Disclaimer:
This story will describe the life of Robert David Mathews from his time as a teenager, through prep school, and into military service. If stories involving sex between consenting teenagers, including both straight sex and gay sex, offends you, go back to the Archives and pick a different story for your reading pleasure. There has been minimal research for this story therefore, names, places, dates are mostly fictitious and similarities to real life are coincidental. Some companies and organizations mentioned actually exist, but references to the activities, policies, programs and procedures are fictitious. I was not a SEAL and have limited knowledge of the force. I am writing this story from imagination and a little research, not from personal experience.
My editor, Bill, is a dedicated friend. His improvements in my writing style are greatly appreciated.
I really appreciate the emails from you about this story. I've tried to write a story that has a strong plot with characters that you can relate to. I may not be able to reply to all of your emails, but I want to thank all of you for encouraging me to keep posting new chapters.
Readers, please note! This story describes sexual events that are unsafe in real life. Remember to practice safe sex if you are sexually active. Condoms should be used even if you know your sexual partner, but condoms do not provide 100% protection from Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD's). This story is fictional, so protect yourself and live a long and happy life!
Washington Academy Chapter 31- Last Time for Everything
Robbie met with Derrick Harmon to discuss the changes in leadership for the activities of the plebes preparing for Hell Week. Derrick understood why the changes were made, but wished that Robbie had continued to prepare the plebes.
"I asked you to lead their physical training for a reason," Derrick said. "We normally lose 20% of the plebes either before or during Hell Week. I've watched their progress, and this class will do much better because of the way you trained them. You were tough but fair, and they're in great shape now."
"They hate me!" Robbie said. "I've turned into another Larry Cataline!"
"Don't you ever say that to me again!" Derrick fumed. "You could never be like that asshole! You pushed them to achieve, and that's exactly what they needed! Did you ever hit them or threaten them?"
"NEVER!" Robbie replied. "Trip and Tracker confronted me about being too hard on the plebes, and said that the plebes hated me. I couldn't live with that! This is the last time that I'll be on campus for Hell Week, and I'm starting to feel the loss already. A year from now I'll be a bad memory for the plebes, and I feel like shit!"
"I want you to lead the Swamp Test," Derrick said. "Talk to each group and tell them the truth. Tell them that you made them tough so they would succeed! Then you should be the first one to congratulate them when they complete the final test before getting their first stripes as Cadets Fourth Class!"
Robbie listened to his martial arts instructor and knew he was right. He had followed the directions of Derrick and Guy Stephens, and the plebes were ready to be recognized as his brothers in the cadet family.
When the final day of Hell Week began, the plebes were tired and sore. When they saw Robbie at the starting point for the Swamp Test, they expected the worst.
"Maybe all of you hate me," Robbie began to the first group of plebes, "But I'm not the enemy! I pushed you hard during Summer Training so that you could be here today at the beginning of the final challenge. You're a great bunch of guys, and I'll be waiting for you to finish this final test of your courage and stamina. I didn't accept any failure during the Summer Training, and I won't today! I'd suggest that we sit and meditate for a few minutes, and then you'll all make me proud!"
The message was repeated for each group of plebes that faced the Swamp Test challenge. By the time the first group completed the Swamp Test, Robbie was covered in mud from head to foot. He had welcomed each plebe with a big smile and a sincere hug when he congratulated them. The plebes were exhausted, and several of them broke down crying from the mixture of satisfaction and exhaustion.
Guy and Derrick were recording the names of the successful plebes, and were thrilled when all 286 plebes finished the final test and were being congratulated by their Big Brothers. In the entire history of the Academy, they had never witnessed 100% completion of the final test. 325 boys had enrolled in the selective program, and 88% had successfully made it to become Cadets Fourth Class! The two coaches were ecstatic!
Robbie was emotionally exhausted after celebrating with the happy and relieved plebes. He felt a great loss flood through his whole body knowing that he would never again be a part of Hell Week at the George Washington Academy. He joined the plebes and their Big Brothers in the shower room at the lake to wash away the mud and celebrate.
"JESUS, LOOK AT HIS BODY!" Ricky Spellman exclaimed to his plebe buddy, Kevin Marks.
"I thought only black guys had dicks that big!" Kevin joked.
"Not his dick, look at his muscles!" Ricky replied. "I've never seen him nude before, and I bet that there isn't an ounce of fat on his entire body! It's no wonder he can make us look like shit in any physical training!"
The two plebes were drawing attention from their comments, so they quickly turned away so Robbie couldn't see the boners that they were both sporting. In spite of their exhaustion, they were both attracted to the handsome cadet, and dreamed of the time when they would have a body like Robbie's.
During the ceremonies to recognize the new Fourth Class Cadets, Vincent Brown addressed the happy new cadets. "This is a great celebration of the graduation of the largest group of young men from 'plebe' to Cadet Fourth Class in the 100 year history of this fine academy!" he began. "I can't put into words how proud I am of you for what you've accomplished. In later life, you'll look back to this day as the day that each of you became a man! Big Brothers, please present your Little Brothers to be recognized!"
Each Big Brother led his Little Brother up to Chancellor Brown, and announced the full name of the plebe. The Amphitheatre was filled with celebration when the last plebe received his Cadet Fourth Class insignia that included one stripe. The soft drink machines were opened, and the cadets celebrated before the large banquet would begin.
