Chapter 1 - Who Is Your Commanding Officer?
The moment Admiral Gary Vance kicked the toolbox, every sailor on the bridge knew someone’s career was about to be damaged.
The black metal case shot across the polished deck and slammed against a command console.
Wrenches, sockets, and screwdrivers scattered beneath navigation stations. One wrench spun beneath the boot of a young ensign, but he did not dare bend down to retrieve it.
No one moved.
Admiral Vance stood above the kneeling mechanic in a dark dress uniform heavy with medals. His silver hair was perfectly arranged. His polished shoes reflected the cold fluorescent lights.
“Who is your commanding officer?”
His voice struck the bridge windows and returned sharper.
The mechanic kept one grease-covered hand inside the open machinery panel.
Her stained navy coveralls were rolled at the sleeves. Dirt marked her cheek. Blonde hair was pulled into a low practical bun, though several strands had come loose around her face.
She did not answer immediately.
Vance stepped closer.
“I asked you a question.”
The mechanic slowly removed her hand from the panel.
She picked up a rag.
Then she began wiping the grease from her fingers.
Vance’s expression darkened.
“You think this is funny?”
“No, Admiral.”
Her voice was calm.
That made him angrier.
“You’re a disgrace to this ship. Tools everywhere. Grease across my bridge. No discipline. No urgency. Give me your supervisor’s name.”
She folded the rag once.
Then twice.
Still kneeling, she looked up at him.
Not frightened.
Not angry.
Patient.
Vance pointed one finger inches from her face.
“Are you deaf?”
The mechanic rose slowly.
She was shorter than him, but the atmosphere changed the moment she stood.
Then she looked directly into his eyes.
“You’re looking at her, Gary.”
The bridge went silent.
Vance’s face tightened.
“What did you just call me?”
She did not blink.
“I’ll have you thrown in the brig.”
The mechanic reached for the zipper of her oil-stained coveralls.
Vance stiffened.
“What do you think you’re doing?”
She pulled the zipper downward.
Beneath the dirty outer layer was a perfectly pressed white naval uniform.
Gold stars gleamed beneath the bridge lights.
Admiral Gary Vance went pale.
May you like
The woman lightly touched the insignia at her collar.
“Inspection complete.”
