Chapter 7 - THE SEALED FILE
The silence that reclaimed the parade field was absolute, heavy enough to weigh upon the shoulders of every man and woman standing in uniform. Brock remained on one knee, his heavy breathing the only sound breaking the stillness. The shadow of the four-star reviewing canopy stretched long across the sun-baked asphalt, linking the fallen Commander to the mysterious figure standing at the microphone.
The Senior Officer stepped fully to the edge of the podium. The bright sunlight caught the golden oak leaves on his cover and the deep rows of decorations covering his chest, but his eyes remained fixed on Brock with cold, unyielding judgment.
"Sergeant Major Reed," the Admiral’s voice boomed softly over the speakers.
"Sir!" Reed responded instantly, his voice like grinding stones.
"Fetch Commander Sullivan’s cover from the deck," the Admiral instructed quietly. "Then escort him to the primary briefing room beneath the command tower. He is relieved of his duties effective immediately, pending court-martial proceedings for striking a superior operative."
Superior operative.
May you like
The words echoed over the PA system before the audio feed was abruptly cut with a sharp digital click. The term hung in the warm sea breeze like a thunderclap. Not superior officer—superior operative.
Brock’s eyes widened to the point of pain. He looked up at Avery, who remained standing beside him in absolute silence, her hands resting naturally at her sides. The administrative title, the quiet desk assignment, the modest service ribbons—it was all a cover profile.