Robbie was standing with Tracker and Trip when the former plebes came up to him and thanked him for getting them ready for Hell Week. Robbie lost track of the hugs that he got, and celebrated with his new cadet buddies. It would be the last time that he was present for the special ceremony, and he choked back his emotions.
"Life goes on!" Tracker said when he realized how emotional Robbie was. He and Trip shared Robbie's feelings about their time at the academy now heading towards the end. They all wished that they were the new Fourth Class Cadets and were just starting their life on the campus.
"It's not the end, it's just the beginning," Guy Stephens said to the three First Class Cadets. "The path of life has many challenges for you men, and I'm proud of all of you! This is the year that you demonstrate the ideals that you've learned to the other cadets who will follow in your footsteps. Be proud of what you've accomplished, and I know that this will be a great year for all of us!"
Robbie was in orbit on his 19th birthday when his aunt and uncle presented him with a bright red Corvette convertible. No other cadet on campus had two vehicles, and everyone was jealous when they saw the new 1996 Corvette that had just been released for early production. Everyone wanted to ride in the muscle car, and Robbie was happy to grant their wishes until he was running out of gas. He celebrated his celebrity status and knew that he would only drive the Corvette during the warm months of the year. He still loved his Blazer, and knew that it would always get him back to the academy during any foul weather.
Jennifer had graduated from high school, and was enrolled at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. She refused to attend her high school prom because it was scheduled on the same day as the Championship baseball game in May. Several boys in her high school had asked her to go to the prom, but she only wanted to be with Robbie.
Robbie had his own awakening, and lost interest in the girls in Traverse City. His trips to the Storage Room also ended when he doubled his efforts to be in top physical condition. He was convinced that Jennifer was worth waiting for if she would wait for him to enlist in the Navy and serve his country.
Guy Stephens was right with his prediction that this would be a great year for the Academy. He wasn't surprised when Robbie was elected team captain of the football team, and led his buddies to another State Championship. When basketball season began, Robbie was again recognized by his teammates and was honored with being the team captain. The basketball team matched the football team in going undefeated and winning the State Championship.
Robbie was thrilled when Tracker ran into their dorm room with a letter in his hand and announced, "I'VE BEEN APPOINTED TO THE AIR FORCE ACADEMY!"
Robbie and Trip knew that Tracker had been selected to the All State and High School All American football teams in the quarterback position, and celebrated with their buddy.
Trip had been accepted into the Harvard Pre-Law School, and had mixed feelings about leaving the Academy. He would be separated from Mark Jenkins, and cherished every moment that he spent with the guy that was already his life partner. He and Mark had revealed their relationship to their parents, and were overjoyed that all of the parents accepted their lifestyle and choice of partner.
Robbie was still receiving martial arts training from his uncle, and was excited about his progress. Uncle Dave had finally admitted that Robbie was now his equal in his fighting skills, but Robbie always held back when they sparred. He knew that his uncle had slowed down with his advancing age, and out of respect, he refused to take his uncle down.
David Mathews made one last futile appeal to his nephew to accept the appointment to the Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland, but he already knew that Robbie would not agree. He reluctantly agreed to a delayed enlistment in the Navy that would take effect when Robbie graduated from the Academy. Because Robbie was 19, no parental approval was required.
When the baseball team started practicing, the players elected Robbie as the team captain, but he refused the honor. Baseball was his best sport, but he thought of Drew and demanded that his teammates make a different choice.
"Only one cadet in the history of this Academy has been the team captain in three sports, and that was my Big Brother," Robbie said softly. "I'm honored that you voted for me, but I just can't accept. Drew's still with me, and I nominate Tracker to be our team captain."
The players finally agreed after pleading with Robbie to change his mind. Coach Terry Pahls had been watching his players select a team captain, and respected Robbie for his refusal. Robbie was a born leader and deserved the honor, but he wouldn't interfere with the negotiations of his players. He had hopes for a "three peat" by winning another State Championship that would match the school year when Drew Anderson had been the leader.
Jennifer Anderson had left the U of M campus to visit her parents and was helping her mother prepare the evening meal by making a salad. Tom Anderson walked into the kitchen and began talking to his wife and daughter.
"Some guy is here and he asked my permission to take you on a date," Tom said to Jennifer.
"What kind of loser asks a girl's father?" Jennifer asked. "He must be a total geek!"
Tom acted nonchalant and said, "He seems like a decent guy."
"If he's still here, tell him to go to the dog pound to find a date!" Jennifer added. "He might find a suitable match there!"
Carol Anderson looked at her husband and could see tears welling up in his eyes. She knew that her husband was up to something.
"Thomas Andrew Anderson, you're up to something!" Carol said emphatically. "Come clean, NOW!"
"Well, actually he isn't a geek," Tom said. "He's about 6 feet tall, weighs about 190 pounds, has blonde hair, blue eyes, drives a Corvette, and mentioned some dance called a Grad Ball at an academy up north!"
"ROBBIEEEEE!" Jennifer screamed. She ran out of the kitchen with her parents following behind her.
"You're such an asshole!" Carol said to her husband.
"I might be an asshole, but I'm YOUR asshole!" Tom replied. "Let's go spy on them!"
