the one truly deserving the president’s praise. The deed was all his.

“We realise this does not mean the war on terrorism has ended, but rather that their organisation has ceased to exist.” He paused. “But we have managed to send a clear message which will bring chaos and confusion into their midst. This will open our way to infiltrate and eventually destroy the power that brought ruin to all the nations of our world.”

He sized the commandos up with a serious glance and walked closer.
“You have started a change we can now build on. You’ve given us hope, strengthened our resolve and our will to fight. Therefore…” he said, moving to the table and picking up a reader which he pointed at Levi. “Commodore Levi, I am pleased to reinstate you to the rank of commodore.” He shook his hand. “Your ship and crew are ready for your return.”
“Thank you, Sir.” He had longed to soar in space once more.
“Captain,” the president moved on to Jo, “it is my great pleasure to promote you to the rank of commodore and to place one of our newest space shuttles, the Asija under your command. Congratulations.” He shook her hand.
Jo was shocked. She hadn’t expected anything like this.
“Commando Scar.” It was David’s turn. “It is my pleasure to promote you to the rank of captain of the Luna.”
“Mister President,” David started quietly. He was embarrassed but if he was ever to say it, this was the time. “If I could make a request, I…” He looked at Levi for support. “I would like to return to Cairo and continue my work on rebuilding the city. They are waiting for me there… and…” This time, he was talking to Levi. “I would like Laura to come with me.”
The commodore smiled and nodded in agreement. He knew that in times like these one had to grasp any opportunity for happiness that life brought and never waste time. You could never know how long it would last.
“Agreed.” The president nodded. He had expected this might happen. “You may return to your post at the city prefecture and help rebuild that beautiful, but impoverished country.”
Finally, the president approached Victor.
“How’s the hand? Still hurt?” he asked him.
“A little, but it’s not that bad.”
“Victor, before I send you on another mission…” He smiled. “I want you to take a year off to recuperate and heal.”
Victor nodded gratefully and looked at Jo before responding.
“Before I resume my responsibilities, I have a favour to ask you, Mister President.” The president hesitated visibly. Victor’s requests were never trivial or easy to act on. “I’d like to go to Fuerteventura,” he said, looking at Jo, “and I want to take Commodore Starska with me.” The president frowned. “For a long deserved leave of absence.” Victor emphasised his last words.
Jo remembered her house on the island. It had come to be her own, private place in the world and Victor knew it. When leaving the island, he had promised they would return one day, and now he was going to keep his promise.
“Agreed.” The president was relieved. The request was not as difficult as he’d expected. He turned to Jo. “You’re hereby granted a year of leave as well, Commodore.”
The entire Defence Council rose to their feet and approached the commandos, shaking their hands and congratulating them on their success. Victor could hardly focus on anything but Jo, David’s thoughts were already drifting around the house he was planning to build in Egypt, and Levi could not wait to be back onboard the Luna.
This had been a very difficult year for all of them and they deserved time off. But in all truth, they could hardly wait to return to their duties to continue the struggle.

For they were people said to be…