Chapter 16-17 - Adopted into a Modern Family

Chapter 16 – Departure

The morning sun tinted the sky with gold and orange hues as Grant emerged from his barracks, donning his operational uniform. He wore a moss-green Combat T-shirt, highlighting his physique sculpted by intense training. His tactical holster was securely strapped to his right leg, containing his Army-issue Sig Sauer M17 pistol. Oakley sunglasses were perched on his head, ready to be used when needed. His sturdy and comfortable Oakley tactical shoes stomped on the hot base asphalt.

The rest of his gear had already been loaded onto the C-17 Globemaster III transport plane waiting on the tarmac. His M4A1 rifle, magazines, backpacks, ballistic vest, helmet, and other essentials were ready for the journey.

But before boarding, he had something more important to do.

His family was waiting.

The parking lot near the military boarding area was bustling with families saying goodbye to their soldiers. Grant walked toward a separate group, where Mitchell, Cam, Lily, Jay, Gloria, Claire, Phil, Hailey, Alex, Luke, Manny, and Joe were waiting.

Cam was the first to run to him, pulling him into a crushing hug.

"My baby... my little boy..." Cam whispered, his voice breaking.

Grant smiled slightly.

"Cam... you have to let go of me, I'm armed."

Cam let out a dramatic sob and pushed him away, looking at him.

"Look at you. A real man, a soldier. But to me, you'll always be that 15-year-old who came into our lives and changed everything."

Mitchell, standing nearby, tried to maintain his composure, but his eyes were already red.

"Grant... I know you've been trained for this, but... please be careful."

"I promise."

He hugged them both, feeling the weight of goodbye.

Lily, now seven, looked up at him with wide, admiring eyes.

"You're going to be a hero, aren't you, Grant?"

He smiled, bending down to her level.

"Lily, I'm just a soldier. But I promise I'll come back to tell you all the stories."

She nodded, hugging him tightly.

Then it was Jay's turn. The old family patriarch didn't show much emotion, but when he extended his hand to Grant, his grip was firm.

"You'll live up to your name, kid."

"Thank you, Jay."

Jay looked deep into his eyes before patting him on the shoulder.

"And remember: Rangers lead the way."

Grant nodded.

"All the way."

Gloria arrived soon after, holding Joe in her arms.

"Honey, I'm so proud of you. I know Jay doesn't say it, but he is too."

Jay mumbled something inaudible, but no one paid attention.

Four-year-old Joe grabbed Grant's leg.

"Are you going to play real soldier?"

Grant laughed.

"Sort of, champ."

Joe didn't seem to fully understand, but he smiled and extended his little hand for a fist bump. Grant reciprocated.

Then came the hard part. Claire, Phil, Hailey, Alex, and Luke.

Claire was the first to speak.

"You know we consider you our son too, right?"

"I know. And I'm very grateful for that."

"Then make sure you come back."

"I promise."

Phil tried to keep his tone cheerful.

"If you need tips on surviving in the desert, I can give you the contact information of a former geography teacher who spent three months in the Sahara!"

Grant laughed.

"I'll keep that information."

Hailey stepped forward.

"If you die, I'll kill you."

"I'll remember that."

She hugged him tightly.

Alex and Luke were visibly emotional.

"Seriously, man, who's going to save us now?" Luke joked, trying to hide his emotion.

"Find a way, Luke. I'll be right back."

Alex just nodded, wiping his eyes discreetly.

Grant looked at his family one last time, memorizing each face.

"I love you all."

"We love you more," Mitchell replied, his voice breaking.

Grant took a deep breath.

It was time to go.

He turned, walking steadily toward the tarmac, where other soldiers were already preparing to board. His heart was pounding, but his mind was focused.

The family watched as Grant joined the group.

The C-17 Globemaster III, immense and imposing, had its rear door open, revealing the interior where the equipment was already stored.

He climbed the metal ramp, feeling the weight of the moment.

When he reached the top, he turned one last time. His family was still there, watching.

He raised his hand in a final wave.

Cam sobbed. Mitchell held his arm. Jay remained steadfast.

The rear door began to slowly close.

The plane's engine roared as the aircraft began to move down the runway.

