“Pearson confirmed that Russian oligarch Grigory Laskin wanted revenge for the death of his daughter, who died in the rescue op led by Flyte and Rivera. It is worth noting that Katerina Laskin was kidnapped by men believed to be working for the president of Russia when the president was told Laskin intended to betray him and provide intel to the US.”

“Was it true? Was Laskin turning against the president?” a captain near the head of the table asked.

“Yes. Laskin was in negotiations with the US when his daughter was taken. After her abduction, a deal was made that if his daughter was safely extracted, he would turn on the president. He also promised several other oligarchs would join him. But the Fire Team was betrayed. Katerina and two SEALs died.”

Even now, in this room, the true circumstances of Katerina’s death were left out. Those in the room who didn’t know already didn’t need to know the details.

Xavier had no idea if Laskin had been told the truth or not. The man would never have believed it anyway. They’d still be here, debriefing after the oligarch’s revenge.

“Analysis of the failed op has determined that, given the level of betrayal, it was an impossible mission. The Fire Team had no chance of success, and Lieutenant Flyte is to be commended for his actions in saving himself and Rivera and bringing Forsythe and Adams home.”

Flyte shifted in his seat, and Xavier knew the man was uncomfortable. There was no commendation for what happened in Belarus. No exoneration.

Captain Harlow resumed her seat. An admiral took over. “With this information, we’ve determined that the assault on the LOLE was unrelated to the attached operational mission. It appears the oligarch and mercenaries he hired knew nothing about the plan to extract the Russian scientist and her son.”

“Pearson didn’t know the purpose of the exercise?” Flyte asked, his voice showing the same surprise Xavier felt.

“He did not. His knowledge was limited to need to know for the LOLE, as is protocol, and he did not need to know the actual purpose of the training, just who was assigned and various parameters to make sure the proper equipment was available.” The admiral cleared his throat. “An analysis of the satellite phones and radios provided to the trainers and SEALs shows that the team was given substandard equipment. The combination of poor-quality phones and radios and advanced signal-blocking technology ensured that no one working the exercise would be able to make a call within the lake basin area. A better phone might have been able to make the call from a clearing on the hillside.”

Xavier let out a deep breath. They’d been sabotaged from every angle.