The Last Mission

By Steve P Jeanne-Rose

In "The Last Mission," readers embark on an exhilarating journey into the world of espionage, conspiracy, and the unyielding pursuit of truth. Jackson, a seasoned intelligence operative, assembles a team of skilled individuals to unravel a complex web of covert operations orchestrated by powerful figures within the government.

As the team

• Language: English
• Publisher: JR Publishing Inc
• Release date: Apr 15, 2024
• ISBN: 9798869291448

Book preview

1

Meeting of The Generations

On a cool summer's day, mid-July late afternoon, while some people were jogging, or walking in the park, a couple was sitting on a bench watching the swans swimming majestically hoping that this scenery would somehow bring a sense of happiness into their lives.  Texting instead of talking to each other, though no words were spoken between them, one could tell that their relationship had reached their comfort zone.  That zone where everything seems so sour, yet with a bright light at the end of the tunnel, the light of joy, problem solved.

On the west side of the park by the memorial wall, close to the water fountain where most people throw coins that musically splash the water.  (From the wrestling sounds of trees surrounding the park, came along with the wind, a gunshot.  The sound was as piercing as the sound of a fighter-jet crossing through the sky).  The peace in the park remained as though nothing really had happened.  A few feet away from the water fountain, on a single bench, there was a man.  He was well-built, a retired man of African descent; his face was without emotion, but his eyes were full of agony as though he had lost a loved one.  He was sitting alone, tranquil, motionless, staring at the water.  What could he be thinking about? Was he reflecting on his life? Alternatively, he was simply lost in contemplation, seeking peace, and meaning in the gentle ripples of the water.

For Luis, the day had finally arrived—the day he would come face to face with the enigmatic figure he had admired and studied for years. Jackson, the legendary operative of the AIA, was not just an idol; he was a living legend. As fate would have it, their meeting was an unexpected twist of destiny that unfolded in the very park where Jackson sought peace and reflection.

On that cool summer afternoon in mid-July, the park's ambiance seemed to hold its breath in anticipation. While joggers continued their rhythmic strides and families enjoyed leisurely strolls, the park bore witness to an impromptu encounter that had the power to reshape the course of their lives.

Luis, exuding youthful energy and ambition, had ventured into the park for personal reasons, unaware of the profound encounter that awaited him. As he strolled along, his eyes casually scanning the surroundings, he noticed a solitary figure seated on a familiar bench. It was Jackson, the stoic and seasoned war hero, his gaze fixed on the tranquil water.

The moment was magical—a chance meeting that neither had orchestrated nor expected. Luis, his heart racing with a mix of excitement and reverence, recognized the man before him as his hero. The opportunity to meet Jackson face to face, unscripted and unplanned, was a dream realized in the most unexpected of circumstances.

As the park, with its serene beauty and whispered secrets, bore witness to this spontaneous encounter, the convergence of two contrasting worlds unfolded. Luis, the embodiment of youthful zeal, and Jackson, the epitome of experience and introspection, stood on the cusp of a conversation that would transcend their differences and set in motion a journey of self-discovery, redemption, and the revelation of deeply buried secrets.

Luis, his heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and nervousness, approached Jackson with a respectful demeanor. With a crisp nod and a tone of reverence, he greeted the legendary agent, Mr. Jackson.

Sir, Luis began, his voice unwavering, I cannot even put into words what an honor this is for me to finally meet you, sir. He paused, his admiration for Jackson evident in his every word. I’ve been a big fan of yours, sir; I’ve studied just about every mission you have led. You are an incredible leader with an amazing success record, sir. I am hoping to be just like you, a man of honor, sir.

Jackson, the seasoned operative who had weathered countless missions, turned his head slowly towards the young man who had approached him. His eyes, though devoid of emotion, bore the weight of years of experience and a tinge of melancholy. In a voice that carried a somber undertone, he inquired, What is your name, son?

