“Something a little different this time; we’re gonna be picking up some cargo this trip and it might get a little heated. The training this time might be a little more combat orientated and you may be dropping in a lot closer to the target than before. The guys all have full confidence in you and your bird. They’ll be working with you in the training this go-around. Working on quick repels and fast loading of the cargo,” said Harris.
Seven and Al peppered Harris with a host of inquiries that all went unanswered. They accepted the “it will all be discussed at the training” statement but it didn’t stop the barrage of further questions. Seven glanced over at his navigator and saw that his anxious right leg had begun to bounce.
The training this go-around was intense. Davis and his six-man team were actively involved. There were live fire scenarios and the general attitude of the team told Seven and Al that this was not going to be another milk run. This became obvious during the training scenarios, where Seven and Al witnessed the team dragging, carrying, and running a hooded prisoner up Big Bev’s cargo ramp. This was definitely not going to be another milk run.
Seven and Al stood on the bow of the civilian cargo ship that was their ride to the target area. This was no doubt a spy mission, as Big Bev and the team were slipped into hostile waters aboard a nondescript cargo ship flying a Costa Rican flag. Big Bev had been tucked away and covered in the bowels of the ship until she was prepped for takeoff. This was the adventure that Seven had looked forward to his entire life.
It was just past 1 a.m. local time when Seven ignited Big Bev’s engines and she came to life. The attitude and demeanor of the team was intense and focused. Al’s right leg was bouncing like never before, but the rest of his body was focused on his job. Seven’s nervous jitter was just as active although somewhat unnoticeable; his toes were bouncing up and down against the soles of his boots like a busy oil rig drawing crude from the ground. Seven and Al checked every gauge, every dial, every switch, and,