December 27th, 2023. Location unknown. The Seventh Naval Fleet of the United States Navy received a transmission from the Cheyenne Mountain Complex. It was decoded by the fleet’s Chief Cryptologic Technician. He quickly deciphered the encrypted message.

The message, marked with the highest level of urgency, outlined a new directive from the President himself, requiring immediate action. Understanding its importance, he didn’t waste a moment. He grabbed the printed transcript and made his way to the captain’s quarters.

As he approached the captain’s quarters, he knocked sharply on the door.

"Captain, urgent transmission from Cheyenne Mountain," he announced through the door.

The Captain of the Fleet opened the door swiftly. "What’s the situation?"

Dawson handed him the transcript. "Sir, it’s a directive involving a joint operation with Blackwatch. The President has ordered us to deploy a special forces team to assist in a mission against a significant threat."

"Blackwatch? Ahh...I have heard of them from the President. Well, let’s see this."

There, the Captain read the detailed transcript. The document outlined the unprecedented threat posed by Lin Feng, an individual whom the United States learned was the one responsible for the apocalyptic world.

"I’ll get the Navy Seals ready," Captain responded decisively after a brief pause.

***

The Captain walked down the long and narrow corridor of the ship, heading towards the briefing room where the Navy Seals team was assembled. As he entered the room, all eyes turned towards him.

"Listen up," the Captain began. "We’ve received direct orders from the President for a joint operation with a paramilitary group known as Blackwatch. Our primary objective is to confirm the death of an individual named Lin Feng in China. He’s been identified as a major threat, responsible for the current state of the world."

There was a slight stir among the Seals; they were seasoned soldiers but were not used to collaborating with outside groups, especially on foreign soil.

"The operation will take place in the Philippines, at New Clark City. That’s Blackwatch’s base of operations. Once we land, Blackwatch operatives will debrief us with the mission specifics," the Captain continued.

One of the Seals raised his hand. "Sir, what’s the nature of this Lin Feng? And why are we working with Blackwatch?"

The Captain nodded, anticipating these questions. "Lin Feng is no ordinary enemy. He’s believed to possess abilities that have led to the creation of mutated zombies and other threats we can’t yet fully understand. As for Blackwatch, they’ve been on the front lines of this fight. They have vital intel and experience that we need."

Another Seal chimed in, "Sir, will we be operating under Blackwatch command?"

"Yes," the Captain confirmed. "For this operation, we follow their lead. They have the home-field advantage and know more about what we’re dealing with."

Another Seal scoffed. "Who the heck is Blackwatch? And why are we working under them? Shouldn’t it be the other way around?"

"I understand the feelings," the Captain responded calmly, addressing the skeptical Seal. "Blackwatch is a highly specialized paramilitary force that has been combating this specific threat for some time now. They have experience and knowledge about Lin Feng and these mutated threats that we don’t. It’s crucial we utilize their expertise."

After hearing that, the Captain of the Navy Seals stood up. "Sir, with all due respect, this doesn’t sit right with us. Blackwatch? A group that most of us have never even heard of, and now we’re supposed to follow their lead on foreign soil? It’s unprecedented."

The room grew tense as several other Seals nodded in agreement, standing up to join their Captain. It was clear that the idea of being commanded by an unknown paramilitary group did not sit well with these elite soldiers.

The Captain of the Fleet, sensing the growing dissent, raised his hand to command attention. "Gentlemen, I understand your concerns, but are we really considering disobeying direct orders from the President? Are we willing to compromise the mission because we think we are the superior force?"

The room fell silent. The Captain’s words resonated with the Seals, reminding them of their duty and the state of the world they are in.

The Captain of the Navy Seals, after a moment of contemplation, spoke again, "It’s not about superiority, sir. It’s about protocol and working with an entity we know nothing about. How can we ensure operational success under these conditions?"

The Fleet Captain responded firmly, "I hear you, but these are extraordinary circumstances. The President himself has given this directive. Our job is to follow orders and ensure the mission’s success. Blackwatch has been fighting this threat directly, that should be enough."

After a brief pause, he continued, "You are the best of the best, trained to adapt and overcome any challenge. This is no different. We must trust the chain of command and the decisions made at the highest level. This mission is about more than just our protocol – it’s about the future of our world."

The room was quiet, the Seals contemplating the weight of their responsibility. Finally, the Captain of the Navy Seals sighed and nodded, signaling his acceptance. "Alright, sir. We’ll follow the orders. We trust the President’s judgment. But we’ll need full intel on Blackwatch and its operational methods. Our team’s effectiveness depends on it."

"You’ll get it once you land in the Philippines," The Captain of the Fleet said. "Reynolds, behave yourself there okay? If you want the world to return to normal, that is your chance to make it happen."

"Understood, sir," Captain Reynolds of the Navy Seals replied. "Now, how will we get there?"

"A Grumman C-2 Greyhound transport aircraft is being readied for you," the Fleet Captain informed. "It’ll take off from the USS Gerald R. Ford and deliver you to Clark International Airport in the Philippines. From there, transportation will be arranged by Blackwatch."

Captain Reynolds nodded. "We’ll prepare for our immediate departure then. Gear and weapons check will be done en route."

"Don’t let me down," the Fleet Captain added, his tone serious yet encouraging.

"We won’t, sir," Reynolds assured him.

The Fleet Captain watched as Captain Reynolds and his men quickly left the briefing room. Within moments, the Navy Seals were gathered on the deck of the USS Gerald R. Ford, systematically checking their gear.

Once all checks were completed, the team made their way to the Grumman C-2 Greyhound.

As the Navy Seals boarded the aircraft, Captain Reynolds took a moment to look back at the massive vessel that had been their home for almost four months, he wondered if he was going to return here safely.

The aircraft’s engines roared to life, signaling the start of their journey. Captain Reynolds settled into his seat and prepared for whatever was to come.