Chapter 6 - The Bridge Changed Sides
Vance tried to recover.
“You are presenting assumptions as conclusions.”
Eleanor closed the notebook.
“Fleet investigators boarded twenty minutes ago.”
His eyes moved toward the bridge entrance.
Two officers in plain dark uniforms stood near the doorway.
They had entered while he was focused on Eleanor’s insignia.
Vance’s breathing changed.
“You brought investigators onto my ship without notifying command?”
“I notified command.”
“I am command.”
“No, Admiral. You are the subject.”
The words landed harder than the toolbox.
Vance looked around the bridge for support.
The captain stood near the rear console.
“Captain,” Vance said, “remove this woman from the bridge.”
The captain did not move.
“That was an order.”
The captain slowly removed his command access card from his pocket and placed it on the navigation table.
“Sir, fleet command transferred temporary operational authority thirty minutes ago.”
Vance stared at him.
“You knew?”
“I knew an inspection team was coming.”
“You allowed this deception?”
“I followed lawful orders.”
For years, Vance had taught the crew that obedience meant loyalty to him.
Now they were remembering that military authority belonged to the institution, not the loudest person wearing medals.
Eleanor turned toward Briggs.
“Secure Compartment C-7.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Sloan stepped beside him.
“I’ll help.”
Others began moving.
Not chaotically.
Purposefully.
Consoles were checked.
Maintenance teams were called.
Unsafe systems were isolated.
The bridge returned to operation without waiting for Vance’s permission.
He stood in the center of it, watching the ship function around him.
That was when he understood the most devastating truth.
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He had never been the ship.
He had only made everyone afraid to discover they could operate without him.
