Episode 6 of Special Ops opens with a breathtaking vista of Cruz's journey to the Hamptons. The serene drive offers a stark contrast to the upcoming events that await her. Invited by Aaliyah in the previous episode, Cruz finds herself alone in the beach house, unaware of the surprise that lies ahead. It turns out to be a pampering spa day, a complete mismatch for Cruz's hardened demeanor.
Meanwhile, Byron, Kaitlyn, and Joe receive a summons for a debriefing at the White House. Kaitlyn receives a bombshell from Errol: Secretary of State Mullins will be present, representing the President himself. The trio is about to face the music for their recent actions at the border extraction and the San Antonio executions. Kaitlyn also reveals to Errol a valuable piece of information - Qudrah Petrol, a multibillion-dollar oil conglomerate, has a mole within its ranks. If their oil could be diverted to the open market instead of the black market, it would represent a significant opportunity for the United States.
Before Cruz embarks on her encounter with Aaliyah, Joe cautions her against lying, emphasizing that Aaliyah's trust in her is unwavering. To ensure that Cruz remains consistent in her narrative, Joe suggests that she base her stories on real-life events, merely changing the names and locations. This shrewd strategy not only strengthens Cruz's storytelling abilities but also deepens her character development.
Cruz finds the spa treatment to be an unfamiliar and foreign experience. Yet, the more crucial aspect is Aaliyah's unquestioning trust in her. Aaliyah's naivety, while surprising, holds immense significance for the Lioness team. The bond between them is now stronger than ever, paving the way for crucial inroads into their ultimate target - Asmari.
Joe's QRF team underwent a heart-pounding ordeal when they heard the intrusion at their secure residence. However, it ultimately transpired that the perpetrators were mere teenage hooligans seeking quick cash. Joe and Kaitlyn were furious to have waited for an excruciating 11 hours before being summoned. Kyle, too, was present at the gathering to account for his actions.
The White House was enraged by the CIA's brazen negligence and recklessness. Kaitlyn, Kyle, and Joe's official stance was a categorical denial of any involvement in the contentious activities. They all concurred: it was the San Antonio PD that had saved the day, averting a potential terrorist attack.
Mullins and the others pressed back, which prompted Byron to grudgingly acknowledge that the CIA's QRF team had indeed been implicated. But he dismissed them with a sneer, declaring that they would never be able to prove it. The evidence had already been disposed of. It seemed that Mullins and the others were convinced.
The conversation also veered towards Cruz's mission, and Kaitlyn and Byron were ordered to take an active supervisory role from that point onward. They were startled by Joe's confession that Cruz would be sacrificed for the mission if it meant securing its success. The operation was officially christened "Yellow Jacket," and the codeword to initiate the strike against Asmari, aimed at neutralizing him, was "Mabel."
Joe finds himself in the favor of Kyle, who owes her a debt following their recent border extraction. She presses him to repay the men who had intentions of robbing her QRF team's safe house. In a moment of raw vulnerability, Aaliyah confesses that she has no choice in the matter of marrying Ehsan. Cruz pleads with her to cancel the wedding, but Aaliyah breaks down, citing the immense cultural pressure she faces as a woman to make such a decision. For her, saying no is simply not an option.
Joe spends a reassuring night with Neal after he reveals that Kate is making remarkable progress - both physically and mentally. This might just mark the beginning of a fresh chapter in their marriage and Joe's personal life.
The episode comes to a close with a shocking revelation. Aaliyah's wedding will be held in Mallorca, Spain. She jumps up and down in uncontrollable excitement, gushing to Cruz about the beauty of the location. She impulsively kisses Cruz, and after a brief pause, Cruz kisses her back, passionately. Suddenly, Aaliyah pulls away, realizing the mess she's getting herself into. She quickly tries to regain her composure and steer the conversation away from what just transpired. Cruz stands by the window, a mix of excitement and nervousness evident on his face, anticipating what lies ahead.
