Chapter 10 - CONTINUITY OF COMMAND
The military police cruiser backed out of the security zone and drove slowly off Pier 12, its flashing lights fading into the bright California daylight as it passed through the heavy iron perimeter gates of the naval station.
On the pier, the harbor patrol boat signaled with a short blast of its horn as a diver emerged from the dark water, holding the dripping, reinforced leather work bag aloft. A recovery net was lowered, securing the classified tablet before its internal destruction sequence could breach safety protocols.
The Senior Chief approached the Commander, holding a fresh clipboard with updated logistics reports.
"The hardware has been recovered, Commander," he reported crisply. "Initial diagnostics show the pressure casing held. No classified data was compromised."
"Very good, Senior Chief," the Commander replied smoothly, taking the clipboard from his hands. Her voice was completely steady, her hands immovable as she reviewed the fresh data lines. "Reseal the primary perimeter. Resume the fleet inspection according to the original schedule."
"Aye, aye, Commander," the Senior Chief said, snapping another flawless salute before stepping back to direct the waiting sailors.
The amber warning lights on the barriers shut off one by one, returning Pier 12 to its steady, disciplined rhythm. Mechanics resumed their work, cranes hummed against the clear sky, and the ocean swells continued to lap against the steel hull of the warship.
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The Commander walked to the edge of the pier, stopping at the yellow line where her sister had stood just minutes before. She looked out across the shimmering expanse of San Diego Bay, the golden sunlight reflecting off her officer insignia.
She took a deep, steady breath of the salty ocean air, adjusted her uniform coat with a single, precise movement, and turned back toward her fleet, her command absolute and unbroken.
