SEAL of Approval Read Online Free PDF

or something.”
    Mike managed a laugh. “I think Axe needs something a little heavier duty than a Chihuahua whisperer.”
    Ernie shrugged. “Maybe, my brother said she’s real pretty.”
    It was Rick’s turn to frown. “What the hell, bro? You never told me about a pretty vet.”
    “She’s not your type.”
    “Not hot enough?”
    “Too smart.”
    Laughing, the team moved down to the firing point. For the first time today, Mike managed a smile. It felt good to be surrounded by friends. Finding a spare target, he racked the action on his carbine and readied himself. Then, as he was about to squeeze off a round, his phone rang. Fearing the worst, he pulled it from his pocket and answered.
    “So, you’re finally going to answer my calls, Michael,” snapped an angry voice.
    Stacey, he mouthed to TJ. “Hey, look I’m–”
    “I don’t care!” she screamed.
    Wincing, Mike held the phone at arm’s length as she continued to rant. Suddenly, a gloved hand plucked it from his grasp.
    “Standby!” TJ held it in the air. Stacey’s voice still screeched from the speaker.
    “Ready!” echoed Rick and Ernie, their weapons held tight.
    “Up!”
    The phone arced high in the air. Rick and Ernie’s weapons spat suppressed rounds as they tracked it. Mike flinched as his smartphone disintegrated in a hail of lead.
    “Nice shooting boys,” said TJ. He turned to Mike and winked. “You need to change your number.”
     
    ***
     
    A few hours later Mike and the others were back in the team room when there was a knock at the door.
    “Come in,” bellowed TJ.
    One of the headquarters’ administration staff stuck his head inside.
    “Hey Mack, what’s up?”
    The Sailor gave TJ a nod. “The old man wants to see Mike in his office.”
    Mike frowned. “Just me?” It was rare for the Commander to request the presence of an individual SEAL without their Platoon Chief.
    “Yes.”
    “I’ll get into a clean uniform.”
    “No need, boss just wants a chat,” said the sailor. “I tried to call you but your number’s disconnected.”
    Mike scowled at TJ. “Yeah, my phone’s shot. I’ve got to get a new one.”
    Five minutes later, Mike waited outside Commander Conner’s office. As he waited, he wondered why the ‘old man’ wanted to talk to him. The last time he’d spoken face-to-face with Team Five’s C.O. was when he’d marched into the unit three years earlier. The thirty-five-year-old Commander was a busy man, who rarely had the opportunity to spend individual time with the hundred-odd operators in his SEAL Team.
    The door opened and the C.O. appeared. “Mike, come in and take a seat.”
    He stepped into the spacious office and sat in the chair opposite the commander. In the few seconds it took Conner to return to his desk Mike scanned the room. The walls were adorned with a handful of framed photos and plaques, but there were fewer than he expected for a ranking officer. In the corner, on a wooden stand, hung the commander’s combat vest and helmet.
    “Mike, I wanted to personally break this news to you. I know how important Axe is to you and your squad.” He frowned as he pushed a piece of paper across his desk. “The veterinarian has submitted his report. The Navy has chosen to discharge Axe.”
    Mike nodded as he scanned the document. The information wasn’t surprising. Axe was incapable of working and the Navy had no use for a Military Working Dog that couldn’t work.
    “There’s more.”
    Mike glanced up. The commander continued, “Mike, the Navy is going to have him put down.”
    The words hit like a punch to the chest. “What? Boss, they can’t do that. He saved my life. Axe is a goddamn hero.”
    Conner exhaled. “I know Mike, but it’s out of my control. The Navy can’t risk retiring a dog that may attack someone. The vet submitted his report and the decision was made well above my pay grade. I tried to convince them otherwise, but they won’t be swayed.”
    Mike swallowed hard. He