Retribution
About a week after sending Liam and Carlos to the US, I got word that they'd finished their work and were coming back to Korea.
"Took longer than when I went to the US. Wasn't it about five days last time?"
"We had to split between the East and West coasts, so it couldn't be helped."
"What the hell did you do that required splitting between East and West?"
Athena had requested additional personnel, and the other team members agreed, so I gave permission, but I had no idea who they were bringing that required splitting between East and West.
"Want me to show you in advance?"
"No, why would I spoil the surprise? You vetted them, didn't you?"
"That's true."
"Then I'll see their faces when they get to Korea. It took a week, so I guess I can expect something, right?"
I was speaking casually, but I could sense something was off lately. Especially Jacob and Eric seemed a bit on edge. Probably because their numbers had been cut from four to two?
Back to SGBAC again. I've been here so often it's starting to feel like home.
I was waiting in front of the gate inside the terminal, wondering when they'd come out, when the door opened and familiar faces appeared.
Carlos and Liam, whom I hadn't seen in a week and two days, looked a bit tired. Despite their fatigue, they straightened up when they saw me and walked over with steady steps.
And behind them, three men followed.
'Look at those faces. None of them seem to have any physical issues?'
"All four of them have problems with their families, not themselves."
After hearing Athena's explanation, I roughly understood. Even former soldiers couldn't handle America's notorious medical bills. Especially since their families were suffering from terminal or incurable diseases, they had no choice but to take the hand we offered.
'But you said four. I only see three.'
"One is being helped out, so it's taking a bit longer."
As soon as Athena finished speaking, a woman who looked clearly frail came out of the arrivals gate, being supported.
"Those who could be treated locally were treated with the medicine Liam and Carlos delivered before they left. One had to be transported to Korea for treatment."
'And that woman is the one?'
"Yes, she's the wife of the team member supporting her. Their children came along too."
"Nice to meet you all. Since we have eyes on us, how about we move somewhere else to talk?"
There were no other passengers besides us, and only five staff members, so it wasn't a big deal, but there was no need to talk here.
While the woman who seemed unwell was inside a special capsule at the Bio Center for treatment, I exchanged names and had various conversations with the new recruits.
"The close protection team remains the same. If the original four are your shield, these new members are your spear."
"I roughly understand. Still, I hope I never have to use those people."
If a situation arises where they need to show their skills, it means something requires retaliation, and I hope that doesn't happen to disrupt my daily life.
"That's why we recruited them. Preparing in advance makes it easier to handle situations when they arise. A sword is most powerful when sheathed, and it also serves as a deterrent."
The new members made something like a pledge of loyalty and then started receiving training on various matters.
"Is something bothering you?"
Carlos's expression was quite interesting as he watched Jacob and Liam training the new recruits.
"No problem. Just funny watching them swim." "Wouldn't saying that in front of them start a fight?" "Don't worry. We always mess around like this."
The simple training seemed to end, and everyone scattered to look around the factory.
"Treatment is done. The capsule will open soon."
As soon as Athena's words registered, the capsule opened and the woman from earlier walked out. Gone was the gaunt figure who could barely walk; she moved like a healthy adult woman. The man who had been supporting her ran over and had a tearful reunion with his wife.
'That's a good sight. Seeing this makes it all worthwhile.'
Just like when I fixed Eric and Carlos's legs, watching someone shake off a disease and return to normal was more thrilling than I expected.
After watching them embrace and cry, I started the car and headed back to Seoul.
"I've finished preparing the house and other facilities so there won't be any problems like last time. Starting tomorrow, they'll begin work immediately, just like Jacob's team."
Compared to Jacob and his team who are directly attached to me, these new members will be moving in places I won't see, so I probably won't even notice the increase in numbers.
A week passed, and the new members had fully adapted to life in Korea. And on Friday evening, after all work was done, Athena summoned both teams.
"Now that everyone has adapted to life in Korea, we can begin this operation."
