Meet the Operatives
ROLE:
Long-Range Precision Marksman / Sniper
KNOWN MISSIONS:
- Stolen Valor
- Cuban Tempest
- Sonoran Ghost
Wout O’Dell
Wout O’Dell
Role: Long-Range Precision Marksman / Sniper
Personality Traits: A battle-hardened warrior with a sniper's keen eye
Birthplace: Classified / Suspected Southwest U.S.
Missions
Stolen Valor, Cuban Tempest, Sonoran Ghost
Bio
Skills & Influence
- Expert in long-range sniping & anti-personnel engagement
- Advanced ballistics & wind correction using integrated optics and computer-assisted targeting
- Specializes in stealth infiltration, overwatch, and precision elimination
- Tactical training instructor for military & civilian marksmen
Gear Loadout
- Primary Weapon: McMillan TAC-338 Sniper Rifle
- Chambered in .338 Lapua Magnum
- Nightforce ATACR 7-35x scope with ballistic computer integration
- Suppressed with Thunder Beast Arms Ultra-338 suppressor
- Sidearm: Custom Wilson Combat .45 ACP
- Support Gear: Kestrel wind meter, ballistic rangefinder, high-speed spotting scope
Classified Notes
Subject recruited into . following Operation .. Psychological profile indicates high adaptability, low volatility, and surgically precise execution. Field command recommends limited exposure to civilian assets.
Last confirmed visual – . safehouse, northwest of Phoenix. Subject escorted captured HVT (Cartel-affiliated, likely .). Communications encrypted through . network – trace route terminated.
Incident at border compound remains officially unresolved. Ballistics from TAC-338 recovered at scene. No official link to . has been established, though tactical footprint matches known methods.
ROLE:
Breacher / Tactical Entry Specialist
KNOWN MISSIONS:
- Stolen Valor
- Cuban Tempest
- Sonoran Ghost
Odie Clayton
Odie Clayton
Role: Breacher / Tactical Entry Specialist
Personality Traits: Bold, fearless, pragmatic, blunt
Birthplace: Tucson, Arizona
Missions
Stolen Valor, Cuban Tempest, Sonoran Ghost
Bio
Skills & Influence
- CQB (Close Quarters Battle)
- Breaching and tactical entry
- Team suppression support
- Enhanced interrogation & field handling of POWs
Gear Loadout
- Primary: Benelli M4 Tactical Shotgun
- Sidearm: Glock 17
- Breaching Gear: C4, flashbangs, door charges
- Body Armor: Level IIIA (Tactical vest)
- Support Equipment: Thermal optics, tactical gloves, combat knife
Classified Notes
Operative engaged in unsanctioned breaching of private compound linked to . cartel network. Result: 100% success in extraction, collateral property damage under review.
Subject displays pattern of disregarding bureaucratic orders in favor of field pragmatism. Internal reports note quote: “Knock? That’s what the breaching charge is for.”
Operative maintains operational readiness despite prior incident involving unauthorized cross-border operation. Debrief classified under Level 4 compartment.
ROLE:
Cyber Recon Specialist / Hacker / Surveillance Ops
KNOWN MISSIONS:
- Stolen Valor
- Cuban Tempest
- Sonoran Ghost
Peter White
Peter White
Role: Cyber Recon Specialist / Hacker / Surveillance Ops
Personality Traits: Smart, sarcastic, hyper-focused, operates in the gray
Birthplace: Portland, Oregon
Missions
Stolen Valor, Cuban Tempest, Sonoran Ghost
Bio
Skills & Influence
- Cyber surveillance & infiltration
- Facial recognition and AI analytics
- Mission routing & satellite ops
- Threat tracking and pattern recognition
Gear Loadout
- Primary: Lightweight laptop + wireless intrusion suite
- Sidearm: Glock 34
- Tech Tools: Thermal drones, signal intercepts, encrypted comms
- Specialized Equipment: Night vision goggles, high-powered computer scanners, mobile server unit
Classified Notes
Operative breached . server to extract actionable intelligence on foreign cell operation. Clearance for this action was not obtained.
Subject maintains private off-grid surveillance network. Known nodes operating from undisclosed locations across, Vegas, and Tucson.
Recorded field comms: “If it’s online, I can see it. If it’s offline, I can find someone who can’t.”
