Blood Rose
By Amber Dawn
Smashwords Edition, License Notes
This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author. Copyright 2009 by Amber Dawn.
Introduction
Navy Seal history goes as far back as 1943, where the first volunteers were selected from the Naval Construction Battalions known as the Seabees. These men created the Naval Combat Demolition Unit, NCDU. The teams were dutied with clearing beach obstacles for troops during amphibious landings. They eventually evolved into Combat Swimmer Reconnaissance Units.
The Navy in 1947 then organized the Underwater Demolition Teams, the first underwater offensive strike units, UDT's. Counterinsurgency Force. Each branch of the military in the 1960's had their own. The Navy used its UDT men to establish a new unit called the Seals, named for its specialization, sea, air and land.
January of 1962 was the commissioning of the first of two Seal Team's. Team one for the Pacific Fleet and team two for the Atlantic Fleet. These teams were use to conduct unconventional warfare, counter-guerrilla warfare and clandestine operations. The Naval Operations Support Groups were formed to aid UDTs, Seals, and two other special units, Boat Support and Beach Jumpers, in administration, planning, research, and development.
In 1967, the Naval Operations Support Groups changed its name to Naval Special Warfare Groups; NSWG's, The Naval Special Warfare Command was commissioned April 16, 1987, at the Naval Amphibious Base, Coronado, Calif. The mission was to prepare naval special warfare forces to carry out their assigned missions and to develop special operations strategy, doctrine, and tactics missions.
Navy Seals operate in highly demanding circumstances. Water, air or land, the Seals can conform to nearly any environment or terrain by the use of teamwork, training and high-tech equipment. Each Seal team was assigned to an AO, Area of Operation in which they are specially trained to deal with that type of terrain, desert, arctic, woodland or jungle, each type having its own obstacles to overcome.
Since 1962 when the first Seal teams were commissioned, to present day, The Navy Seals have honored themselves as a reliable, disciplined and highly skilled force. Prospectively Seals go through what is maybe considered by military experts to be the toughest training in the world. Mentally and physically training is extremely demanding, and creates the world's best soldiers. During this training focus is based on three key factors:
Character: Missions require the Navy Core values, honor, courage and commitment to be upheld.
Physical: Being physically fit and capable in every environment.
Water training is also required.
Technical: Lastly, there is the requirement of men who are intelligent and can learn new tasks quickly.
In January of 1962 with President Kennedy's want for the development of unconventional warfare, the U.S. Navy made Seal team one and two were formed. These two teams were made entirely with men of the Underwater Demolition Teams. The Seal's mission was to conduct counter guerilla warfare and classified operations in different environments.
Many requirements are needed to become a Navy Seal, one of which is age. Men twenty-eight and under are allow to apply, but there are age waivers that can be use up to thirty years of age.
As of October 1, 1994 Congress and the Secretary of Defense's policy currently excluding woman from combat billets in the military, meaning the Seal program is NOT open to woman!
Chapter 1
June 2002
Six AM comes really early in the scenic Northampton Virginia town set on the Chesapeake Bay, especially when you are up all night talking with your twin sister about your new assignment. Kaytlin had just made a name for herself in the United States Naval history books. Second Lieutenant Kaytlin Michelle Buchanan, an officer in the U.S. Navy, who graduated from the Naval Academy top of her class, had just become the first woman Navy Seal Officer. Originally she was an intelligence officer along side her sister Second Lieutenant Kamira Lynn Buchanan. Together they were the best team in Navel Intelligence. They could tell you anything you wanted to know about anything that was going on or that had already happened in the world.
It was a hard time in the world, Saddam Hussein invading Kuwait not to many years ago, and the recent happenings in Afghanistan. Several terrorist groups were on the up rise and the major tragic events surrounding the September 11th hijackings that ended with the downfall of New York's World Trade Center. Nothing and no one was safe from the horror. Both sisters wanted to contribute as much as they could to preserve the freedoms that held the rest of the world in awe of America.
