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thought.
    â€œHere, bro,” Sebastian said, handing over another beer.
    Sitting up and grabbing the beer, Gordon said, “Thank you. Look, I’m sorry if I seemed like I doubted you. I do respect you and I don’t look at you any other way than as a man. You know how I feel about the Corps and everything else. I really don’t want to get into it again. I just don’t want anything to happen to you.”
    â€œI know, I know. Listen, I’ll be in good hands. By the way, I forgot to tell you, we just got a new commanding officer,” Sebastian said after drinking some beer. He had a big smile on his face.
    â€œWho is that?” Gordon was interested.
    â€œBarone!”
    â€œMajor Barone?” Gordon’s eyes widened.
    â€œYeah, but he’s a light bird now.”
    Again, Gordon’s memory flashed back to the time after the Fallujah incident. Major Barone was one of his staunchest defenders. He stood by him while the other brass were ready to offer him up to appease the politicians and media. The press had a field day with the story and was bloodthirsty in its reporting on the shooting. For all intents and purposes, he had been publicly convicted before any investigation had even been completed.
    Comforted by the memory of a loyal friend, Gordon said, “That is great news. He’s a great man. You are definitely in good hands with him.”
    â€œI knew you’d be happy to hear his name again. I haven’t had the chance to actually meet him, but I hear he loves his snipers. I’m pumped. Now, all I have to do is make the cut.”
    â€œIt really does make me happy that he’s in charge and will be taking you guys back into the mix on your next tour,” Gordon said. He felt relieved that his brother would be in such trustworthy company.
    Gordon was very happy to have that bit of news. Regardless of his brother’s confidence, he would always worry and look after him. Sebastian was his little brother and, as the oldest, he felt a bit responsible for him even if it meant being accused of acting like a parent. Gordon was also concerned because of the increase in terrorist attacks against military installations around the globe. Over the past few months, there had also been an uptick in attacks against civilian targets in Europe. He and Samantha often talked about how strange it was that the terrorists had never attempted those attacks in the United States. With the porous border to the south, he just felt that the U.S. would not always be so lucky. He knew that eventually the terrorists would come back and the next large attack could be so damaging it could bring the country to its knees.
    Gordon put aside the thoughts about the harshness of the world and refocused on having a good time with his brother. After a few more beers, some laughs, and a brief trip down memory lane, the brothers said good-bye to one another.
    After walking him to the front door, Gordon gave Sebastian a hug and said, “If you ever need anything, you call me; don’t hesitate. We’re here for you.”
    â€œI will, Gordo. I love you, brother,” Sebastian always felt bad when he had to leave. He hated good-byes.
    As Sebastian walked down the sidewalk Gordon yelled after him, “Stay frosty, Marine.”

December 4, 2014
    Fear is pain arising from the anticipation of evil.
    â€”
Aristotle
    San Diego, California
    â€œThis is a CNN News Alert. A series of explosions have gone off in downtown Seattle inside of CenturyLink Field, home of the Seattle Seahawks. The number of casualties is unknown at this moment. We go to our local affiliate, who is reporting from a helicopter above the ballpark.”
    â€œOh my God,” Samantha gasped. She placed her hand over her mouth in shock.
    â€œMommy, where’s Hunter?” Haley asked.
    â€œHe’s upstairs playing in his room; now please be quiet for a moment,” Samantha said, not looking at