Luis, undaunted by the gravity of the moment, responded with unwavering respect, Luis, sir! I am a big fan of yours, sir. What are the odds of meeting you here, sir.  His admiration for Jackson was profound, and he spoke with a sincerity that mirrored the profound impact Jackson had on his aspirations.

Jackson's eyes, burdened with the weight of countless missions and the harsh realities of the world, conveyed a sense of deep contemplation as he shook his head and grimaced in response to Luis's admiration.

This might sound great, Jackson began, his voice carrying the weight of somber wisdom, but let me tell you something, young man. World history reveals to us that wars, fought for dominion over territories, have been going on for centuries. Leaders have waged battles to gain more land, often deploying soldiers as pawns to achieve their goals. Many times, young men like yourself, who have barely had the chance to truly know who they are, find themselves in situations where they either volunteer or are taken against their will—what we so call a draft. All of this, supposedly to defend their country, for reasons they sometimes do not even comprehend. Plato once said, 'Only the dead have seen the end of war.' The weight of that statement hung in the air, a grim reminder of the enduring nature of conflict.

Jackson's gaze lowered; his expression tinged with a sense of shame for the harsh truths he had laid bare. He took a deep breath, his voice softer now, as he placed a hand on Luis' shoulders, imparting his perspective with a touch of urgency. The world has never truly known lasting peace, young man. What is so honorable about this? It's a question I've wrestled with for years.

Luis' eyes, reflecting the park's tranquil beauty, shifted towards the water fountain positioned on the park's western edge, close to the memorial wall. It was a moment of contemplation, and his thoughts swirled like the cascading water.

Was Luis disappointed in his hero, who had just shattered the romanticized image he had held for so long? Or was it possible that, in the span of a short conversation, his perspective had begun to shift, prompting a change of heart?

With genuine curiosity, Luis turned back to Jackson Why are you telling me this sir? His voice conveyed intrigue, and his eyes held a spark of newfound understanding. Luis wasn't certain he comprehended the full depth of Jackson's words but showed no signs of confusion. Instead, he seemed open to the profound lessons his hero was imparting.  

As the park's tranquil ambiance enveloped them, Jackson took a deep breath, and began to reveal a side that few had ever witnessed. His gaze remained fixed on the water, but his mind journeyed back through the chronicles of his storied career.

I've spent a lifetime in the shadows, young man, but now, in these moments of solitude, I've come to see things differently. The missions, the victories, the accolades—they all begin to lose their luster when you realize the coldness and senselessness of war.

His words loitered, filling the silence, as if the weight of years of servitude and the heavy toll it had taken on his soul were finally finding expression. I've witnessed leaders sending young soldiers to their deaths, all in the name of power and territory. It's a cycle that has repeated itself for centuries, leaving behind a trail of suffering and loss.

Jackson turned to look at Luis with eyes reflecting a profound sense of remorse. I've seen too much, and now I can't help but question the very notion of honor in a world so marred by conflict. The sacrifices we make, the lives we've taken—it all begins to lose its meaning.  

As the weighty conversation between Jackson and Luis continued, the serenity of the park was abruptly shattered by the piercing wails of sirens. Their shrill cries cut through the air from all directions, creating an unsettling cacophony that contrasted sharply with the peace that had reigned just moments before.

The tranquility of the park was now marred by the presence of police cars, their flashing lights casting an eerie glow on the surrounding trees. They had arrived swiftly in response to the earlier gunshot, their arrival signaling a significant shift in the atmosphere.

Two police officers emerged from one of the patrol cars, their determined strides taking them towards the bench where Jackson and Luis were engrossed in their conversation. Their expressions were a blend of curiosity and authority, ready to unravel the mystery of the gunshot and the unusual encounter in the park.

As they approached, one of the officers called out, Excuse me, gentlemen, we received reports of a gunshot in the area. Mind if we ask a few questions?

Luis and Jackson exchanged a brief glance, their conversation now interrupted by the arrival of law enforcement. The park, once a haven of tranquility, had transformed into a scene of inquiry and potential investigation, leaving both men to wonder about the unexpected turn their meeting had taken.

