Chapter 5: Chapter 7 – Leader in the Shadows
His days at SAD had changed Percy Jackson. He was no longer just a highly trained soldier; he now commanded a small, elite team that operated outside the traditional boundaries. The other agents called him "Commander," but Percy knew this wasn't DEVGRU it was a different ballgame altogether.
His missions involved infiltration, intelligence gathering, and direct action. Always clandestine, always crucial. Percy was a quick adaptor, but his experience as a leader and his ability to make decisions under pressure made him stand out even more.
After months of working at SAD, Percy received word that he would be leading his own team. The meeting took place in a discreet room at CIA headquarters, with blank walls and an oval table in the center. Roberts, his superior, was at the head.
"Commander Jackson, you have demonstrated exceptional ability in individual missions. From now on, you will lead a group under our operations division."
Percy nodded, accepting the responsibility without hesitation.
"Who will be my team?"
Roberts handed him a dossier with the profiles. Percy opened the file and studied the names and specialties.
Agent Harper: Specialist in disguise and urban espionage.
Agent Kane: Sniper and long-range weapons specialist.
Agent Ramirez: Explosives and logistics specialist.
Roberts added,
"They are some of the best. You will be responsible for coordinating all operations and making sure they come back in one piece."
Percy looked up confidently.
"Understood."
The group gathered in an operations room a few hours later. Harper, a tall woman with blonde hair tied in a bun, was the first to speak.
"So, you're the famous Percy Jackson? They say your reputation is impressive."
Percy smirked.
"I just do my job. But we're a team now, so let's focus on that."
Kane, a sharp-eyed man with a rigid posture, crossed his arms.
"I've worked with leaders before. I expect you to be up to the task."
"I expect nothing less from you, Kane," Percy replied, his tone firm but calm.
Ramirez, the most laid-back of the three, chuckled as he adjusted his cap on his head.
"I already like him. Now let's see what our mission is."
Percy picked up the tablet on the table and projected the information onto the screen.
"First objective: infiltrate and dismantle a terrorist cell in Eastern Europe. They're planning a cyberattack that could compromise critical infrastructure. We need to get in, gather intel, and, if necessary, eliminate the threat."
Harper looked at the plan with interest.
"Sounds straightforward, but the area is tricky. We'll need good disguises."
Percy pointed at her.
"Exactly. Harper, you lead the initial infiltration. Kane, long-range cover. Ramirez, prepare the equipment for any extraction needs."
The three nodded, already getting into the rhythm.
The team arrived in the city in the dead of night, using fake identities. Percy wore a well-tailored suit, posing as a business consultant, while Harper posed as his assistant. Kane and Ramirez were at strategic points, monitoring their movements.
The objective was to infiltrate an office building that served as a front for the terrorist cell.
As Percy and Harper entered the building, he whispered into the microphone:
"Ramirez, system status?"
"Almost there, Commander. Another 30 seconds and you'll have access to the floor."
Percy looked at Harper, who was adjusting her posture, looking like a professional ready to close a million-dollar contract.
"You're good at this," he commented.
"This isn't my first time pretending to be an assistant. Now pretend you know what you're doing, boss."
They reached the elevator, where Percy inserted an access card provided by Ramirez. The green light flashed, and the doors opened.
"Kane, cover?" Percy asked as the elevator ascended.
"All clear on the perimeter. Two sentries on the roof, but out of range for now."
On the designated floor, Percy and Harper found the core of the operation. A room filled with computers and communications equipment, with three men working absently.
Percy motioned silently to Harper, who nodded before moving deftly. She approached the first man, pretending to ask for help, while Percy crept forward to disable the systems.
Everything seemed to be going well, until one of the men noticed something amiss.
"Who are you guys?" he asked, his hand going to a pistol on his belt.
Harper acted quickly, landing a well-aimed blow that knocked him down, while Percy immobilized another. The third tried to flee, but was stopped by Kane, who shot him in the leg from a remote position.
"Long-range coverage never fails," Kane said over the radio, his voice full of confidence.
Percy smiled, even though the moment was tense.
Thanks, Kane. Ramirez, we need a way out now.
"Out the door, boss. Five minutes."
With the data collected and the systems sabotaged, the team left before reinforcements arrived.
Back at the safe point, Percy gathered his team for a quick assessment.
"Harper, great job on the infiltration. Kane, your precision was essential. Ramirez, without you, we wouldn't even have access to the building."
Ramirez shrugged.
"I'm just doing my part, boss."
Harper looked at Percy with a smile.
"You lead well. Maybe you convinced me that the fame was deserved."
Percy laughed.
"Was that a compliment, Harper?"
"Don't get used to it."
Kane, who had maintained a serious demeanor until then, finally relaxed.
"You've proven yourself, Jackson. We're ready for the next one."
Percy nodded, satisfied.
"We're in this together." Let's rest while we can.
Later, as Percy reviewed the mission reports, he thought about how his life had changed. Years ago, he had led demigods into battles against monsters and titans. Now, he led elite operatives on missions that would never be revealed to the public.
There were similarities, but also differences. He was no longer fighting just for survival or for his past. He was part of something bigger, and his team was slowly becoming a new family.
As he turned off the light in his office, Percy muttered to himself,
"Another mission completed. Bring on the next ones."
And with that, he prepared himself for whatever the future in the SAD might bring. After all, his journey was just beginning.
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