Read Online The Last Roman (Praetorian Series - Book One) by Edward Crichton - Free Book Online Page B
Authors: Edward Crichton
Tags: Rome, History, Roman, Military, Time travel, special forces, Legion, Caesar, navy seal, Ancient Rome, ancient artifacts, praetorian guard
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Bordeaux and
Strauss were in the back, with an empty seat between them. Bordeaux
turned and smiled, patting the seat next to him. The rest of the
guys turned and tried not to laugh while Strauss sat, arms folded,
completely focused on the chair in front of her.
Making my way to my seat, McDougal did a double take
when he noticed my swollen eye and looked at me pathetically. I
tried to ignore his disapproving stare as I took my seat, and made
doubly sure I didn’t so much as glance at Strauss, deciding two
could play her little game.
McDougal cleared his throat and began his
briefing.
“Welcome to His Holiness’ Service. Hence forth, you
are now a part of the Swiss Guard, specifically the Pope’s
Praetorians as he likes to call us, and all allegiance to your
former commands have been transferred here. As you know, you have
come here in an effort to not only protect the Pope, but also to
help end any threat facing Christendom and its allies. Each of you
has brought unique combat experiences and skill sets, so get used
to teaching one another and learning from each other as well.
“All right, since most of you have already gotten a
chance to get to know each other, we’ll run through introductions
quickly. My name is Dillon McDougal, Major, Special Air Service.
I’ve been in His Majesty’s service for thirteen years, and have
commanded troops in Afghanistan, Iraq, North Korea, Russia, and
Iran.
“You all know Captain Vincent. He’s our liaison with
the Pope as well as our Chaplain. Prior to joining the military, he
studied political science and classical studies, speaks numerous
languages throughout Europe and the Middle East, and is literate in
ancient Greek and Latin as well.”
My interest perked up. I hadn’t been aware of
Vincent’s educational background. I’ll have to pick his brain later
about his knowledge of Ancient History.
“Next up is Lieutenant James Wang. Wang has served
with me for over five years in the SAS and is extremely proficient
in hand to hand as well as small arms combat. He’s also team
medic.
“Lieutenant John Santino was a member of America’s
1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta, and has spent
considerable time with the Green Berets. He specializes in stealth
infiltration, reconnaissance, and believe it or not, is our
cultural expert, having spent years of service behind enemy lines
in Romania, Ukraine, Lebanon, and Brazil.”
There were a few mock gasps of surprise from the
audience in response to Santino’s status as “cultural expert”,
while Santino stood and offered an obnoxious wave and bow.
“Are you through, Lieutenant?” McDougal asked.
Santino merely smiled and I smiled with him. It was
easy to see why we had always gotten along so well. We were both
notorious jokesters. While Santino was more of a prankster and
standup comedian, I was just a smartass with a penchant for his
sense of humor.
McDougal continued his briefing, waving a hand
towards the large Frenchmen.
“Lieutenant Jeanne Bordeaux was a member of the
National Gendarmerie Intervention Group. He’s worked mainly in
Africa subverting terrorist activity before it reached Europe, and
played an integral part in planning Operation Raven Claw, stopping
the only major African offensive at Gibraltar in 2019. He’s our
demo man.
“Lieutenant Helena Van Strauss is our sniper. She’s
only been shooting in Germany’s KSK for a few months, but prior to
joining, won gold in multiple shooting events at the Olympics. In
the short time that she has served in the military, her kill count
is quite impressive, so gentlemen, please try not to end up in her
crosshairs.”
Santino tossed his head back and laughed, and I
shifted in my seat.
“Finally, our newest arrival is Lieutenant Jacob
Hunter. Formerly a U.S. Navy SEAL, Hunter is our water insertion
specialist. Our location on the Tiber River is ideal for covert
departures and arrivals back here to base. To do so, we’ll be
utilizing
Strauss were in the back, with an empty seat between them. Bordeaux
turned and smiled, patting the seat next to him. The rest of the
guys turned and tried not to laugh while Strauss sat, arms folded,
completely focused on the chair in front of her.
Making my way to my seat, McDougal did a double take
when he noticed my swollen eye and looked at me pathetically. I
tried to ignore his disapproving stare as I took my seat, and made
doubly sure I didn’t so much as glance at Strauss, deciding two
could play her little game.
McDougal cleared his throat and began his
briefing.
“Welcome to His Holiness’ Service. Hence forth, you
are now a part of the Swiss Guard, specifically the Pope’s
Praetorians as he likes to call us, and all allegiance to your
former commands have been transferred here. As you know, you have
come here in an effort to not only protect the Pope, but also to
help end any threat facing Christendom and its allies. Each of you
has brought unique combat experiences and skill sets, so get used
to teaching one another and learning from each other as well.
“All right, since most of you have already gotten a
chance to get to know each other, we’ll run through introductions
quickly. My name is Dillon McDougal, Major, Special Air Service.
I’ve been in His Majesty’s service for thirteen years, and have
commanded troops in Afghanistan, Iraq, North Korea, Russia, and
Iran.
“You all know Captain Vincent. He’s our liaison with
the Pope as well as our Chaplain. Prior to joining the military, he
studied political science and classical studies, speaks numerous
languages throughout Europe and the Middle East, and is literate in
ancient Greek and Latin as well.”
My interest perked up. I hadn’t been aware of
Vincent’s educational background. I’ll have to pick his brain later
about his knowledge of Ancient History.
“Next up is Lieutenant James Wang. Wang has served
with me for over five years in the SAS and is extremely proficient
in hand to hand as well as small arms combat. He’s also team
medic.
“Lieutenant John Santino was a member of America’s
1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta, and has spent
considerable time with the Green Berets. He specializes in stealth
infiltration, reconnaissance, and believe it or not, is our
cultural expert, having spent years of service behind enemy lines
in Romania, Ukraine, Lebanon, and Brazil.”
There were a few mock gasps of surprise from the
audience in response to Santino’s status as “cultural expert”,
while Santino stood and offered an obnoxious wave and bow.
“Are you through, Lieutenant?” McDougal asked.
Santino merely smiled and I smiled with him. It was
easy to see why we had always gotten along so well. We were both
notorious jokesters. While Santino was more of a prankster and
standup comedian, I was just a smartass with a penchant for his
sense of humor.
McDougal continued his briefing, waving a hand
towards the large Frenchmen.
“Lieutenant Jeanne Bordeaux was a member of the
National Gendarmerie Intervention Group. He’s worked mainly in
Africa subverting terrorist activity before it reached Europe, and
played an integral part in planning Operation Raven Claw, stopping
the only major African offensive at Gibraltar in 2019. He’s our
demo man.
“Lieutenant Helena Van Strauss is our sniper. She’s
only been shooting in Germany’s KSK for a few months, but prior to
joining, won gold in multiple shooting events at the Olympics. In
the short time that she has served in the military, her kill count
is quite impressive, so gentlemen, please try not to end up in her
crosshairs.”
Santino tossed his head back and laughed, and I
shifted in my seat.
“Finally, our newest arrival is Lieutenant Jacob
Hunter. Formerly a U.S. Navy SEAL, Hunter is our water insertion
specialist. Our location on the Tiber River is ideal for covert
departures and arrivals back here to base. To do so, we’ll be
utilizing
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