Grant sat in the canvas seat next to his companions. Rivera, Collins, Murphy, O'Connor... they were all there.

The roar of the engines grew louder.

Then, finally, the plane took off.

Los Angeles was behind them.

Afghanistan awaited them.

Chapter 17 – Arrival at the FOB

The interior of the C-17 Globemaster III trembled slightly as the aircraft began its descent. Grant and the rest of the 3rd Ranger Battalion team sat in rows of canvas along the fuselage. The metallic smell of the plane mingled with the sweat accumulated from hours of flying. Everyone was exhausted, but adrenaline kept their senses sharp.

Beside Grant, Logan Rivera, one of the team's veteran Rangers, was checking his equipment for the third time.

"It's going to be unlike anything you've ever done before, Cine," Logan commented, referring to Grant's nickname.

"That's what I hope," Grant replied, adjusting the M17 holster on his thigh.

"Ever heard the smell of the Afghan desert?" Collins, another soldier in the team, asked, opening a stick of MRE gum.

"No."

"You'll know what I'm talking about once we get off the plane."

Veteran Ranger Murphy, one of the most experienced, simply smiled.

"Welcome to the show, rookie."

The pilot's voice rang out over the intercom:

"Two minutes to landing."

Grant took a deep breath. The moment had finally arrived.

As the rear ramp began to descend, a dry, hot wind swept through the cargo bay. The smell of dust, burnt fuel, and a faint trace of human sweat hit Grant immediately. It was a distinctive odor he would never forget.

The FOB (Forward Operating Base) was a bustling hub of military activity. Soldiers patrolled the perimeter, MRAP armored vehicles and Humvees were parked throughout the base, and the sounds of Apache and Black Hawk helicopters echoed through the sky.

The blazing Afghan sun loomed over them like a hammer, reflecting off the sand and concrete walls of the base.

Grant and the others walked down the ramp with their gear. They had arrived.

The TOC (Tactical Operations Center) was at the heart of the FOB. It was where critical decisions were made, where commanders monitored operations in real time.

They were quickly ushered there.

As soon as they entered the TOC, the temperature changed dramatically due to the noisy air conditioning system. The room was filled with screens, maps, radios, and soldiers moving between workstations.

The TOC Commander, Major Garrett Holden, stood in front of a large digital map of the region, with red and blue dots marking different locations. He turned as the Rangers entered.

"Gentlemen, welcome to the FOB. I know you're tired, but let's get straight to the point."

They lined up, removing their helmets and listening intently.

Holden pointed to the map.

"Here's the current situation. For the past five months, we've had continuous operations against insurgent elements in the province." Coalition forces have been working to dismantle Taliban and ISIS-K cells operating in the region.

He looked at Grant and the other rookies.

"Who here is on their first deployment?"

Grant raised his hand, along with two other Rangers.

"Good. I hope you paid attention in training, because this is the real world."

He continued.

"We currently have three main forces operating in this area: the US Army, Afghan Special Forces, and some NATO units. The enemy is experienced, adaptable, and knows the terrain better than any of us."

Grant absorbed every word.

Holden pressed a button, switching the map screen to a recent operations report.

"During this period, we conducted 25 direct capture/kill missions, with eight confirmed engagements. We had three casualties among our forces and 17 enemy combatants eliminated."

The mood in the room grew heavy. Three casualties.

Holden looked at everyone.

"You're Rangers. You've been trained for this kind of situation. But never underestimate the enemy. Here, one mistake could cost lives."

He switched to another screen, showing aerial footage of known targets.

"Your first objective will be to integrate with your unit. Then, we have a mission scheduled for three days from now. Stay ready."

He looked directly at Grant.

"Specialist Tucker-Pritchett, I've heard good things about you. I hope you live up to your reputation."

Grant nodded firmly.

"Yes, sir."

Holden closed the screen and turned to the team.

"You're dismissed. Go rest and check your equipment. See you in the field."

Grant looked at Logan, who just smiled.

"So, Cine? Ready for hell?"

Grant took a deep breath, feeling the dust of Afghanistan in his lungs.

"More than ever."

Chapter 9 - Chapter 16-17