Robbie was waiting beside his hot car when he saw Jennifer running out of the front door. He opened his arms and Jennifer jumped up and wrapped her legs around her boyfriend. He could see tears of joy in Jennifer's eyes when he hugged and kissed his girlfriend.
"Why didn't you tell me that you were coming here today?" Jennifer sobbed. "I LOVE YOU!"
"I wanted to surprise you," Robbie said softly. "Don't you like surprises?"
"I love any time that I can be with you!" Jennifer replied.
Carol and Tom watched the happy couple in the driveway, and shared their joy. They waited a few minutes before joining the teens to hear the details of the special date.
Robbie held Jennifer's hand and listened to Carol and Jennifer when they described how Tom had helped pull off the surprise.
"So, Jenny Kay, I'm a geek and can only date dogs?" He teased. "I'll make sure that we have some Alpo at the Grad Ball for you!"
"I'll eat it!" Jennifer teased back. She listened to Robbie describe the plans for the graduation party, and was excited about shopping for a formal dress to wear.
"I know you remember the Adams family," Robbie said. "They have graciously offered for all of you along with my aunt and uncle to stay at their home out on the peninsula."
The four happy people shared in the joy of planning for the date and couldn't wait for the day to arrive. Robbie and Jennifer left for a drive in the Corvette, with Tom and Carol making plans for the trip to Traverse City.
Robbie knew that the Andersons had accepted a settlement in the lawsuit against the furniture company of over 30 million dollars. It wouldn't bring Drew back, but it would certainly keep the greedy from making the same mistake again.
Robbie fought back the tears when he walked up on the stage in the amphitheater to accept his diploma. He knew that his days at the beautiful academy were coming to an end, and he felt that a part of him would always remain there. His dress white uniform was covered with ribbons and medals that identified the many honors he'd achieved. He listened to Chancellor Vincent Brown listing his accomplishments and was embarrassed.
"Never in the entire history of this fine Academy has a cadet held the Martial Arts Championship for four years," Chancellor Brown began when Robbie walked up to the lectern. "Robert David Mathews has achieved that goal along with 4 varsity letters in football, 4 in basketball, 4 in baseball, along with being team captain for football and basketball and finished 10th academically in his graduating class." He returned the salute of the handsome cadet, handed him his diploma and then hugged Robbie. "I'm proud of you!" He whispered to Robbie. "Be careful and make us all proud of you like we are today!"
Tom, Carol and Jennifer waited along with David and Marie to congratulate Robbie on his accomplishments and his graduation. Of all of the cadets in the graduating class, Robbie had the most ribbons and medals, and they all wanted to help him celebrate.
Jennifer hugged Robbie and gave him a kiss when the graduation ceremony ended. She held his hand and asked him to describe each ribbon and medal and what they signified. She was proud to walk around the reception with Robbie and beamed when he introduced her to everyone as his girlfriend.
The Grad Ball was a spectacular event. Robbie's mouth dropped to the floor when Jenny Kay walked down the spiral staircase in the Adams' home. Her hair was styled in a French braid and her blue formal gown accentuated her perfect body. He was at a loss for words when he saw her and stammered, "You.... you're...., you're beautiful!"
Aaron and Richmond Adams were standing beside Robbie and shared in his opinion that Jennifer was the most beautiful girl in the world!
"You're the luckiest dude in the world!" Aaron said to Robbie. "She's gorgeous!"
"You better have some condoms in that limousine," Rich whispered to Robbie. "I'd eat her right here in front of everyone!"
Robbie laughed, and watched Jenny Kay walk down to meet him. He knew that his uncle and Tom Anderson were taking photos and a video of the special event, but ignored the flashing lights to hand Jennifer the corsage of white roses and a blue ribbon that matched her long dress.
Most of the First and Second Class Cadets had dates for the Grad Ball, but many cadets attended without dates. Trip and Mark Jenkins came as a couple, but avoided any open display of their affection and only danced with girls. The cadets without dates were happy to dance with the beautiful girls, and no cadet was left out of the festivities.
Tom and Carol Anderson stood on the mezzanine with David and Marie, and enjoyed watching the handsome cadets dancing with the beautiful girls. All of the cadets were wearing their dress white uniforms, and it was a stunning event to witness.
"I can't help but think of Drew when I'm here on the campus," Tom admitted. "He should have danced with Allison and then married her."
"How is she doing?" Marie asked Carol.
"She's in college now and has a boyfriend," Carol replied. "Tom is covering her college expenses out of the settlement from the furniture company and their insurer. She stays in touch with us, and said that she's engaged. Tom set up a trust fund for her with 2 million dollars from the settlement." She hid her true feelings that she was still sad that her son hadn't lived long enough to marry Allison and bless them with grandchildren.
"You know that we donated 10 million dollars to the scholarship fund here at the Academy," Tom added. "With the 5 million from you, a lot of boys will be able to come here and become mature men."
When the dance ended, Robbie left Jennifer at the Adams home before returning to the campus. Many cadets found the time and place to have sex with their dates, but Robbie and Jennifer restrained their urges and pledged their fidelity to each other.
"I don't want you to enlist," Jenny Kay admitted to Robbie. "I'm worried that something bad will happen to you." She had lost her brother, and feared that Robbie would be taken away too.
