The Former Spy

It was a quiet morning when Tom decided it would be a good idea to visit a shooting range. He had always believed in keeping his skills sharp, especially those that required precision and control, and had become accustomed to incorporating this into his routine. For him, the range was a practice space, but also a place to clear his mind and focus.

Upon arriving, he was greeted by the owner of the range, a local veteran, who recognized him from previous visits and always made a point of greeting him with a firm handshake.

"Good morning, Tom!" the owner said with a smile. "Ready for practice today?"

Tom nodded.

"Always. Thanks for getting everything ready."

The range was quiet that morning, with few customers. Tom chose his practice guns and headed to the shooting bay. After a few accurate shots, he heard a familiar voice beside him.

"I didn't know there was still an SAS operator training here," said a rugged-looking man with sharp eyes.

Tom turned to see who it was and quickly recognized the Delta Force insignia tattooed on the man's forearm. He had a firm stance and the kind of confidence that only someone with combat experience carries.

"And I didn't expect to see a Delta on a civilian range," Tom replied, extending his hand to shake.

The man shook his hand firmly, with a hint of a smile.

"Chuck, ex-Delta Force."

"Tom," he replied, nodding. "Nice to meet you, Chuck."

The two began to talk about their time in the service, and soon discovered some similar missions in nearby areas, despite having served on different teams and countries.

There was an instant camaraderie, as happens between operators who understand the sacrifice and dedication of the profession. Chuck gave Tom a curious look.

"What do you think of a CQB simulation? Conventional shooting ranges are great, but there's nothing like a simulation to get your reflexes going."

Tom smiled, remembering the old days.

"I think that's an excellent idea. It's been a while since I've been to one," he replied.

The owner of the range, who had been watching the conversation from afar, quickly came over when he realized what they were planning.

"You two, in a CQB simulation? I need to see that," he said with restrained enthusiasm. "Let's set up the range for a mock invasion."

Tom and Chuck agreed, and the owner immediately began setting up the space. He even set up a few security cameras to capture the action.

The training area was set up with obstacles, fake doors, and a few rooms that would require precision and strategy. They both put on proper protective gear and chose mock weapons markers that fired plastic ammunition. For Tom and Chuck, using mock ammunition was a way to bring more realism without compromising safety.

The two exchanged a final knowing look and began to plan.

"I'll take the lead in the first room, you cover the entrance," Chuck suggested.

Tom nodded.

"Done. When we advance to the second room, we'll switch roles."

The two positioned themselves at the entrance to the area, ready to begin. The booth owner watched from a distance, his eyes fixed on the screen that showed the images from the cameras.

"All set," he announced over the loudspeaker. "Good luck."

Tom and Chuck moved as a synchronized unit. They communicated with quick, almost silent gestures. As they entered the first room, Chuck moved ahead, covering the right corner, while Tom checked the left side, following close behind. Each movement was calculated, the result of years of training and well-honed reflexes.

As Chuck turned a corner, he found a simulated target positioned unexpectedly. In one swift movement, he fired, hitting it with precision. Tom covered the flanks, alert for any angle that might pose an unexpected threat.

Advancing to the second room, they reversed positions. This time, Tom took the lead, moving with agility and precision. He found two targets positioned at opposite ends of the room and hit both in a matter of seconds, precise and controlled shots that showed his skill.

Chuck followed him, keeping the perimeter safe. The synchronization between the two was impressive, and the owner of the range, watching the images, could barely contain his excitement. He knew he was witnessing two of the best operators in action, even if in a simulation.

"These guys are on another level..." he muttered to himself, adjusting the camera so as not to miss any detail.

In the last room, a narrower space with several divisions, Tom and Chuck divided positions, one covering the rear while the other advanced in a straight line. The precision of both was evident, and any target that appeared was eliminated in a matter of seconds.

At the end of the simulation, after clearing each room and hitting all targets, the two will met at the exit, both smiling and clearly pleased with their performance.

"Looks like we still have it, huh?" Chuck joked, giving Tom a light slap on the back.

"Absolutely. Nothing like reminiscing about the old days," Tom replied, still looking attentive.

The booth owner approached, clearly impressed.

"You two are a machine. I've seen a lot of training, but never with that precision and speed. I'll tell you, Tom, that was spine-chilling."

Tom smiled, but remained modest.

"Thanks. It was good to reminisce, and Chuck was an excellent partner."

Chuck nodded, proud.

"Same here. It's good to know we still have it in us."

The booth owner, excited, continued.

"I recorded everything with the cameras. Of course, I'll keep your privacy, but... with your permission, I'd like to post it on the military and police forums. I think many will want to see two Tier One operators in action."

Tom and Chuck exchanged glances. They knew these videos could attract attention, but the booth owner was trustworthy and also a former military man.

"You can post it, as long as you keep it anonymous," Tom said. "No faces or identifiable details."

The booth owner quickly agreed.

"Deal. I won't mention names, just a simulation of experienced operators. I think a lot of people will learn something from watching this."

In the days that followed, the simulation video was posted on specialized forums. Users who knew the signals of experienced operators were quick to comment, impressed by the precision, coordination and level of skill. Discussions arose about who the men in the video could be, with some speculating that they were retired SAS and Delta Force operators.

"These guys are monsters. Look at their precision and communication, without having to say anything. You can tell they trained together or that they are both highly trained."

— "How long has it been since you've seen a simulation this perfect? ​​These guys are definitely Tier One."

— "The precision, the control… it has to be SAS and Delta!"

Tom, upon hearing the repercussion, laughed a little. He was used to the mystery and curiosity surrounding his past, but he didn't expect something as simple as a casual simulation to draw so much attention.

Chuck texted him, laughing at the situation.

— Looks like we're still a legend, mate. Let me know when you want to do it again.

Tom responded with a laughing emoji and a brief reply.

— Deal, Chuck. Nothing like reminiscing about the old days.

Tom's Reflection

After that day, Tom felt energized. The experience had revived memories and skills that he didn't use as often, but that were a part of him. On the way back home, he thought about how his life had changed from risky missions and high-stakes operations to family dinners and outings with Kim and her kids.

There was a peace he cherished now, but the range training and the simulation reminded him that this was a part of him that would never completely disappear. And even though he was in a new phase of life, he knew he would always have those skills and that side of his story.

When he got home, Kim greeted him with a smile and a warm hug.

"How was it at the range?" she asked curiously.

Tom smiled, hugging her.

"It was great. I met someone interesting there and did a simulation... just like old times."

Kim laughed, leaning her head on his shoulder.

"Who would have thought, huh?"

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