Kaytlin had just dressed in her khaki naval uniform, the slacks not the skirt. Now she was making sure everything was perfect, not that she was not in perfect condition all the time anyway. She was one for perfection in everything that she did. Kaytlin was a proud strong woman, following in her father's footsteps, military all the way. She seemed to be out to prove something to the world. Had to be better and stronger then everyone else. Some people thought of her as an arrogant woman's right liberalist. She was nothing like that at all.
Kaytlin gave credit to those soccer mom's she would see out in their vans trucking kids from one place to another before going home to make dinner for the family. That stay at home mom thing just was not for her. Her father taught her at an early age that she could do and be anything she wanted to be and to not let anything stand in her way. Kaytlin was one tough cookie.
Kaytlin's twin sister on the other hand, she was the demur type with a wild side when not in uniform. Kamira had more of the cheerleader personality. She stood on the sidelines in high school at the football games, dated the jocks and had more friends then one person could keep track of. It didn't matter what Kamira did, there was always a crowd of people surrounding her, which of course with her being the center of attention. It was in her blood to be that way. Kamira loved her sister but she didn't understand the determination that drove Kaytlin so hard.
Kaytlin was all work and no play, always serious. She loved her work and dedicated her life to it. There was no time for a social life especially after the horrible way that her last boyfriend had treated her. They had gone through the academy together then he up and dumped her because of where she wanted her career to go. He couldn't handle having a woman that was physically stronger then himself, and better at almost everything then he was.
"Kaytlin come on we're gonna be late!" Kamira yelled from the front door of their beach house.
"Kammie just hold your horses."
"Screw you I'm leaving in five with or with out you!"
It was odd for Kaytlin to be the last one ready; she was always done before Kamira. Kamira was the one that normally took two hours getting ready in the mornings. Dolling herself up for the soldiers she might run into. Luckily, there was a separate bathroom down in Kamira's remodeled room, which use to be a den. The whole house had just been remodeled not but a year ago. Kaytlin and Kamira went together two years ago and bought a beautiful house on the beach. They decided to remodel it so that it gave more privacy to both of them.
Kaytlin had the whole up stairs, above half the living room and the entire garage or what use to be the garage. Her room with two others and a large bathroom were the only things up there. Kamira had the house section that was set back behind the Kitchen. It was like a den when they bought the house, now it was a large bedroom with a huge walk-in closet to accommodate Kamira's enormous wardrobe. Back in Kamira's room was a spa type bathroom. Yes Kamira loved to spoil herself more then most woman did.
On this particular day, Kaytlin didn't care if she was holding up her sister for once, it served her right for all the times she had done it plus she knew that the guys on the team were going to be out to prove that she didn't belong. Everything had to be just right, No room for question. She couldn't give them any reason to harass her until they got to know her; she still knew that it was going to be hard from the start just because she was a woman. That was always the way, just because your body lacked a certain appendage you were already damned. You weren't good enough; you couldn't “hang with the boys”.
Before leaving the bathroom, Kaytlin gave herself one last look in the full-length mirror mounted on the back of the door. While walking down the steps Kaytlin shook her head seeing Kamira in her whites. The skirt that she insisted on wearing always looked to short on her sister even though it was within military regulation. Kaytlin hated the white uniform; she thought it was too dressy and feminine. Being a tomboy from the day she was born, she couldn't handle dressy clothes. She needed more freedom of movement.
"About time, you know I have a briefing at o' seven hundred," Kamira stated the time in the usual military jargon.
Kaytlin gave her sister the once over, her eyes showing the disgust for the uniform. Kaytlin reminded herself that was how Kamira was, and was sure that it was to impress some guy. God knows there were enough men to go around, and Kamira had her fair share of male admirers.
"Yeah, yeah let's go."
They both finally left the house and hopped into Kamira's white BMW. It was her week to drive, Kamira preferred to drive, she always bitched about riding in Kaytlin's Jeep. She fussed about how the wind messed up her hair and that it wasn't lady like to be riding around in a vehicle meant for off-roading. She could be quite the 'Miss Priss'.
Kaytlin was the tomboy of the two. Always getting dirty with the boys when they were kids, working on hot rod cars, you name it, if the boys could do it so could Kaytlin. While Kamira sat back watching and getting all the dates. Since they worked and lived together they traded off driving back and forth to the base, it just made no sense to take two vehicles, unless there was a need to.