"We've talked about this before," Robbie began. "I need to enlist to repay this country for the life style that we both enjoy. I'm excited about going to basic training, but I'm sad that I'll never be a cadet again. The Academy has changed my life, and I can never repay the faculty for what they did for me. The Academy brought us together, and Drew's watching us right now to make sure that I don't jump your bones!"
"I still dream about him," Jennifer admitted. "Sometimes the dreams are nightmares about his death, but others remind me of the good times we shared. He'll always have a place in my heart!"
"Mine too!" Robbie admitted. "Goodnight, Jenny Kay. I love you!" He gave Jennifer a kiss and left in the limousine for the return trip to the Academy, knowing that he had to pack to leave for basic training. During the trip home, he shed tears about the end of his life on the campus and for his Big Brother, Drew.
Robbie was up early the next morning, and packed for his trip to Boot Camp at Great Lakes, Illinois. Trip and Tracker were sad to see their buddy leaving so soon, but helped him pack and shared memories of their times together on campus. Robbie was the first cadet to leave after the graduation ceremonies ended, and waited for his aunt and uncle to arrive to drive him to Illinois. He had sold his Blazer to Paul Beck, but insisted on keeping the Corvette at the home of his aunt and uncle. He was ready to leave when two important people came into the room.
"You weren't going to leave without saying goodbye to us, were you?" Derrick Harmon said. "Guy and I are sad to see you leaving, but we know that you're ready for anything that the Navy can throw at you!"
Robbie hugged his two coaches and shared his feelings of excitement and loss about leaving the Academy. The two coaches had prepared him physically and mentally for the challenges of being in the military, and he voiced his appreciation for their time and effort.
"Remember, don't display your martial arts expertise unless absolutely necessary!" Derrick advised. "Don't volunteer for anything! They'll try to break you, but I know that you can handle Basic Training without any problems."
"Eric wanted to be here today, but I wouldn't let him cut school," Guy said about his son. "You won't have much free time, but please stay in touch with us. You're part of our family, and we love you!"
"I said goodbye to Eric yesterday," Robbie replied. "The word 'Thanks' doesn't seem enough for what you did for me. I'll do my best to make you proud of me!"
"We already are!" Derrick replied. "Now get your ass out of here before you make us both cry!"
Robbie hugged the two coaches and his roommates before grabbing his duffle bag to walk down the steps and away from the George Washington Academy. Tears flowed down his face when he waved goodbye to his cadet buddies at the front of the Jefferson Dormitory. A new chapter in his life was beginning.
Eight weeks later, Robbie had completed Basic Training and was promoted from Seaman Recruit to Seaman Apprentice. Normally the graduating sailors were given leave to go home and visit their families, but Robbie was transferred to Coronado near San Diego, California. He was excited about starting the SEAL training, and shared his emotions during phone calls to his aunt and uncle and Jenny Kay.
David was very upset that Robbie wasn't coming home on leave before starting his intensive training. He and Marie missed their nephew, and wanted to celebrate his graduation from Boot Camp.
Jennifer missed Robbie and worried about his path in life. She cherished the phone calls and longed for the opportunity to hold Robbie in her arms.
Robbie was learning a ton of acronyms that are common in any branch of the military. Days turned into weeks, weeks turned into months while he struggled with the intense physical and mental training.
His training began with BUD/S (Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL) that took 26 weeks at the Naval Special Warfare Center in Coronado. That was followed by SQT (SEAL Qualification Training) for an additional 15 weeks. During his months of intense training, his body and mind were taken to the breaking point, but he used the meditation skills he learned from Tracker to survive. Nothing that his uncle or the two coaches had told him about the SEAL training had prepared him for being totally exhausted and challenged by the trainers.
During one of the martial arts sessions, he was selected to be the punching bag for the Master Trainer. He didn't know at the time that some special visitors were watching the training, but he focused on the challenge of the trainer.
"I'm armed with a Mark 3 knife, and I challenge you to defend yourself!" Lieutenant Wilson Jackson said to Robbie. "A SEAL will not always have a weapon, so let's see what you can do!"
Robbie left the safety of his recruit buddies and walked into the circle of battle. He focused his mind on the extensive training from his coaches and uncle, and faced the Master Trainer.
Wilson moved to attack the recruit, knowing that his superior skills would humiliate Robbie in front of everyone. It was an important lesson for the recruits to see how much they needed to learn to survive on SEAL missions.
The special visitors knew that Robert Mathews would be selected for the demonstration, and wanted to see what he could do against the Master Trainer.
Everyone was shocked when Wilson's initial moves were blocked and neutralized when Robbie revealed his martial arts training. The Master Trainer was quickly disarmed and knocked to the ground, with Robbie holding the knife to the throat of his trainer. Robbie held the trainer down until he heard the whistle blow that ended the demonstration. He stood up and expertly threw the Mark 3 knife into the heart of the bayonet dummy that was displayed at the side of the field. He was pumped from the first time that he had revealed his advanced training, but didn't want to be arrogant. He offered his hand to Wilson and helped the trainer stand up.
"HOLY FUCK!" Lieutenant Dan Tobin said to his two buddies. "DID YOU SEE THAT?"
"We told you that he's fantastic!" Casey Miller replied. He reminded his CO (Commanding Officer) about Robbie's display of martial arts training at O'Hare Airport in Chicago during the Thanksgiving Holiday in 1993 when Robbie had kicked the ass of the drunk at the ticket counter.