ROLE:
Tactical Leader / Former HRT Team Leader
KNOWN MISSIONS:
- Stolen Valor
- Cuban Tempest
- Sonoran Ghost
Commander Cash Reynolds
Commander Cash Reynolds
Role: Tactical Leader / Former HRT Team Leader
Personality Traits: Strong-willed, strategic, no-nonsense, emotionally reserved
Birthplace: Denver, Colorado
Missions
Stolen Valor, Cuban Tempest, Sonoran Ghost
Bio
Skills & Influence
- Hostage negotiation & crisis management
- Strategic operations leadership
- Combat and tactical firearms expertise
- High-pressure decision making
- Advanced surveillance and counter-surveillance
Gear Loadout
- Sig Sauer P229 (Sidearm)
- M4A1 Carbine (Primary weapon)
- Body armor (Level IV)
- Tactical communication system
- Combat knife (Benchmade)
- Surveillance gear (advanced optics, drones)
- Blackhawk Tactical Boots
Classified Notes
Former HRT Commander voluntarily resigned after . incident during international hostage extraction. No official charges filed; records sealed.
Subject operates in grey-zone capacity with Direct Action Team. Unofficial clearance granted by . for high-risk operations with no political oversight.
Surveillance log: “We don’t get second chances in this line of work. We get results—or we get ghosts.”
ROLE:
Heavy Weapons Specialist / Tactical Breacher
KNOWN MISSIONS:
- Stolen Valor
- Cuban Tempest
- Sonoran Ghost
Bull Rodriguez
Bull Rodriguez
Role: Heavy Weapons Specialist / Tactical Breacher
Personality Traits: Tough, fearless, direct, team-oriented
Birthplace: El Paso, Texas
Missions
Stolen Valor, Cuban Tempest, Sonoran Ghost
Bio
Skills & Influence
- Breaching and dynamic entry
- Heavy weapons handling (SAWs, M249, M4 with grenade launcher)
- Close-quarters combat (CQB)
- Tactical support and suppressive fire
- Rescue and extraction operations
Gear Loadout
- Primary Weapon: M4A1 with M203 grenade launcher attachment
- Secondary Weapon: Glock 21 (.45 ACP)
- Breaching Gear: C4, sledgehammer, battering ram
- Body Armor: Level IV tactical vest with trauma plates
- Additional Equipment: Tactical headset, thermal breaching goggles, flashbangs
Classified Notes
Known for aggressive breaching tactics. Psychological profile indicates controlled aggression, excellent under fire.
Previous reprimands for “excessive force” during unauthorized ops—officially expunged.
“Let me go first. If there’s hell on the other side of that door, I’ll meet it head-on.”
ROLE:
Special Agent / Counterterrorism & Counterintelligence Specialist
KNOWN MISSIONS:
- Stolen Valor
- Cuban Tempest
- Sonoran Ghost
Agent Sarah Chen
Agent Sarah Chen
Role: Special Agent / Counterterrorism & Counterintelligence Specialist
Personality Traits: Sharp, strategic, diplomatic under pressure, precise communicator
Birthplace: Seattle, Washington
Missions
Stolen Valor, Cuban Tempest, Sonoran Ghost
Bio
Skills & Influence
- Counterterrorism intelligence
- Inter-agency operations & legal navigation
- Psychological profiling & negotiation
- Asset management & undercover support
- Strategic debriefing & post-op analysis
- Foreign influence tracking
Gear Loadout
- Primary Weapon: Glock 19 (standard issue)
- Comms: Secure FBI tactical radio & encrypted sat phone
- Utilities: Surveillance kit, field laptop, flash drive encryption tools
- Documents: Federal credentials, covert clearance passes
- Transport: Unmarked government SUV
Classified Notes
Agent Chen flagged inconsistencies in Congressman Adams’ security briefings. Intercepted communications suggest external political manipulation linked to ..
Operative classified as a dual-role asset—liaison to Direct Action Team and internal FBI watchdog for potential agency compromise.
Comms log excerpt: “If this leaks, it’s career-ending for someone. My job is to make sure it’s not you.”