*
The fifteen-mile drive to Langley Air Force Base was made in silence with Kaytlin staring out the passenger side window wondering what the guys from her team would be like. As they drove through the main gate of the base, they got the normal salute from the gate guard as due to officers. Then Kamira drove the ten blocks and pulled into the reserved parking lot at the INTEL building, which was also the main headquarters for their section of Navy Seal teams.
Navy Seals were an elite team that went on numerous classified missions, Top Secret! It was a branch of the Navy that was very hush, hush, no one was suppose to really know about them, but there were the rumors. Which of course they were always denied. Navy Seals were like the Black OPS, they went in on the most dangerous mission to do the things that no one else could accomplish. Each team was comprised of about six men, each with special skills. There was at least one medic per team, one explosives expert and a sharp shooter. Kaytlin's skills were in hand-to-hand combat, plus she was a crack sniper shot. She was a well even-tempered person when it came to the job, always kept her cool under pressure when it really mattered.
During Seal training the other guys and the training instructors did everything they could to break her. Most men never make it through the training. Let alone a woman, it was extremely brutal. You had to be at the top of your game, in great physical and mental condition. These missions were more dangerous then being out on the battlefield. It was the responsibility for the training instructors to push every candidate to their limits and beyond; they couldn't have someone that would break under pressure!
When Kaytlin went through her training the media was all over it. The thought of a woman Navy Seal was big news. The Navy made no comments on the matter, never releasing any information. So at least her picture and name wasn't plastered all over the television and papers, she could go some where with out being followed. The other seals however, knew that there was a woman going through training and didn't like the idea one bit. Nevertheless, since only forty percent of them made it through the training they figured a little woman wouldn't last a week. They were like a gang, a boys club, with huge egos. When word came down that she graduated the extensive training, each team dreaded the thought hoping that they wouldn't have her assigned to them. Have a woman on their team.
Chapter 2
Together Kaytlin and Kamira walked to General Foxx' office. General Foxx over saw the Seals and so since both were in INTEL they had worked with him several times. Some how Kaytlin had never actually met him; they had only conversed over the phone but both had a strong mutual respect for each other's work.
Kaytlin and Kamira both snapped a salute when he turned to them. "General!"
"Lieutenants,” He paused. “Wow... I knew your sister was the newest recruit but I didn't know you were identical twins." He said with raised eyebrows when he saw the two of them together.
Kaytlin stepped up. "Lieutenant Kaytlin Buchanan reporting for duty, Sir!" Kaytlin stood tall and proud, the very model of the well bred soldier.
"At ease Lieutenant, usually around here we are a little less formal." Kaytlin relaxed.
"Lieutenant you can go prepare for the briefing, while I introduce your sister to her team. We'll meet you in the board room at o' seven hundred."
"Yes Sir!" Kamira gave a relaxed salute and left.
"Now Lieutenant!" Foxx began as he started down the corridor. “I have seen your file. You have an impeccable record. Top in your class both at the Academy and in Seal training also having had the pleasure of working with you.” He paused and gave Kaytlin another glance. “I just can't get over the fact that you and your sister are identical, as much as we have conducted business on the phone I would have never guessed. Anyway, I have chosen very carefully in placing you on our best Seal team. They are a bunch of tough ruthless guys. They are the best at what they do. From what I have heard about you I believe you'll be able to handle them." The general explained.
As they reached the door Kaytlin straightened her back and adjusted her hat that was tucked under the belt of her uniform pants. She figured if she showed her strength and confidence the guys would be less appt to find something wrong with her.
The General walked into the room first blocking the view of Kaytlin from the five men sitting at the large conference table. All of them with their feet either on other chairs or on the table it's self. The one at the head of the table was big and buff, his arms and chest looked like they were going to rip his uniform shirt if he moved. His head was shaved not like the usual military buzz cut. He had dark tanned skin and scrutinizing dark eyes with an air of arrogance around him. To his left was a man with a much smaller build but very toned the build of a man that followed the martial arts. This one had black hair and gentler dark eyes. The other three appeared younger and seemed your average looking guys. Nothing noticeably physical made them stand out as the other two, although they did have that tough rebel with out a cause aura about them.