Carl Jenkins added his comments about Robbie's progress in the SEAL training. The two SEALs had been in touch with Derrick Harmon and knew when Robbie would be tested. They hoped that their CO would consider Robbie to replace a team member in the future. SEAL missions were dangerous, and new team members were needed about every six months due to injury or ending their tour of duty.
Wilson Jackson was embarrassed in front of the huge audience, but he marveled at the superior martial arts skills of the recruit. He pulled Robbie aside and asked him where he learned the advanced moves that he had never seen before.
"I'm not supposed to reveal anything about my past," Robbie replied to his trainer. "Are you asking me to break that rule?"
"YES!" Wilson said. "I could tell that you've been trained when you were in the first few weeks of SQT, but I wasn't prepared for what you just did to me. Who trained you?"
"I don't know if you'll recognize the names, but I'll trust you to keep this information a secret," Robbie replied. "I graduated from the George Washington Academy in Northern Michigan where Guy Stephens and Derrick Harmon got me ready for Boot Camp and BUD/S. Coach Harmon used to be a trainer like you, and both coaches are former SEALs. My advanced training came from my uncle, Navy Captain David Mathews."
Wilson laughed and realized that Robbie had been trained by three of the best SEALs in the history of the Navy. "Everyone who has ever worn the Trident knows about David Mathews!" He said. "He was the Best of the Best, and now I know why you knocked me on my ass! I've been set up!"
Robbie laughed and enjoyed the private conversation with the Master Trainer. He promised to show restraint in future martial arts training, and was pleased that Lt. Jackson promised to keep his past a secret.
At the end of SQT, Phase Two of Robbie's intense training began. He was now proud to wear the Trident that signified that he had passed the required training to join the elite corps. Instead of going home on leave, he was ordered to ULT. Unit Level Training lasted for six months, and Robbie was trained in the core mission areas of Land Warfare, Close Quarters Combat, Urban Warfare, Maritime Interdiction, Combat Swimmer, Long Range Interdiction, Air Operations, Special Reconnaissance and Maritime Operations, and Advanced Marksmanship/Heavy Weapons.
David and Marie were upset that Robbie hadn't come home on leave for over a year. David made calls to his contacts in the Navy, and was frustrated when he learned that Robbie had declined the offered "leaves" to accelerate his training.
"This is my fault!" David said to his wife and the Anderson family during a meal at a local restaurant. "I should have stopped him from enlisting!"
"Do you think that he would have listened?" Jennifer asked. "He's living his dream now, and I'm proud of him! We'll all have to settle for the emails and phone calls until he finds himself. I'll wait for him for the rest of my life!"
"She's right, David," Marie said. "He loves and respects you, and is following in your footsteps. I miss him terribly, and can't wait to hug him and see that Trident on his uniform!"
At the end of 1997, Robbie had completed Squadron Integration Training (SIT) a 6 month block of advanced training to integrate all of the previous training along with advanced training in medicine, language, and cryptology. He passed the final Certification Exercise (CERTEX) and wondered where he would be deployed.
He was surprised to meet Lt. Dan Tobin and renew his friendship with Casey Miller and Carl Jenkins when the three SEALs came to his barracks. Showing the proper respect, he saluted Lt. Tobin and then relaxed when the handsome officer asked him if he was interested in a trip to Los Angeles. He needed some time away from the Naval Base and was pleased that the lieutenant told him that they would all wear "civvies" or civilian clothes. Robbie didn't know it at the time, but he was going to be tested to see if he was ready to join Eagle Team.
He met the three members of Eagle Team, officially Team 28, and was impressed with the physical condition of the trio of SEALs. He was surprised that they were all boarding a privately owned helicopter for the 100-mile trip from San Diego to Los Angeles. He started to question his new friends, but decided to keep quiet. He remembered what Guy Stephens had said to him after the fight with Jermaine Bryant back at the Academy. "Things are not always what they first appear to be," his coach had advised. "Wait until you have all the facts before you make a decision to unleash your martial arts expertise".
He knew something important was going to happen when the helicopter settled down in an empty field where an extended van was waiting for them. He looked at Lt. Tobin for information, but only saw the focused stare of a trained SEAL. Now he knew that this was not going to be an ordinary excursion into town for beer and friendly talk.
The four SEALs got into the van without saying a word to the elderly driver. When the doors closed, Robbie was concerned that he was getting into something dangerous that might get him dishonorably discharged from the Navy. He decided to trust the officer and his two friends.
"I need to take a leak," Robbie admitted to the lieutenant.
"No problem," Lt. Tobin replied. "We'll be at a bar real soon and you can 'drain it' there."
The van sped through the streets of Los Angeles to a neighborhood that looked seedy to Robbie. His bladder was demanding attention, and he hoped that he wouldn't pee in his pants before they got to the bar. He looked out the tinted window of the van and saw the dregs of the earth plying their trades on the darkened streets. He saw prostitutes, drug dealers and street people, and wondered why they were in an area that had only Spanish names on the stores, bars and hotels.
"Put these on and don't take them off until I tell you," Lt. Tobin said calmly to Robbie and the other SEALs. They had just pulled up in front of a nasty looking bar with "Latina Casa" on the dilapidated sign over the front door. He was now on full alert when the SEALs got out of the van after putting on the latex gloves and watched the van leave.
