The sun shone down on Dam Neck as Percy Jackson walked through the base complex. He felt lighter since meeting Annabeth, Nico, and the others. Their visit had awakened something he had long repressed a connection to the past. Still, his life as Commander at DEVGRU was ongoing. Training, missions, and critical decisions filled his days.
That afternoon, as he reviewed reports in his office, someone knocked on the door.
"Come in," Percy said, not taking his eyes off the document in his hands.
The door opened, revealing Captain Miller, his direct superior, who entered accompanied by a man in a black suit, sunglasses, and impeccable posture. Percy immediately felt the weight of the visitor's presence. He was the kind of person who exuded authority without needing to speak.
"Commander Jackson," Miller began, crossing his arms. "This is Mr. Roberts, a representative from the CIA. He's here to talk to you." Percy looked up, curious.
"CIA? That sounds important."
"Because it is," Roberts replied, his voice low and controlled. "We need to talk in private."
Miller nodded, leaving the room and closing the door behind him. Percy gestured for the man to sit down.
"So, what can I do for you, Mr. Roberts?"
Roberts wasted no time, getting straight to the point.
"Your reputation precedes you, Commander Jackson. Successful operations, impeccable leadership, the ability to think under pressure. Those qualities have caught the attention of our Special Activities Division, the SAD."
Percy frowned but remained silent, letting Roberts continue.
"The SAD is responsible for the CIA's most classified paramilitary operations. We work in scenarios where compromise is unacceptable. We want someone with your experience and skills to join us."
Percy crossed his arms, studying the man.
"Sounds interesting, but why me? I'm sure you have plenty of qualified operators to choose from."
Roberts smiled slightly, as if he had expected the question.
"Because you're different. Your ability to adapt to extreme situations and your history as a leader in DEVGRU are only part of that. We know you operate well in environments that require creativity and intuition traits that go beyond your standard training."
Percy kept his expression neutral, but inside he was intrigued.
"And what exactly does this job entail?"
"Intelligence, espionage, covert missions in hostile territory. You'll continue to do what you already do, but on a global scale and under strict secrecy."
Percy leaned back in his chair, thoughtful. "It's a big change. What about DEVGRU?"
"We've already spoken to your superiors. If you accept, they're willing to release you for the transition."
After the meeting, Percy was restless. He needed time to think, but something inside him told him that this might be the next natural step in his journey. Later that night, he picked up the phone and called Annabeth.
"Percy?" Her voice sounded excited on the other end of the line.
"Hey, Annabeth. I needed to talk to you about something."
"Sure. What happened?"
Percy hesitated for a moment before explaining the situation. "I've been invited by the CIA to join the Special Activities Division. It seems like it would be a step beyond what I do here at DEVGRU."
Annabeth was silent for a few seconds. "And what are you thinking?"
"I don't know. Part of me feels like I should accept, but… it means going even deeper into this world."
"Percy," Annabeth began, her voice soft, "you've always been someone who seeks a purpose, something bigger than yourself. If you think this is the right thing to do, I trust your judgment."
"Thank you, Annabeth. That means a lot to me."
Before they hung up, Annabeth added, "Just don't forget about us, okay?"
Percy smiled, even though she couldn't see him. "Never."
The next day, Percy called Roberts to give his answer. "I accept the offer."
The man smiled, standing up to shake Percy's hand. "Welcome to SAD, Commander Jackson."
The transition to the CIA was quick and discreet. Percy spent weeks in specific training for his new role, immersing himself in an even more secretive and dangerous world.
He learned about espionage, intelligence gathering, advanced technology, and infiltration methods. During one of the trainings, he met other experienced agents who helped him adapt to the new routine.
"You're the 'famous Commander Jackson,' aren't you?" an agent named Harper asked as they practiced disguises.
"I didn't know you were famous," Percy joked, adjusting a wig in the mirror.
— In our midst, you are. Rumors travel fast — she replied, smiling.
Despite the intense environment, Percy found that he fit in this world. The skills he had developed over the years, both as a demigod and as a DEVGRU operative, they seemed made for this job.
One morning, Percy was called into Roberts' office to discuss his first official mission as part of SAD.
"We have a situation in the Middle East," Roberts began, handing him a file. "An insurgent group is organizing to attack an American diplomatic facility. We need to infiltrate one of our agents to gather information and, if necessary, neutralize the threat."
Percy read the file carefully.
"Sounds straightforward. Who will be my backup?"
Roberts smiled.
"You. This mission is completely solo."
Percy raised his eyebrows, but didn't back down.
"Understood."
The night before his departure, Percy sat alone in his quarters, staring out the window at the ocean. He thought about Annabeth, his friends at Camp, and the life he had left behind.
"This is what I chose," he muttered to himself. — I won't let them down.
With that determination, he grabbed his backpack, full of equipment and fake documents, and prepared to dive headfirst into the dark world of espionage.
Percy Jackson's journey as Commander of DEVGRU had come to an end, but his new life as a SAD agent was just beginning.
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