When the General walked up to the big guy, he stood. "Lieutenant this is your Seal team. Here we have the team leader Lieutenant Vincent DeMarco," gesturing to the tower of a man before Kaytlin. "To his left is Lieutenant Patrick Lee the team medic. Over there is Petty Officer Lance Schaefer our wild child,” the general chuckled. “Ensign Zander Trenton our sniper, and Ensign Leo McCormick demolitions," each of them nodded politely as he said their names.
"Guys this is your new team member Lieutenant Kaytlin Buchanan. I know you boys aren't too happy about my decision, but give her a chance, she might surprise you, and she is good at what she does just like all of you. This is why I’m putting her with you. I expect you all to treat her with respect and as a member of the team!" He made his words sound like an order causing Kaytlin to sigh.
DeMarco just stood there giving Kaytlin the once over, thinking she looked familiar. 'How the hell did she make it this far, she doesn't look like anything special.' He thought to himself.
Kaytlin was tall five foot eleven with long brown hair pulled back in regulation style, and almost a model type figure. Most people underestimated the power hidden inside of her. She may not have the bulk but she could hold her own quite well.
Just then Kamira walked through the door. DeMarco looked pass the general at Kamira then back to Kaytlin, raising an eyebrow. He would have thought he was still drunk from the night before and seeing double if it weren't for the different uniforms.
"You all know Intelligence Officer, Lieutenant Kamira Buchanan." The General noted the shocked look on DeMarco's face. "Yes they are twins. I just learned about it a few minutes ago myself.” The General motioned to Kaytlin then to the empty chairs. “Lieutenant, take a seat and we'll begin." Kaytlin took the empty seat next to DeMarco and Kamira went to the front of the room.
"You guys all know what's going on in Afghanistan. Bin Laden and his men are on the move again. We have had him under surveillance for some time now trying to figure out what his plans are, but haven't been able to learn anything of importance. We need you to go in and see what you can get from the old headquarters. It should be fairly easy, as you can see from these satellite photos." She tossed a stack of black and white ariel pictures on the table. "There is still some security, so we suspect that there is something of importance left in there. Your mission is to go in get all the intelligence you can and get out." She plopped down a file in front of DeMarco. “Here are the stats and all the info that you'll need to help you through the task. Remember this is a fact-finding mission, so NO heroics.” Kamira eyeballed Schaefer knowing that he had a tenancy to go off half cocked trying to be a show off.
For the next hour, Kaytlin sat with her team listening to everything that Kamira had on Bin Laden. Of course, most of it was stuff that Kaytlin had already known, but since she was away for the last two years training more had happened that she couldn't have known about. Being out of the INTEL loop was weird and frustrating to her, but now she had the chance to really do something more then look at photos and print outs. She could actually put to use all the info stored in her head by making plans and carrying them out.
Finally General Foxx placed a hand on Kamira's shoulder and she backed up. "You have two days to prepare and get to know Lieutenant Buchanan before you leave. I'm sure that you all will be going down to the gym to do your equipment check? DeMarco make sure that Buchanan is out fitted with everything that she needs. And report back here at o' five hundred hours Monday morning."
DeMarco stood. "Yes Sir."
Before leaving Foxx made one last comment, “Oh yeah have fun this weekend. Remember she is one of you now, treat her as such!" Petty Officer Schaefer had a wicked grin on his face after the general's comment, which made Kaytlin wonder what he was thinking. Who could tell what any of them were thinking aside from not wanting to work with a woman.
The guys started filing out of the room when Kamira walked to her sister and whispered. "Watch yourself with these guys. They don't play nice.” Kaytlin nodded.
DeMarco gestured to Kaytlin to follow him. Kaytlin grumbled to herself, 'Like I don't know where the gym is,’ Kamira and her used the gym in the basement level regularly when no one was around.
