Chapter 7 - CHAIN OF COMMAND
The security officer stepped between Chloe and the Commander, his broad frame completely cutting off Chloe’s view of her sister.
"Ma'am, keep your hands where I can see them," the officer commanded smoothly, his voice devoid of emotion. "You are being detained under Title 18 of the United States Code for destruction of government property and breach of a secure military installation."
Chloe stumbled backward, her high heel catching on a mooring line. "You can't touch me! Do you know who I am? I run the premier catering service in San Diego! I have a permit!"
"Your civilian permit was revoked the moment you crossed the yellow security line without an escort," the Senior Chief said calmly, stepping alongside the officer. "And your business connections don't apply on a naval station."
Chloe looked past the officer’s shoulder, desperately seeking eye contact with her sister. "Tell him, Sarah! Tell him to stop! You're my sister!"
Hearing her civilian name spoken aloud on the restricted deck caused a brief, subtle twitch in the Commander’s jaw, but her discipline remained absolute. She stood with her hands folded behind her back, watching the procedure with professional detachment.
"Officer," the Commander said, her tone level and crisp. "Ensure the recovery team marks the exact coordinates of the impact zone. The tablet's self-destruct sequence will initiate in four minutes if not retrieved or neutralized."
"Understood, Commander," the security officer replied, taking Chloe firmly by the arm.
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"No! Get off me!" Chloe shrieked, twisting against the guard's iron grip. Her expensive white blazer wrinkled under the pressure, and one of her designer shoes slipped off her foot, clattering uselessly against the concrete deck. "Sarah! Help me!"
The Commander took one step forward, her shadow falling over her sister. "You wanted to see how important I was without my props, Chloe. Now you are going to see how the law works without yours."
