Chapter 10 - THE UNTOUCHABLE
The Change of Command ceremony concluded as the late afternoon sun began its slow descent into the Pacific Ocean, painting the sky above Naval Amphibious Base Coronado in brilliant streaks of amber and gold.
The parade field cleared slowly as formations were dismissed back to their respective barracks and command centers. Whispers of the incident would spread across every quarterdeck, mess hall, and wardroom in the Pacific Fleet by nightfall, but the official records of what transpired would be quiet, sparse, and heavily managed.
Avery stood alone by the edge of the empty parade deck, looking out over the blue waters of San Diego Bay.
Sergeant Major Reed walked up beside her, stopping two paces back and holding a fresh, unopened bottle of water out toward her.
"Captain," Reed said respectfully.
Avery took the bottle, offering him a small, rare nod of thanks. "Thank you, Sergeant Major."
"Sullivan will be in the brig by sunset, Ma'am," Reed reported quietly. "The Admiral has already signed the non-disclosure directives for the entire reviewing party."
"It doesn't matter, Thomas," Avery said softly, her voice smooth and even as she watched a naval helicopter transit across the bay. "People only see what they expect to see. They expected an easy target."
May you like
She took a small sip of water, her posture as straight and unbreakable as the steel hulls anchored in the harbor.
"Let them keep guessing," Avery added, turning her heel and walking calmly toward the command building, leaving the sunlit field behind as the quiet, untouchable guardian of secrets she had always been.