*
All six went to the weapons storage area in the basement to check out the equipment, and so that Kaytlin could be issued her gear. Kaytlin received a standard issue.9 millimeter berretta, Kaytlin's choice of handgun's. An M-30 rifle equipped with a snipers scope, as Kaytlin was also a trained sharpshooter. There were several different uniforms, night ops, desert BDU's, and of course the normal green forest BDU's. Every Seal had to have at least those three uniforms for whatever environment they would have to infiltrate. Any others like water suits were given out on an, as needed basis.
Next DeMarco showed her the rest of the arsenal that was at their disposal for missions when needed. Everything a terrorist or crazed lunatic who would go postal could ever want. Hell, there were even things in there that Kaytlin had to search her memory to remember what they were.
A short time later Kaytlin went to the women's locker room to change out of her uniform and into her work out clothes, which consisted of tight black leggings and black T-shirt. When she came out Schaefer and DeMarco were in the boxing ring sparring with the other three watching. Lee and Trenton were routing for DeMarco with McCormick giving Schaefer advice. Kaytlin had planned on doing her normal thing and not worrying about the guys, which started out with the big bag, which hung from the ceiling not ten feet away from the ring. Kaytlin wrapped her hands as a professional boxer would and did a few stretches before starting.
She was only a few minutes into the workout when she heard. "What the little girl afraid to get in the ring with the men?” Came from Schaefer's mouth.
Kaytlin paused without looking at Schaefer, but rolled her eyes and let out a soft groan, then went back to hitting the bag. "Chicken!" She heard Schaefer taunt.
The rest of the guys let out boisterous laughs egging Schaefer on, except for DeMarco. DeMarco walked over to the ropes; he wanted to see her reaction.
Kaytlin slowly turned towards Schaefer with a raised brow and head cocked slightly to the side. "It's not that I'm chicken, I just wouldn't want to embarrass you in front of your friends.” Kaytlin stated as she proceeded to the wrestling mat.
"Oh big words, from such a little girl." Schaefer quickly jumped over the top rope landing firmly on his feet, showing off of course, seemingly to try and intimidate Kaytlin.
Kaytlin was at the center of the mat, not even seeing that her sister had walked in. Schaefer walked to the mat as Kaytlin gave him a 'come get me' gesture with her hand. Schaefer of course was more then willing to show up this wanna be bad ass girl that had invaded their group.
Schaefer and Kaytlin circle each other waiting for the other to make a move, eyes locked on each other sizing the other up looking for an opening. Kaytlin broke the silence “What having second thoughts and afraid that you're not as good as you're mouth is?”
“Well honey instead of a mat maybe we should take this to the bedroom.”
Kamira went over to where DeMarco was still leaning on the ropes of the ring, and leaned up against the platform of the ring below him, folding her arms under her chest. "He should have never done that."
DeMarco looked down at Kamira. "Done what?" DeMarco asked.
“Taunt her into a challenge, because now she's about to open a can of whoop ass on him.”
Schaefer finally made a move; he rushed Kaytlin in a football crouch to tackle her. Kaytlin pivoted back on her right leg out of the way then came back with her right forearm hitting him across the middle of the back. Schaefer grunted, then caught her other arm more to stabilize himself from falling then he twisted it behind her back.
Kamira whispered up to DeMarco and nodded towards the two in the center of the mat. "I love this, watch." Kaytlin threw her leg straight up to her shoulder doing the splits while standing. She caught Schaefer square in the forehead with her shin, causing him to let go and stumble back a few steps.
Kaytlin quickly faced him once more, crouched and gestured him to her again. "That all you got little boy?" her tone mocked his weak efforts. Kaytlin shifted her weight back and forth from one leg to the other, ready to pounce or evade if needed.
Schaefer went round for round with Kaytlin each time she would get the best of him. While DeMarco watched from the side lines observing each and every precisely executed move Kaytlin made. Noting the way her body moved, she reacted with cat like grace, and how in control she stayed. How she knew what Schaefer was going to try before he did it. Kaytlin could anticipate every strike or counter strike he made. She was like a machine, always knowing how to block, strike and evade, something that every soldier had to possess to survive. DeMarco was almost impressed with her show of hand-to-hand skills.
"Kat stop playing with him and get it over with. I wanna go get a drink." Kamira was obviously getting bored which was evident in her voice.