ROLE:
Senior Investigator – National Major Crimes Division, PNR
KNOWN MISSIONS:
- Cuban Tempest
Lieutenant Ramos
"Mongo"
Lieutenant Ramos
Code Name: "Mongo"
Role: Senior Investigator – National Major Crimes Division, PNR
Personality Traits: Meticulous, Tenacious, Fair, Respectful, Humble, Cynically Pragmatic, Politically Savvy (Reluctantly), Resilient, Stoic & Resourceful.
Birthplace: Holguin, Cuba
Missions
Cuban Tempest
Bio
Skills & Influence
- Criminal Investigation: Extensive experience in solving complex, multi-jurisdictional crimes; proven record of success.
- Intelligence Gathering: Maintains an island-wide web of informants and contacts; adept at extracting key info in informal settings.
- Interagency Coordination: Skilled at managing collaboration between local and federal law enforcement agencies.
- Interpersonal Negotiation: Resolves political, personal, and jurisdictional conflicts with practical tact.
- Surveillance & Field Work: Experienced in on-the-ground investigation, from rural fields to urban centers.
- Political Acumen: Understands how criminal enterprises exploit Cuba’s divided governing systems.
- Local Knowledge: Knows regional cultures, criminal profiles, and provincial authorities intimately.
Gear Loadout
- Authorized Sidearm: CZ-75 9mm, worn in a shoulder holster for accessibility and comfort.
- Official Patrol Car: Geely sedan, equipped for rapid interprovincial travel; priority fuel ration.
- Personal Vehicle: Classic 1956 Chevy Bel Air, sentimental and discreet, used for personal time.
- Secure Satellite Phone: For confidential communications and official coordination.
- Basic Investigation Kit: Notepad, digital voice recorder, city maps, flashlight, and evidence bags.
- Simple Civilian Attire: Worn jeans, sturdy shirts—practical, unremarkable, and comfortable.
- Discreet Contacts List: Physical and digital lists of informants throughout Cuba.
Classified Notes
ROLE:
Steadfast partner, provides emotional stability, moral guidance, and unwavering loyalty
KNOWN MISSIONS:
- Cuban Tempest
- Sonoran Ghost
Emily O'Dell
Emily O'Dell
Role: Steadfast partner, provides emotional stability, moral guidance, and unwavering loyalty
Personality Traits: Compassionate, Resilient – Strong under pressure, Supportive & Loyal, Insightful, Grounded & Principled
Birthplace: Phoenix, AZ
Missions
Cuban Tempest, Sonoran Ghost
Bio
Skills & Influence
- Emotional Intelligence & Diplomacy – Skilled at de-escalating tension and fostering understanding.
- Advocacy & Public Speaking – Effective voice for first responder and military families.
- Crisis Support – Able to provide calm, stabilizing presence during stressful or traumatic events.
- Networking & Community Building – Builds strong connections in both civilian and military circles.
- Organizational Skills – Coordinates charity events, support groups, and logistical aid for families in need.
- Intuitive Advising – Serves as Wout’s sounding board, offering clarity in emotionally charged decisions.
Gear Loadout
- Smartphone with secure messaging apps – For discreet communication with Wout and support networks.
- Organized planner & notebooks – Keeps track of advocacy work, appointments, and personal goals.
- First Aid & Care Kit – Prepared for emergencies at home or community events.
- Personal Memento from Wout – A keepsake symbolizing their bond, often carried for reassurance.
- Community Resource Binder – Contact info for veteran, military spouse, and law enforcement family resources.
- Laptop with encrypted storage – For coordinating advocacy efforts and maintaining sensitive contacts.
Classified Notes
ROLE:
Cuban Special Forces Veteran and Current Bus Driver / Informal Observer
KNOWN MISSIONS:
- Cuban Tempest
- Sonoran Ghost
Mario Volkov
Mario Volkov
Role: Cuban Special Forces Veteran and Current Bus Driver / Informal Observer
Personality Traits: Reserved and detached yet loyal and honor-bound veteran, he is a disillusioned idealist who questions the revolution’s outcomes while remaining principled, using sharp tactical awareness and hard-earned resilience to endure change and hardship with quiet stoicism.
Birthplace: Havana, Cuba
Missions
Cuban Tempest, Sonoran Ghost
Bio
Skills & Influence
- Close-Quarters Combat Expert: Trained extensively in hand-to-hand and urban fighting tactics.
- Counterinsurgency Operations: Skilled in asymmetric warfare strategies, ambushes, and tactical reconnaissance.
