Chapter 37 – The News in the News
The afternoon sun streamed softly through the windows of the Dunphy house, illuminating the living room where almost the entire Pritchett-Dunphy-Tucker family was gathered. It was one of those rare moments when everyone was together, talking and relaxing.
Claire and Phil were on the couch, each with a glass of wine. Haley and Alex were sitting on the floor, playing with their phones, while Luke played with Joe on the rug. Jay and Gloria were in an armchair, laughing at a story Manny was telling. Mitchell and Cam were in the kitchen, making something to eat, and Lily and little Aubrey were running down the hallway.
The atmosphere was one of pure comfort.
It was then that the television caught everyone's attention.
On the screen, a serious reporter spoke:
"Breaking news: US special forces conducted a successful operation in Iraq, rescuing American citizens held hostage by the terrorist group Islamic State (ISIS). Sources indicate the mission was led by the Army's secret elite, known as Delta Force."
Silence.
The entire room stopped what they were doing and turned to the TV.
The reporter continued:
"According to preliminary information, the rescue took place in the city of Kirkuk, in northern Iraq. The hostages were transported to a secure base and are now under the care of US forces. The Pentagon has not yet released details about the operation, but experts say this action marks a serious blow to ISIS operations in the region."
Eyes began to meet.
Jay frowned and crossed his arms.
"Delta Force, huh?"
Mitchell looked at Cam, then at his parents, then at the others.
"Okay, everyone's thinking the same thing, right?"
Phil blinked.
"Like... there's a small but significant chance that our Grant has something to do with this?"
Claire exhaled and ran a hand over her face.
"I don't know whether to be proud or worried."
Gloria clutched her chest.
"I'm nervous! My baby is right there in the middle of all this!"
Haley raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah, but look... that's kind of amazing. I mean, it's scary, but... damn, he's like a real superhero."
Luke smiled.
"Imagine if he appears in the next Hollywood action movie!"
Alex rolled his eyes.
"Sure, Luke, because top-secret missions are made to be blockbusters."
The Suspicions
Jay took a sip of his whiskey and looked at the rest of the family.
"Well, we can't just ask, can we? He'd never confirm."
Claire sighed.
"Yeah, but I can tell. Last time, when we asked about that Taliban leader, he gave me that 'I can't confirm or deny' look and changed the subject."
Phil scratched his chin.
"So now we have to read our son's facial expressions to see if he participated in something that could change the course of history?"
Cam put his hands on his hips.
"I don't know about you, but I just want him to be okay. And to come home soon."
Mitchell nodded.
"Yes, exactly. I'm proud, but at the same time… he's always in danger. It's a lot to process."
Jay nodded.
"Welcome to the club, Mitchell. I've spent my whole life worrying about you guys, now you spend yours worrying about Grant. It's the cycle of parenthood."
Gloria looked at the screen, which now showed illustrative images of military operations.
"I just hope he's with people who care for him."
As everyone digested the news, Claire looked at Phil and whispered:
"Do you think he'd ever tell us?"
Phil thought for a moment before answering:
"Maybe… but I think the most important thing for him is that we know he's okay, even without details."
Jay, still watching the TV, muttered to himself:
"The boy was always strong. But now… he's more than that. He's someone who makes a difference in the world."
No one said anything, but everyone felt the weight of those words.
Grant was no longer just their son, grandson, brother, or nephew.
He was an elite soldier, a silent warrior who faced danger to protect other lives.
And, even without confirmation, everyone knew he was there.
Chapter 38 – The Promotion
Time passed quickly. 2018 arrived, and Grant was no longer just a new member of Delta Force; he had proven himself to be one of the best.
Now, after countless successful missions and the trust he had earned among the more veteran operators, he had been promoted to Sergeant (E-5).
The morning was chilly, with a light fog shrouding Delta Force headquarters at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Grant sat on the edge of his bunk inside the barracks reserved for C Squadron operators.
His hair was slightly longer than it had been as a Ranger, and his well-groomed but still thick beard reflected his experience. His camouflage uniform, devoid of unit insignia and the absence of any conspicuous symbols, betrayed that he was part of one of the most secretive forces in the world.
He pulled on his Lowa Zephyr boots, tightening the laces. Beside him, his HK416 rifle rested against the wall, always ready for any eventuality.
The sound of the door opening caught his attention.
"Cine, get your ass up, we have to go to the TOC."
It was Rodriguez, one of the squadron's most veteran operators. A Latino man in his late 40s, with a thick accent and a sharp wit.
Grant raised an eyebrow and stretched.
"Did something happen?"
Rodriguez gave a small smile.
"You'll find out when you get there."
The TOC was the heart of any Delta operation. A quiet environment, yet charged with tense energy.
Maps covered the walls, screens showed real-time drone footage, and intelligence operators worked discreetly in the background.
Grant walked in beside Rodriguez and saw Major Carson, C Squadron's commander, standing beside a table, looking over some reports.
The Major looked up and nodded to Grant.
"Tucker, good work this past year. You've adapted quickly and lived up to your name here."
Grant stood firm, but felt a certain pride well up within him.
"Thank you, sir."
The Major picked up a small black case from the table and opened it. Inside gleamed his new Sergeant (E-5) insignia.
"As of today, you are no longer a regular Delta SFC. You have been promoted to Sergeant (E-5). Officially, you now have more responsibilities, but we know you've already been performing above and beyond what was expected."
Grant took the badge and stared at it for a moment. The simple but meaningful insignia represented years of effort and dedication.
Rodriguez patted Grant lightly on the back and smiled.
"You're a real grown-up now, Cine."
The Major closed the case and looked at Grant.
"Keep up the good work. Now go celebrate, because tomorrow we have a new mission to plan."
Later that night, the squadron gathered at one of the bars frequented by operators in Fayetteville, near Fort Bragg.
The atmosphere was low-key, filled with military personnel and veterans, with low-key music and the smell of barbecue in the air.
Grant sat with Rodriguez, Walker, Jensen, and Ramirez, all seasoned men who had become his brothers in arms.
Rodriguez raised a glass of whiskey and looked at Grant.
"To the new Sergeant Tucker. May you continue not to die on missions."
Everyone laughed and toasted.
Grant took a sip and smiled.
"If it were up to me, I won't be giving the enemy that pleasure any time soon."
Jensen, a tall man with a shaved head and a Texas drawl, joked:
"Just don't let that promotion go to your head. If you start bossing me around, I'll pretend not to hear."
Grant laughed.
"And when have you guys ever listened to me, huh?"
The table erupted in laughter.
Later, back at his quarters, Grant lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling.
The weight of his new rank brought responsibilities, but he knew he was ready.
He had survived two brutal deployments, fought ISIS, rescued hostages, and was now recognized as a leader within Delta.
And he knew this was just another step on the journey.
2018 still promised new challenges… and new battles.
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