"Let's go have a beer and enjoy the culture of East Los Angeles," Dan said to his friends. "Mathews can take a leak while we enjoy a few Coronas!"
Robbie knew that the East Los Angeles area was the densest area of gang activity in the entire country, and was the toughest area for any form of law enforcement. When he walked inside the dingy bar, he saw the stares from the seedy men inside. He wished that he had drained his bladder earlier and didn't want to leave the relative safety of his friends to go to the men's room. The toilet was filthy and he was relieved that he was wearing the latex gloves when he pushed open the door. He quickly went to the urinal and released the contents of his bladder.
Dan Tobin ordered 4 Coronas from the nasty looking waiter and told him to leave the caps on the bottles. He didn't want any chance of the waiter or bartender putting anything in their drinks, and leaned back in his chair to look around the room. He nodded to Casey Miller to follow Robbie to the men's room when he saw two nasty looking guys with tattoos all over their faces and arms head towards the toilet.
"We don't like your kind around here!" the nasty waiter said when he slammed the bottles of imported beer on the table.
"Thanks for the kind welcome!" Dan replied while handing the obvious gang member a 20-dollar bill for the beers. He had to yell over the sounds of the Latin music that was blaring out of a jukebox that looked like it had been through a war.
The two SEALs were on alert, but appeared relaxed while they surveyed the dingy bar. They quickly sized up the occupants and determined which ones were probably carrying firearms. Shit was going to hit the fan!
Robbie had finished urinating and looked at the broken sink. He decided not to try to wash his hands in the black crud that coated the sink, and turned to join his buddies when two men came through the door. He quickly realized that the two men weren't there to welcome him to their bar.
"Usted va a aspirar mi pene!" the first ugly man said. Robbie knew enough Spanish to understand that the ugly man expected him to suck his dick. "Entonces usted tomara mi pene encima de su asno!" The final order was that the degenerate was also going to fuck Robbie in the ass!
"¡Va la cogida usted mismo!" Robbie replied, using the best Spanish that he could remember. His message to "Go fuck yourself!" met with instant anger from the two gang members.
Robbie bristled with anger that his SEAL friends had left him alone in a dangerous situation. He saw both men pull out switchblade knives, and braced himself for a dangerous fight.
The first man lunged at Robbie and wasn't ready for the attack of the trained SEAL. The knife was quickly kicked out of his hand and he was slammed against the wall by a vicious kick to the chest.
Robbie knew that the kick would stop the man's heart and result in almost immediate death, but extreme force was needed for him to save his own life. He faced the second man and narrowly avoided the blade of the knife when it ripped through his shirt. He spun around and kicked his attacker in the face, catching the knife in midair when the blow crashed the man against the toilet stall. Instinct took over, and he slashed the man's throat and then buried the knife in the chest of his attacker. Adrenaline rushed through his body when he wheeled around and saw Casey Miller standing in the doorway.
"WHY THE FUCK DIDN'T YOU HELP ME?" Robbie screamed at his SEAL buddy.
"You didn't need my help!" Casey said calmly. "Let's go see how our buddies are getting along with the rest of the locals!"
Robbie was furious! He had just killed two men, and knew that his SEAL career was over!
"Walk slowly so you don't attract any attention," Casey said calmly before they left the two dead men in the filthy toilet.
Robbie followed Casey out of the toilet and glared at Dan and Carl at their table. He wanted to run out of the bar, but felt Casey push him down on the empty chair.
"How'd he do?" Dan asked Casey with a calm voice.
"Okay," was the simple reply.
"Sit down Robbie," Dan said over the loud music. "You might need this."
Robbie was surprised to see Dan hand him a Mark 3 knife from the pocket of his jacket. He was angry that he had been setup by his new friends, and wanted to get the fuck out of the bar.
Dan noticed that two more men had headed for the toilet, and said calmly, "It's Showtime!"
When the two men ran out of the toilet screaming in Spanish, the entire bar erupted. Four martial arts experts went into action, and gunshots rang out from every part of the bar. Three of the SEALs pulled out 9 mm semi-automatic weapons and began firing at the occupants of the bar.
Dan was reloading his handgun when he yelled to Robbie, "Get the bartender!"
Without any reservation, Robbie threw the Mark 3 knife with precision, hitting the fat bartender in the middle of his chest.
Casey Miller jumped over the bar and retrieved the 12-gauge shotgun that the bartender had dropped. It was an illegal weapon with a 25-round magazine that looked like the old machine guns that were famous in the days of Prohibition in Chicago. In fluid motions, the four SEALs attacked the gang members with a vengeance that could only be described as a massacre. Robbie had broken a chair over a man's head and grabbed the handgun that the man had dropped. He emptied the 14-round clip before using the gun as a weapon to crush the skull of one of the few remaining Latinos still fighting.
"Clear!" sounded above the Latino music that was still coming out of the jukebox, even though several bullets had hit the machine.
The three SEALs shouted "Clear!" when they realized that all of the attackers were down.
The magnitude of what had transpired shook Robbie to the core! Dead and moaning bodies covered the floor along with broken furniture and glass.