DeMarco glanced down at Kamira with annoyance of the impatience then back up in time to see Schaefer charge Kaytlin. She stepped back with her right leg kicking him in the mid-section with her left.
As Schaefer grabbed his abdomen and dropped to his knees, Kaytlin walked towards her sister brushing her hands together as thou they were dirty. “Well that wasn't much fun. I'm bored plus his bark is obviously worse then his bite. I guess we can go now.” Kaytlin gave Kamira a wicked grin.
DeMarco looked pissed. A girl just beat one of his men. Kamira looked up at the guys with an 'I told you so' look and giggled to herself. Kamira met up with Kaytlin walking towards the locker room. As they passed by Lee, he over heard Kamira. “Kat, if you want them to know what you can do, why play with the guy like that. You know you could have put the little piss ant out of his misery anytime!”
"I know but I didn't want to bruise his ego too badly.” Kaytlin continued to the locker room.
Lee was stunned, he had to know, he grabbed Kamira's arm to stop her. "Was she really holding back?"
Kamira faced Lee. "Honey you ain't seen the half of what that girl can do. She has yet to be beat in one-on-one combat. You oughtta read her file, she was the top of her Seal training class in everything!" Lee gazed at the locker room door where Kaytlin had just disappeared; not wanting to believe what he just saw or heard.
DeMarco was checking on Schaefer because he was still on the floor when Lee went over. DeMarco was a proud man. He took pride in his team, they were all in the same training class together and he himself did a lot to improve the skills they had. Let alone all the crap they had been through in the last few years together. That was one of the reasons they were so close it was rare to work with the same guys as long as they have. Usually they would slowly get picked off one by one or they couldn't handle the dangerous conditions any more and quit. Yeah they were a rowdy bunch, but they were the best at what they did. No one was better then DeMarco or his guys. Damn sure NOT a woman!
Chapter 3
The two sisters sat at the bar of the crowded officers club. Although it was exclusive to those of privileged rank, it was still as loud as the regular meat market bars in town. Kaytlin drank her normal beer while Kamira has a rum and coke. Kaytlin took a big swig of beer as she continued dominating the conversation.
"I'll be damned if I'm gonna let a bunch of ego driven guys tell me I'm not good enough. Especially Commander Bald Jock Boy. Oh, he doesn't say much with his mouth but those stares of his say plenty. Why is it that just because you have tits they automatically think you can't measure up? Well I can and damn it they'll be sorry!"
Kamira sat there half listening to her sister go on and on about how wrong it was that women weren't allow in most combat. How as long as a woman could do the job right she should be allowed any position she wanted. Kamira scanned the place in search or something or someone more interesting, like the tall good looking blonde at the other end of the bar she had locked eyes with. They both were so caught up in their own little worlds that neither one of them heard the guys walk up and stand behind them.
Over hearing enough of the male bashing DeMarco made a point to loudly clear his throat. Kaytlin turned to see him in a commanding stance of legs shoulder width apart and arms folded across his chest. It reminded Kaytlin of her training instructors. That stance was used for intimidation purposes, hoping to scare and break her. To most people DeMarco would be quite impressive, with his muscular physique clad in a Naval Officer's uniform, but nothing rattled Kaytlin.
"What now?" Kaytlin demanded.
Kamira decided to say something before DeMarco could and piss off her sister even more. "Hey, why don't you guys all come out to our place? We can barbecue. It will give you a chance to get to know my bad tempered sister."
The bartender approached. "Can I get you fella's anything?"
Lee brushed passed DeMarco who still had his stare fixed on Kaytlin and slapped his palm down. "A round of beers for the boys and another drink for the ladies here. On Me." He tried changing the tension of the moment, which was like him. He was more the peacemaker, but still a tough boy using his brain to out smart people in a sticky situation. Kamira shot Lee an innocent smile of thanks.
When the bartender set the beers on the counter DeMarco broke his glare on the new teammate and reached between the two women grabbing one of the bottles, then he walked away.
"What did I tell you? They are never going to accept me as an equal. Just because I'm a woman they think I can't hack it." Kaytlin said when they were out of earshot, her eyes followed them.