2003 started differently for Harry. After months of intensive training in the SAS and several successful missions completed, he was now considered one of the unit's best operators. His focus, dedication and skill had made him a respected figure within the British Special Forces. But the war in Afghanistan was far from over, and the Allied forces were under constant pressure to carry out their counter-terrorism operations.
In early January, Harry received an order that took everyone by surprise: he was to be on loan to Delta Force, the US Army's special operations unit, the American equivalent of the SAS. The war had taken its toll, and Delta had lost experienced members in recent battles. They needed top-notch operators, and Harry's name, with his intelligence and combat experience, was recommended directly.
Harry's flight to the forward base in Afghanistan, where he would meet up with Delta, was a quiet one. He knew the challenge ahead would be significant, but that only motivated him. Delta Force was renowned for its ability to carry out the most dangerous missions, and Harry was eager to work with a new team, see their techniques, and share his own experience.
Upon landing at the base in Kandahar, Harry was greeted by a high-ranking American officer. "Trooper Potter, welcome to the team," the officer said in a thick American accent. "You've come highly recommended by the SAS, and we're excited to see what you bring to the table."
Harry, with his full beard and piercing eyes, smiled slightly and replied, "Thank you, sir. I'm ready for whatever comes my way."
Within the first few days, Harry was introduced to the team he would be working with. These were battle-hardened men, experienced operators who had seen the worst of combat. They were all veteran Delta members, and many were intrigued to learn that Harry, a Brit, would be temporarily joining the unit.
"So, you're the SAS guy, huh?" asked one of the operators, a burly man named Mason, with light eyes and an imposing posture.
Harry nodded. "Yes, and I'm here to help where I can."
Mason studied him for a moment before laughing and extending his hand. "Welcome to the team, Potter. I hear you Brits are good at this kind of work. Let's see what you can do in the field."
The first few weeks were spent training together and preparing for tactical operations. Although Harry was already accustomed to the SAS methods, he knew that Delta had its own way of operating. The integration was surprisingly quick. Harry impressed the American operators with his CQB (Close Quarters Combat) skills, especially when they began conducting simulated raids on occupied buildings.
During one of these exercises, the Delta team saw Harry in action for the first time. They were simulating an operation in which they had to breach a compound held by insurgents. Harry, leading the charge, moved with precision and speed, neutralizing targets with an efficiency that caught everyone's attention.
"Damn, Potter," one of the operators said at the end of the simulation, "you move like lightning. I didn't expect someone to be that fast in a situation like this."
Mason, the operator who had initially questioned Harry, was also quickly convinced. "You're good, man. I can see why they sent you here."
But it wasn't just CQB that impressed the team. Harry brought with him his military intelligence and interrogation experience. On real missions, when capturing insurgent prisoners, Harry demonstrated a unique ability to extract information effectively. He applied techniques that combined psychological manipulation and behavioral analysis, techniques he had learned and honed in the SAS.
On one such mission, the team captured a high-ranking insurgent leader. The man, known for being hard to break, was not cooperating. That's when Harry stepped in.
"Let me talk to him," Harry said calmly and confidently.
The interrogation lasted a few hours, but when it was over, Harry emerged from the tent and reported to the mission commander, "He's given us everything we need to know. We can locate the next target tomorrow."
The Delta operators were incredulous. "You got him to talk?!" one of the Americans asked, impressed.
Harry just shrugged. "It's a matter of knowing where to press and how to read people. Everyone has a weak spot."
Over the next six months, Harry and the Delta team flew countless missions together. They eliminated terrorist cells, rescued hostages, and performed surgical strikes in remote locations. The collaboration between Harry and the American operators became so fluid that he was already considered a part of the team.
Over time, the Americans came to respect him deeply, not only for his skills, but for his humility and willingness to work hard alongside them. Harry, in turn, felt at home with the Delta team. They shared the same sense of purpose and dedication that he had found in the SAS.
When the six months were up and Harry returned to England, he bid the Delta men farewell with a firm handshake and heartfelt hugs.
"You'll always have a place with us, Potter," Mason said with a smile. "If you ever decide to leave the SAS, you know where to find us."
Harry smiled back. "It was an honor to work with you. And who knows, we may meet again on a mission."
As Harry boarded the plane home, he reflected on everything he had learned and experienced over the past few months. He knew that these experiences would shape who he was and who he would become in the future. Now, more than ever, he was ready for whatever came next.