"This is the asshole that we're looking for!" Dan said to his accomplices while dragging a wounded man to the bar. He threw the man on the bar and retrieved two bottles of alcohol that he dumped on the injured man.
Robbie stood in the middle of the carnage, and couldn't believe what he was seeing! Some of the gang members were still alive, but none of them could reach a weapon to fight the four SEALs.
He watched Casey and Carl join Dan in breaking bottles of liquor against the walls of the bar area. His feet were slipping on the floor that was coated with a mixture of blood and alcohol and he just knew that he and his accomplices would end up in prison on death row.
"Time to leave!" Dan said. When he got to the door of the bar, he lit a Zippo lighter and tossed it into the massacre scene. The igniting alcohol sent a blast of air out of the bar that nearly knocked Robbie over.
Robbie wanted to run away, but he knew that he would never make it out of East Los Angeles alive. He could hear the screams of the dying gang members, and his body was filled with dread for what he had done. He was furious with the three men, and was ready to unleash his martial arts on them for getting him involved in the gang war.
Dan saw Robbie turning to leave his group and quickly ordered him to turn around. He saw that Robbie was ready to kill him, and he knew that he had to diffuse the situation.
"Don't judge what just happened until you know all of the facts!" Dan ordered. "We've got to get the fuck out of here before all Hell breaks loose! Trust me! I'm your CO!"
Robbie remembered what Guy and Derrick had told him about not jumping to a conclusion before he had all of the facts. He couldn't imagine what Dan would say to justify the carnage in the bar, but he knew that he had to go with the other men or die at the hands of angry gang members.
The bar was engulfed in flames when the extended van skidded up to a stop. Four men jumped inside and noticed that the seats and floor of the van were covered by a large plastic drop cloth. Without saying a word, the elderly driver sped away from the scene without making eye contact with any of the crowd milling around on the streets. It looked like at least 100 people were running to witness the fire, but they couldn't see inside the black van because of the tinted windows.
Casey Miller punched the buttons on a boom box, and the sounds of "Another One Bites the Dust" by Queen filled the inside of the van. Carl handed everyone a cigar while the van sped out of East Los Angeles.
Robbie accepted the cigar, but didn't accept a light from Casey. He was confused how the three guys could act so calm after the carnage in the bar, and watched Dan administering first aid to Carl and Casey.
"Tell him!" Dan said to Casey. "He deserves to know why we did that!"
"Jose Ramos and Joseph Marshall were police officers assigned to the area we just left," Casey said to Robbie when the boom box was turned off. "They were trying to clean up the gang activities in that neighborhood, and were slowly convincing some informers to divulge who the gang members were who were terrorizing the population. The Avenues or Avenidas Gang is the most violent and feared by everyone, and their leader, Juan Salanda wanted to scare anyone away from cooperating with the police. The gang surrounded the police cruiser and wounded Jose and Joe before dragging them out on the street. They tied up the two wounded officers and then strung them up by their feet from a light pole on the same street that we just left. They butchered the two cops by cutting off their balls in front of the local residents. They screamed obscenities in Spanish and then Juan doused the dying officers with gasoline and burned them alive! The Avenidas Gang members forced the people to watch the police officers die a horrible death, and vowed to do the same to any informers."
Robbie was afraid that he would throw up when he listened to Casey describe the horrible death of the two police officers.
"Couldn't the police do anything to the gang members?" Robbie asked.
"No one would talk!" Casey replied. "Would you risk that same fate happening to your family? The only information that the police could get was from people who refused to testify against the gang members. Just so you know the whole story, Joseph Marshall was my cousin!"
Robbie tried to process the information from Casey and looked at his SEAL brothers. Now that he knew the reason for the "mission", he was still upset, but now was angrier at how things could be so bad in any part of the United States.
"I'll take that light now," Robbie said to Casey. He puffed the cigar and tried to reason away his sick feelings that he would end up in prison for killing so many men.
"We found out that the Avenidas Gang was having a meeting of their leaders at that bar tonight," Dan said. "We wanted to see how you would handle a mission before we decided to ask you to join the Eagle Team. We knew that you were good with a knife, but I was surprised at your accuracy! What do you guys think? Is Mathews going to be Eagle 7?"
The other two men agreed with Dan's evaluation of Robbie's performance under extreme danger. They all wanted him to be the replacement for Tom Jeffries who had been wounded on their last official mission.
"This is a Monte Cristo cigar!" Robbie said to his buddies. "Where'd you get them?"
"I see that Eagle 7 has some refinement in his background!" Dan joked. "Not too many people can recognize the expensive Cuban cigars, but you did! Congratulations!"
"What about our driver?" Robbie asked. He was concerned that the elderly man could get them arrested if he repeated what he had just heard.
"Let me introduce you to retired Commander Mike Collander," Dan began. "Mike was one of the best SEALs in the Navy, and used to oversee the training at Coronado. Hey Mike, do you remember Captain David Mathews?"
"David is still a close friend of mine," Mike replied. "He was the best martial arts trainer that we ever had!"
"Meet Robbie Mathews, his nephew!" Dan said to the driver. "This runt just proved his mettle in our first mission together!"
"How did you know about my uncle and DON'T call me a runt!" Robbie asked. He knew that the Navy always kept background information a secret, and wondered how Dan had found out about his uncle.