- Proficient with Classic Soviet Weapons: Familiar with AKS-74U carbine and Makarov PM pistol.
- Surveillance and Situational Awareness: Tactical mindset allowing constant environmental scanning, threat detection, and risk management.
- Multilingual Abilities: Spanish with Russian accent and functional English learned from media.
Gear Loadout
- Personal Weapons: Retains legally registered Makarov PM pistol; accustomed to AKS-74U carbine from service years.
- Driving Equipment: Operates an aged Yutong tour bus fitted for practical use across varied Cuban terrain.
- Everyday Civilian Items: Modest clothing, blending military discipline with civilian practicality.
- Apartment Holdings: Russian and Cuban revolutionary literature reflecting ideological questioning; strong coffee supplies for long discussions.
- Communication Network: Maintains close contacts with former Special Forces comrades for information and support.
Classified Notes
ROLE:
Insider Guide & Cultural Connector
KNOWN MISSIONS:
- Cuban Tempest
- Sonoran Ghost
Ana Volkov
Ana Volkov
Role: Insider Guide & Cultural Connector
Personality Traits: Curious, Open-minded, Independent, Ambitious, Warm, Social, Resourceful, Adaptable, Proud, Loyal, Rebellious & Visionary
Birthplace: Havana, Cuba
Missions
Cuban Tempest, Sonoran Ghost
Bio
Skills & Influence
- Expert Local Knowledge: Knows Havana’s geography, history, and hidden gems; skilled at moving unnoticed across the city.
- Multilingual Communication: Fluent English; conversational French and Russian; learning German—with a talent for picking up accents and colloquialisms.
- Cultural Mediation: Bridges gaps between locals and foreigners, managing sensitive social and political contexts smoothly.
- Networking: Well-connected in the tourism and hospitality sector, from restaurants and artists to hoteliers and drivers.
- Social Media Savvy: Maintains an Instagram window into Cuban life, attracting followers and forging international relationships.
- Self-teaching & Research: Highly adept at acquiring new knowledge and skills, especially in languages and international studies.
Gear Loadout
- Smartphone: Essential for navigation, translations, and social media posting (when WiFi is available).
- Multilingual Guide Materials: Maps, historical notes, and language apps; personalized guidebooks she creates.
- Camera or GoPro: Used for documenting tours and sharing snapshots online.
- Fashionable, functional wardrobe: Professional attire for work, casual beachwear for downtime—adapted for Cuba’s climate.
- Tour guide license & Ministry credentials: Officially authorized to provide tours across Havana.
- Converted Pesos & Small Stash: Tips from tours; slowly saving for her dream of studying abroad.
- German Language Textbooks/Apps: Always on hand to practice with tourists.
Classified Notes
ROLE:
FBI data analyst, hacker, and surveillance professional.
KNOWN MISSIONS:
- Cuban Tempest
- Sonoran Ghost
Regus Kaplan
Regus Kaplan
Role: FBI data analyst, hacker, and surveillance professional.
Personality Traits: He is highly intelligent, detail-oriented, and adaptable, with strong analytical skills, independence, confidence, and a disregard for formality, all driven by his mastery in digital surveillance and hacking.
Birthplace: Pueblo, CO
Missions
Cuban Tempest, Sonoran Ghost
Bio
Skills & Influence
- Data analysis (proficient in interpreting large sets of information)
- Advanced hacking and cybersecurity expertise
- Surveillance and counter-surveillance techniques
- Observational acuity and attention to detail
- Technical mastery of audio/video recording, secure communications, and digital surveillance tools
Gear Loadout
- High-powered laptop with encryption tools and hacking software
- Multiple secure smartphones/devices
- Surveillance earpiece and encrypted comms systems
- Portable cameras, audio recorders, and signal interceptors
- Secure, remote data storage devices
Classified Notes
Know the Enemy
THREAT TYPE:
Political Manipulator / Corrupt Insider
THREAT LEVEL:
Moderate
LAST SEEN IN:
- Stolen Valor
- Cuban Tempest
- Sonoran Ghost
Daniel Adams
Daniel Adams
Threat Type:Political Manipulator / Corrupt Insider
Threat Level: Moderate
Birthplace: Miami, Florida
Last Seen In
Stolen Valor, Cuban Tempest, Sonoran Ghost
Bio
Skills & Influence
- Public manipulation & media control
- Legislative sabotage
- High-level donor orchestration
- Strategic obstruction of intelligence findings
Preferred Weaponry & Tactics
- Political influence
- Private security detail
- PAC-funded surveillance advisors
- Encrypted political donor networks
Classified Notes
Adams’ campaign funding traced to shell companies linked to . foreign influence network.
