Organization Safe House
Manassas, VA
January 2, 2026
Adamen Dur-Rimush did not forget the man who so effortlessly foiled his attempt to acquire the Sumerian Vessel for his master. The only explanation for the Major’s superhuman speed and agility was the Sumerian Vessel. This link turned his interest into an obsession. Dur-Rimush tirelessly searched for the pair, more so when the trail disappeared so completely.
Since the operative knew just about everything possible about Major James Macdonald, 2nd Raider Battalion and his Naval Academy Classmate, Captain Tom Branch of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Captain Gena Rossi’s sudden and unexplained departure from her position at Walter Reed hospital caught his attention.
It was not luck that caused Rimush to know of Dr. Rossi’s trip to the Caribbean. He used the extensive resources available as a member of his organization to track all the members of USNA class of ’03, as well as everyone that served with MacDonald or Branch.
What was luck, however bad for him, was that he did not have any operatives active in St. Kitts when the captain arrived. To make matters worse the team he placed on the island nation were unable to find any trace of either Branch or MacDonald. Adamen Dur-Rimush resigned himself to waiting for her to return and made his plans accordingly.
Navy Medical Research Center
Falls Church, VA
January 2, 2026
“Just what do you mean you want to resign?” Rear Admiral Lower Half Neil Porte Commanding officer of the Navy Medical research Center and Captain Rossi’s immediate supervisor said waiving her resignation letter.
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“Sir, I don’t want to resign, I am resigning.” She said determinedly.
“A distinction without a difference and you know it. Damn it Gena, I thought you loved the Navy.” Her CO said
“Sir, I love medicine, and I love the mission, but my reasons are not relevant to the discussion.” She replied evenly.
“You’re on the list” Porte confided
“Sir, I am not.” Captain Rossi said
“How do you know that!” Porte said in a toned that proved her statement.
“Damn him, it’s that bald headed prick again. How did he find out about the Admiral Board” the Admiral accused?
“As I said, my reasons are not up for discussion sir, nor are they negotiable. I have served my commitment and do not have binding legal obligation to continue my service. I have my 20 and I want out. Admiral, may I inquire how long it will take to process my resignation, sir?” Captain Rossi
Knowing his subordinates resolve and not trusting himself to keep his temper Porte took a deep breath and held for four long seconds before straightening the forms on his desk and replying. “NAVADMIN requires 9 months’ notice. I could possibly speed that up, but I won’t because whatever Branch is up to will blow up long before then and I am hoping you will come to your senses. You know, it was exactly this Tom Branch connection that got your name blackballed off the Admiral’s list.”
Captain Rossi came to attention but did not speak. She stared at the wall just over her commanding officer’s head.
“Dismissed” the Admiral said knowing that while her actions would be considered silent insolence in any other subordinate, Captain Rossi was anything but insolent. It was a damn shame the Navy was going to lose her. “Damn that man.” Admiral Porte thought as he returned her salute and watched her march out of his office.
Three days later a new snatch team waited near the captain’s apartment. This time Adamen Dur-Rimush was taking no chances. This operation was planned old school without any chance of electronic signal intelligence compromising the mission. He confiscated their cell phones upon their arrival and allowed no electronics whatsoever in the safe house. Every thing was done face to face. His master was clear that failure would not be tolerated a second time.
As Gena Rossi got out of her vehicle and walked across the apartment parking lot, the team’s ubiquitous black SUV pulled into the lot and drove up behind her. Without warning, both passenger doors opened, and two men jumped out of the vehicle knocked her unconscious with a vicious blow from a leather sap and threw her into the backseat. The entire operation took less than a minute.