Free Escape: Omega Book 1 (Omega: Earth's Hero) by Keith Latch Page B

not make that decision lightly. Many factors went into that decision. Not the least of which was leadership ability. So, don’t beat yourself up too much for the events that transpired yesterday. I don’t know of anyone that could have done any better, me included.”
    Just as he had when Hendricks’s speech had broadcast to he and his men on the flight to New York, Black found himself astonished by the unannounced and unexpected sincerity of the man. General Hendricks was not known for such empathy, and while the words did ring true to Black’s ears, it put him on guard.
    “The second reason you were selected, and a very close second I might add, is the ability to keep your mouth shut about clandestine missions. I read your file. I also read between the lines. You’ve been involved in co-ops with CIA, NSA, and the Department of Defense, as well as Homeland Security. When you have bedfellows like those, the old maxim “loose lips sink ships” translates into “speak of this again and die.”
    “I do as my country needs me to. That’s not an empty, hollow pledge, but a vow I take very seriously.”
    Thurmond nodded. “So with your elevated sense of secrecy and patriotism, you were a perfect fit for my operations.”
    Black regarded the man sitting next to him. He could not recall ever conversing with the man for such an amount of time. Then his mind caught what his ears had been on alert for: were. You were a perfect fit .
    Perry Black had been shot in the shoulder, grazed in the thigh, and suffered myriad bumps, bruises and cuts. Emergency surgery was performed in New York City. As soon as his surgery was completed, Hendricks ordered him flown back to Adaven, still unconscious, and placed here. The last twenty-four hours were a whirlwind, and he was having more than a little trouble accepting things. This last hour pretty much pushed him over the edge. He pushed his aching body off the table. Weak, stumbling, he stood.  
    “Sir, before you say—”
    This time, Hendricks didn’t silence him with a wave, but simply a look. A very stern one. “I applaud your dedication, captain. I also commend your service while assigned to this detail. In return for that, I have decided to transfer you. You will ship out for your new assignment tomorrow morning, 0600 hours. A better climate, less demanding duties. A reward for all your hard work.”
    “A transfer? Tomorrow morning?” Black could control himself no longer. Damn the ache of his shoulder. Damn the three sparkling stars on the man’s shoulder. Damn Omega and this dusty desert base. “You can’t be doing this. I almost lost my life trying to save the First Lady of the United States of America. You come in here like Andy Griffith and talk to me like I’m Opie. You tell me how well I performed and how no one could have done better. Then you book me on the first thing smoking like outgoing mail? How dare you, general. How dare you!”
    “Calm down, Black. Take a seat. You’re still not well. But I will remind you whom you are talking to.”
    Black just couldn’t help it. Insubordination had never been a flaw of his, but it festered beyond the ability of his will of restraint to contain. His anger erupted.
    “I have to say, general: I thought you weren’t the kind to leave a man behind. To throw away a good soldier. I see that I was completely mistaken.”
    Hendricks was on his feet as well now, his face flushing and quickly turning scarlet. “You’ll mind your tongue, captain. And shut your mouth. I came in here to help your feelings. You screwed up. You screwed up tremendously. Your men are dead, and without the Omega Project, you would be too.”
    Uniformed men rushed in. Apparently, Hendricks had anticipated Black’s response. That’s the kind of man that makes general, he reminded himself.
    “Now calm yourself, captain. You’ll only further injure yourself.”
    Black looked to the other men’s eyes. He recognized them from around the base; the