Continues to downplay domestic threats in public while receiving confidential intel in closed committee briefings.
Transcript of intercepted communication with unknown associate. – “The public can be distracted—sometimes, they want to be.”
THREAT LEVEL:
Low
LAST SEEN IN:
- Cuban Tempest
- Sonoran Ghost
Elliot Raines
Elliot Raines
Threat Level: Low
Birthplace: Reston, Virginia
Last Seen In
Cuban Tempest, Sonoran Ghost
Bio
Skills & Influence
- Combat Mastery: Expert in close-quarters fighting, handguns, tactical knives; has military training background (likely special operations).
- Strategic Planning: Orchestrates multifaceted operations; excels at managing teams of ex-military, intelligence, and mercenary operatives.
- Psychological Manipulation: Manipulative and disarming; highly perceptive reader of people—adept at extracting leverage and controlling outcomes.
- Counterintelligence: Proficient in surveillance, counter-surveillance, and operational security; specializes in burying evidence and covering tracks.
- Negotiation & Extortion: Skilled in exploiting legal gray areas, blackmail, and leverage; effective mediator when advantage or profit demands it.
- Leadership: Commands absolute loyalty within Black Raven—runs the firm more like a covert task force than an ordinary security provider.
Preferred Weaponry & Tactics
- Sig Sauer P229 (customized for low-profile carry)
- Combat Knife (concealed within his jacket)
- Encrypted Communications Suite (multi-channel encrypted phone and earpiece)
- Kevlar-Lined Suit (tailored, lightweight ballistic protection)
- Discreet GPS Signal Jammer
- Documents & Credentials (multiple forged IDs, diplomatic access passes)
- Remote Panic Device (summons close-protection team instantly)
- Typical Black Raven Operative Kit (as overseen by Raines)
- Suppressed subcompact carbines
- Explosives and breaching tools
- Drones for surveillance and rapid intel
- Mobile hacking rigs
- Non-lethal incapacitation equipment
Classified Notes
THREAT TYPE:
Physical Threat
THREAT LEVEL:
High
LAST SEEN IN:
- Sonoran Ghost
Big James Hoffman
Big James Hoffman
Threat Type:Physical Threat
Threat Level: High
Birthplace: Phoenix, AZ, USA
Last Seen In
Sonoran Ghost
Bio
Skills & Influence
- Expert Marksman: Highly trained in firearms, marksman skills honed during MARSOC training and combat deployments.
- Asymmetric Warfare Specialist: Skilled in guerrilla tactics, sabotage, and preemptive strikes to disrupt enemy operations.
- Strategic Leadership: Capable of commanding a militia with discipline and coordination, leveraging fear and ideology to motivate followers.
- Psychological Warfare: Uses apocalyptic and extremist rhetoric to control and inspire his group, including a dark web podcast platform.
- Survival & Combat Skills: Adept at close quarters combat, battlefield tactics, and underground operational security, including use of fortified “war room” bases.
- Paranoia-Driven Operational Security: Methodical and secretive, rarely trusts others beyond his lieutenants.
Preferred Weaponry & Tactics
- Weapons: Proficient with assault rifles, sniper rifles, and sidearms (specific models not detailed but likely military-grade).
- Combat Clothing: Utilitarian, tactical gear suitable for guerrilla and asymmetric warfare in desert and urban environments.
- Base of Operations: Concrete-walled “war room” beneath a ridge, fortified for command and control, surveillance, and planning.
- Communication: Operates a dark web podcast mixing extremist ideology and tactical guidance. Presumably uses encrypted comms for militia coordination.
- Vehicles & Militia Equipment: Likely uses off-road capable vehicles cluttered with arms and militia gear for operations near the border (though not specified, consistent with militia activities).