Luis reached into his pocket and deftly retrieved his FBI badge, its gleaming emblem catching the light. With a practiced motion, he held it up for the approaching police officers to see, the badge bearing the unmistakable mark of federal authority.

Officers, I'm Special Agent Luis Ramirez with the FBI. We were having a conversation here when we heard the gunshot. Before we proceed, can you provide us with more information about the situation?

The two police officers exchanged a brief glance, their expressions shifting from curiosity to recognition as they acknowledged the presence of a federal agent. They nodded in response to Luis's request, realizing that the situation might be more complex than initially thought.

Special Agent Ramirez, I'm Officer Anderson, and this is Officer Rodriguez. We received a report of a gunshot in the park, and our duty is to investigate any potential threats to public safety. Do you have any information regarding the source of the gunshot, or any individuals involved?

We don't have much information at this time, but we did hear the gunshot. We were in the midst of a conversation, and it took us by surprise. We're willing to cooperate fully with your investigation to get to the bottom of this.

Thank you for your cooperation, Special Agent Ramirez. If you could provide us with any additional details about what you heard or saw, it would be greatly appreciated.

As Luis began to recount the circumstances leading up to the gunshot, he couldn't help but wonder how this unexpected turn of events might further intertwine their fates with the unfolding mystery in the park.

Officer Anderson and Officer Rodriguez exchanged glances as they listened to Luis's account of the situation. When Luis avoided providing specific information about the person he was with, Officer Anderson politely pressed for more details.

Special Agent Ramirez, we understand the need for discretion, but can you at least tell us the name of the individual you're here with? Officer Anderson inquired.

Of course, Officer. This is my friend, John Mason. We were just catching up on old times when we heard the gunshot. Luis hesitated for a moment, carefully choosing his words.

Jackson, who had remained silent during this exchange, gave a subtle nod to confirm the pseudonym Luis had provided. His identity was a closely guarded secret, and Luis was keenly aware of the need to protect it.

Officer Rodriguez jotted down the name in his notepad, still wearing a slightly curious expression. Thank you for your cooperation, Mr. Mason, we'll continue our investigation and follow up as needed. If you have any information that could assist us, please don't hesitate to share.

Of course, officers. We'll do our best to assist in any way we can. Jackson nodded, maintaining his composed facade.

The officers exchanged a few more words with Luis and Jackson, then made their way to continue their investigation into the gunshot. As they left the area, Luis and Jackson exchanged a relieved glance, knowing that the true nature of their meeting remained concealed, at least for the time being.

2

Jackson's Turmoil

As the police officers departed, leaving behind the park's interrupted tranquility, Luis and Jackson remained seated on the bench. The weight of the encounter and the revelations about Jackson's past missions hung heavily in the air. It was a turning point, a moment of reflection that had been years in the making.

Luis turned his gaze towards Jackson, with curiosity mingled by a newfound respect. You were saying something earlier, something about your perspective on your past missions. I'd like to hear more, if you're willing to share. He said, choosing his words carefully.

Luis's genuine interest in Jackson's experiences had not gone unnoticed. Jackson appreciated the young FBI agent's respect and understanding, and he felt a growing sense of trust between them.

With a weary but appreciative smile, Jackson turned to Luis. You know, there's much more to these stories. They're not just missions; they're lessons learned through the harshest means possible.

I can imagine, he replied, trying to fathom the complexities of Jackson's past.

Jackson pushed himself up from the bench, stretching his limbs as he did. How about we continue this conversation over a meal? he suggested. There's a little dinner not far from here. We can grab a bite to eat, and I'll share more about my experiences. Maybe it'll shed some light on the realities of the work we do.

Luis agreed without hesitation, appreciating the opportunity to delve deeper into Jackson's world. As they drove toward the nearby diner, the two men forged a connection that transcended hero worship, one that would lead to a greater understanding of the price