Togo (Goes) on Assignment (Ocean Crossing)
Chapter 2: Athens, Scene 4
Togo (Goes) on Assignment is published weekly as a series. If you came in late, you might want to go back to the beginning. Or, if you’re cut from the same adventuresome cloth as Togo, feel free to read on and figure things out as you go.
The flight from Joint Base Andrews to U.S. Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay was just under eleven hours. Togo had a complete briefing book on the entire region. However, the onboard meal served by the S.H.E.D. flight crew was superb and he dozed off for a while — about nine hours. When he woke up, he found a note from Margot explaining that she was going on to Athens by helicopter. Togo was to be transported by water first to Milos and then to Athens.
“Transported by water?” Togo muttered. A quick look in the briefing book revealed that NSA Souda Bay was located on the Hellenic (Greek) Air Force Base . . . on the island of Crete! The enclosed map showed that the Isle of Milos was almost directly north — about halfway between Crete and Athens.
“Yessir. By water, sir!”
Togo hadn’t seen the young woman enter the plane.
“I’m Ensign Brookheart, U.S. Navy,” she said. “I’m your escort to Athens.”
Togo didn’t know whether to salute or shake hands. In his civilian life, he was accustomed to receiving a treat when he shook hands. It didn’t look like Ensign Brookheart came prepared with treats. And Togo found salutes somewhat awkward. So he just wagged his tail.
“Nice to meet you,” he said. “I’m Togo, agent of S.H.E.D.”
The young officer gathered Togo’s briefing book and the file Margot had given him in Washington and stuffed them into a stiff canvas duffel.
“We need to button everything up to keep your gear dry,” she said. Glancing around the cabin, she asked, “Is this all? Do you have any extra clothes or toiletries?” she asked.
“Nope,” Togo grinned. “I’m what’s known as a self-contained operations unit. Everything I need is right here.”
With that, Togo spun around quickly, a move that often impressed people. Ensign Brookheart’s expression didn’t change.
“Fine, let’s go. We have a rendezvous with agents Allison and Dan on Milos.”
Ahhh, Togo thought. Smart move to allow him to enter Athens with the intrepid duo. Plus, he knew that they were sticklers for protocol. Since his briefing book was now packed away in the waterproof duffel bag, he hoped that Allison and Dan would bring him up to speed.
Ten minutes later, Ensign Brookheart pulled her jeep up to the dock and the WB-607 tied up there. She moved quickly, grabbing Togo’s duffel and throwing it across to a crew member.
“Step aboard, sir.”
Togo swaggered to the end of the dock and jumped across. Even though the WB-607 was 24 feet long, it rocked a bit on impact.
“So, this boat is taking us to the big ship, right?” Togo asked hopefully.
“No, sir. This vessel will be sufficient for the crossing,” Brookheart hesitated. “You can swim, can’t you sir?”
“Of course,” Togo replied. “But I’m afraid I’m limited to a basic dog paddle.”
“Understandable, sir. You are, after all, a dog.” She began searching in a deck locker. “I’m sure we have some sort of a flotation device in here that would work. You know, in case you were to fall overboard.”
That prompted a larger search by the entire crew. Soon Togo was settled in his seat with a large intertube lodged uncomfortably around his ribs.
“The wind is up a bit today,” chirped a guy that everyone else called Skipper. “How about a little motion sickness pill?”
Togo passed on the offer of medication. He was, after all, Top Dog, international dog of intrigue.
Brookheart, after a whispered consultation with the Skipper, dissolved the contents of a small capsule into Togo’s water when he wasn’t looking. Several hours later, he woke up to a view of Milos. Feeling refreshed although a little groggy, he was eager to stretch his legs.
The plan was to spend the night on the island and continue to Athens the next day. Togo left the dock and was immediately in the warm embrace of Allison.
“Where’s Dan?” Togo asked.
“He’s waiting in the car,” Allison answered.
And waiting he was. In the tiniest car Togo had ever seen. Or maybe it just looked tiny since Dan is so big. Brookheart tossed Togo’s duffel in the backseat and motioned him in. His initial thought was confirmed. This was a tiny car.
No worries, he thought. I’m among friends.
Allison climbed in next to Dan and they were off for a night on the town. The perfect pre-mission distraction.