Classified Notes
THREAT TYPE:
Physical Threat
THREAT LEVEL:
High
LAST SEEN IN:
- Sonoran Ghost
Mateos Rojas
Mateos Rojas
Threat Type:Physical Threat
Threat Level: High
Birthplace: Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico
Last Seen In
Sonoran Ghost
Bio
Skills & Influence
- Lethal Hand-to-Hand Combat: Expertise in knife fighting, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and military-style close combat tactics.
- Weapons Mastery: Prefers silenced pistols (notably a suppressed Glock 19), but highly proficient with rifles, shotguns, blades, and sniper weapons.
- Precision Marksmanship: Skilled sniper capable of long-range kills or silent melee eliminations as required.
- Torture & Interrogation: Skilled at psychological and physical breaking of targets without overt violence.
- Strategic Command: Plans complex operations, hit squads, and territorial control with tactical foresight.
- Smuggling & Logistics Management: Oversees trafficking routes and operations across Mexico-U.S. borders.
- Training Influence: Drawn from advanced combat instruction by ex-Navy SEAL trainers, adding professional military precision to cartel tactics.
Preferred Weaponry & Tactics
- Primary Weapon: Suppressed Glock 19 pistol for silent, precise kills.
- Secondary Weapons: Range of rifles, shotguns, and combat knives for versatility.
- Combat Attire: Practical, tactical clothing allowing mobility and stealth in urban and rural environments.
- Operational Tools: Communication gear for coordination within cartel and terror networks; likely has access to encrypted messaging and surveillance devices.
Classified Notes
THREAT TYPE:
Physical Threat
THREAT LEVEL:
High
LAST SEEN IN:
- Sonoran Ghost
Marcus Kane
" The Enforcer"
Marcus Kane
Code Name: " The Enforcer"
Threat Type:Physical Threat
Threat Level: High
Birthplace: Baltimore, MD, USA
Last Seen In
Sonoran Ghost
Bio
Skills & Influence
- Elite Close Quarters Battle (CQB) Expert: Master of tactical room clearing, stealth, and lethal precision in confined environments.
- Sniper and Marksman: Highly proficient in precision shooting across multiple weapon platforms under extreme conditions.
- Explosives and Demolitions: Skilled in breaching, sabotage, and use of C4 and fragmentation grenades for tactical advantage.
- Unconventional Warfare and Sabotage: Experienced in black operations, unconventional tactics, and battlefield adaptability.
- Tactical Leadership: Commands respect and loyalty, training Black Raven operatives in the harsh realities of combat and discipline.
- Battlefield Intelligence and Problem-Solving: Reads battlefield dynamics intuitively, predicting enemy moves and adapting quickly.
- Psychological Fortitude: Unshakable presence in combat and high-pressure situations; feared for his cold efficiency and silent menace.
Preferred Weaponry & Tactics
- Primary Weapon: Custom Heckler & Koch HK416 (10.5-inch barrel) with suppressor, EOTech holographic sight, foregrip, and tactical light—optimized for CQC and rapid engagement.
- Sidearm: Glock 19X with threaded barrel for suppressor, Trijicon RMR sight, extended magazine, and tactical light—reliable and deadly in close quarters.
- Blade: Karambit knife, worn on his belt at all times for silent kills and utility close combat.
- Explosives: Carries C4 charges, breaching tools, and fragmentation grenades tailored to mission requirements.
- Personal Gear: Tactical combat clothing designed for mobility and protection, hardened gloves, and communication earpieces for silent coordination during missions.
Classified Notes
Readers Are Teaming Up
Interesting and suspenseful. Cinematic style keeps the pages turning, though some may find the villain a shade less compelling than previous antagonists—a slight dip in intensity that doesn’t entirely derail the thrill ride. Overall, it’s an adrenaline‑charged chapter that sets the stage for bigger confrontations ahead.
Heidi S
Jake Greco just keeps raising the bar. Jake Greco just keeps raising the bar. Sonoran Ghost blends raw intensity with just enough emotional depth to make you care about every decision the team makes. The pacing is tight, the setting pulls you in, and the stakes feel high from start to finish. Couldn’t put it down.
Etukudo
A Thrilling Conclusion to the Direct Action. I just finished reading “Sonoran Ghost” by Jake Greco, and I’m blown away by the action-packed conclusion to the Direct Action Series. As a fan of military thrillers, I was hooked from the start and couldn’t put the book down.
Davia Sutton