"What operation?"
James, the most veteran of the new recruits, raised his hand.
"Boss—that's what you'll call him. This concerns the death of the boss's parents."
As she explained the situation, the atmosphere turned quite grim.
"We already have Team 1, all former Army, but the reason we specifically recruited you all from DevGru and SEALs is this. The trail went cold after the truck driver, the lowest link in the case, emigrated to the Philippines, but we recently succeeded in tracking him down."
At the same time, a satellite image appeared on the TV screen.
"The location is in southern Manila, Philippines. He lives in a stilt house over water, deliberately keeping his distance from the Korean community and living quietly. He's also hired armed guards near the house."
"What are the rules of engagement?"
After hearing Athena's briefing, James exchanged glances with his Team 2 members and asked.
"Capture the truck driver alive. The rest is up to your judgment on the scene. Killing is allowed."
"Understood. When does the operation commence?"
"The boss shouldn't know about this yet. We have a 12-hour window from 8 PM, when he goes home after work, to 8 AM the next morning. The operation must be completed within that time. So we'll execute it tomorrow evening. Since it's the weekend, it'll be easier for me to keep the boss at home."
"What equipment is supported?"
Chris, who seemed the most loyal probably because his wife was saved, raised his hand slightly and asked.
"Modified versions of the weapons you used in active service, flashbangs, night vision, and other tactical gear are standard support. The plan is to fly from Korea to a private airstrip near Manila, secure the target, and exfiltrate."
"Excluding travel time, we have about four hours for the operation." "That's enough. It's almost generous."
After the briefing, the members scattered to prepare for the next day's operation.
Saturday evening, 7:30 PM.
To keep Hyeok from noticing, we threw a small party, got him a little drunk, and sent him home. Then both teams began to move.
"We'll stand by near the boss's house in case of anything. Good luck."
Jacob extended his fist to James, who had become the leader of Team 2.
"With night and water on our side, no one can escape us. Watch closely—I'll show you what we've got."
He tapped the fist and James and his Team 2 members got into vehicles and headed to the airport.
Zzt—
"Loud and clear. We'll report again upon arrival in Manila."
Marveling once again at the existence of such an AI, they passed through airport security without issue and flew to Manila.
On the plane, they admired their new boss's capabilities, chatted to ease their nerves, and soon the altitude dropped as they landed in Manila.
"Finally here."
Stretching and opening the door, the hot, humid night air unique to Southeast Asia filled their lungs.
They boarded a black SUV waiting at the end of the airstrip and drove to the lakeside, where they boarded a small boat waiting there.
Zzt—
James replied in a calm voice to Athena's report.
"Roger that. Three minutes to operational area entry."
They steered the boat quietly, and in the distance, a stilt house half-suspended over the water came into view.
"Operational area entry complete. Commence operation."
As James's words rang out, all four members simultaneously dove into the water.
A perfect entry with no splashing sound, and they emerged near the house without leaving a trace on the water's surface.
The house above the water looked peaceful, and the guards, unaware of what was about to happen, were smoking and joking around.
Seeing this, James gave a hand signal, and the two members behind him simultaneously aimed and fired.
Thud, thud
Muffled sounds passed through suppressors, and two guards crumpled to the ground without even a scream.
"Point One, entering."
With James's low radio call, the members climbed over the terrace railing with their wet bodies.
Their soaked shoes stepped on the wooden deck, but surprisingly, no sound was made.
"Five life signs inside. Target is in the room at the end of the right side on the second floor. The four guards at the front door still haven't noticed."
Athena's helpful guidance flowed through the earpiece. After receiving the briefing, James gave a hand signal, and two members moved to the front door, swiftly dealt with the four guards, and returned.
The four members gathered again, exchanged glances, and stood by the door, preparing to enter.
They used a lock-picking device to open the door, took a deep breath, and gave a hand signal.
3, 2, 1.
"Enter."