"Casey and Carl saw you in action at the O'Hare Airport, and we've been watching your progress throughout the past year and a half!" Dan replied. "When we saw you take down Wilson Jackson, we knew we had found someone that we wanted for our team. You may not know it, but your uncle has been informed of every phase of your training, but he'll never admit it to you or anyone else. Captain Mathews is still one of the main advisors to the entire SEAL Force!"
Now Robbie was truly shocked! His uncle spent a lot of time in his home office, and no one was allowed to interrupt him if the door was closed. Now he knew why! He wondered if his uncle would find out about what had happened tonight, and hoped that he didn't.
"The Eagles have landed!" Mike Collander said into his cell phone when he was near the empty field where the mission had begun.
Seconds after the four men exited the van and watched it drive away, they heard the sound of the chopper approaching in the night sky. The pilot kept the blades whirling while the passengers jumped inside.
"Strip down and throw everything in the plastic bags," Dan ordered.
"Everything?" Robbie asked. He knew that his shoes and outer clothes were splattered with blood, but he didn't understand the order from his CO.
"This will be the first time that we see your 'pocket rocket' but it won't be the last!" Dan teased. "Every SEAL team is a tight group where we know everything about our brothers. If one of us gets a pimple, every Eagle will know about it, no matter where it is!"
Robbie followed the lead of his commanding officer and put all of his clothes in one of the plastic bags and wrapped a large towel around his body to keep warm. It took less than 10 minutes before the chopper circled a large estate on the outskirts of Oceanside, California. Robbie could see a large fire burning behind the huge home and wondered where they were. One thing that he had learned for his entire life was that he should follow orders.
"Let's go guys!" Dan ordered.
Dan and Robbie grabbed the large plastic bags and handed them to two men waiting on the lawn of the secluded home.
Robbie saw the two men carrying the bags towards the fire, and he correctly guessed that more evidence was going to be immediately burned. He followed Dan into the home and into the master bedroom where a large shower was already warming up. It was a tight fit, but all four men quickly washed away any remnants of blood. He followed the instructions of Dan in closing his eyes so he could be sprayed with a diluted mixture of hydrogen peroxide when the shower was turned off.
"This will remove any remaining blood and help sterilize any cuts," Dan said. He sprayed Robbie and sent him back in the shower to rinse off.
Robbie was amazed to see that Carl and Casey had bleeding wounds that needed medical attention, but neither guy seemed phased by being wounded. When he got out of the shower he saw a pile of clothing for him to wear. Everything fit perfectly, right down to the boxers and tennis shoes.
He saw a man coming into the bedroom and saw Dan motion to the man to attend to Carl and Casey.
"Let's join the party!" Dan said. The guys followed him through the large home and into a game room where two card tables were set up.
Robbie was surprised to see three young men who were obviously his teammates on Eagle Team sitting and playing cards with some older men. Larry Holcomb, Adam Baker, and Jefferson Davis didn't get up and introduce themselves, but they nodded to their teammates and continued playing poker. He had heard their names from Dan, but had never been formally introduced. He correctly guessed that Jefferson was the black man.
"Eagles, let me introduce you to our host, Jules Gulliver, Commander of the California Highway Patrol," Dan said. "Next to Jules is Malcolm Baxter, Mayor of Los Angeles, Jim Balcom, District Attorney for Los Angeles, and the man who helped Carl and Casey is Dr. William Medford."
Robbie had lost track of the times that he was shocked since he left the barracks at Coronado. Now he was sitting down to play cards with some men who could put him in prison for the rest of his life, but his Eagle buddies all seemed relaxed and accepted the offers of alcoholic beverages.
"What took you guys so long?" Mayor Baxter asked. "You guys went out for a smoke and messed up our poker game!"
He was continuing to harass the new arrivals until his cell phone rang.
"Baxter here," he said. "I see! I'll be right there!"
"What's the problem, Malcolm?" Jules asked. "I was just starting to get some of my money back from you, and you find some lame excuse to leave when you're ahead!"
"We had some gang activity in East Los Angeles tonight," Malcolm replied. "It looks like the Toonerville gang wiped out the leaders of the Avenidas Gang, and torched their headquarters. Sorry guys, but I have to leave to investigate!"
"We can still keep two tables going," Jules replied.
Jim Balcom got a similar phone call and excused himself to return to his District Attorney office in Los Angeles. He knew that he would be spending a long night to determine what happened.
Robbie followed the directions of Lt. Dan and sat down to play poker with the remaining officials. He was confused, but realized that the dignitaries were a perfect alibi if any witnesses could identify him or his Eagle brothers. After playing for about an hour, the games broke up and the eight Eagles jumped into a Navy Suburban to return to Coronado.
The planning for the "hit" on the Avenidas Gang was well done and executed to perfection. Carl and Casey had minor injuries that only required a few stitches from Dr. Medford. Robbie headed back to his barracks with a new appreciation of how a mission would be planned and carried out.
Stay Tuned!!!!
Authors Note: This entire story is FICTION!! I do not want readers to "flame" me for involving the Navy SEALs in vigilante actions! The Navy SEALs are the finest Special Forces in the world, and deserve our praise and gratitude. Read my disclaimer at the beginning of this chapter and take it to heart! No animals were harmed during the writing of this chapter!!
Jacob_latson@ hotmail.com