“Admiral Owens, welcome aboard under these unfortunate circumstances,” Captain Vance said, offering a stiff, respectful bow of his head. “I deeply regret that my department heads failed to identify this systemic vulnerability before your office intervened.”
“Accountability begins at the top, Captain, as you well know,” I answered without raising my voice. “However, our immediate priority is assessing whether these diverted components compromised operational readiness or endangered sailors during sea trials.”Tour Navy Ships
“Engineering inspected every secondary system yesterday, ma’am,” Vance replied quickly, producing his own tablet of reports. “The propulsion plant is secure, but the financial loss and breach of trust are catastrophic for this entire command.”
The door opened once more, and two Master-at-Arms personnel escorted Brandon into the brightly lit room. My brother had removed his white hat, clutching it nervously against his chest like an erring schoolboy caught red-handed.
He glanced around the room, seeing two admirals, a ship captain, and several senior officers staring at him coldly. The reality of his precarious situation finally shattered the protective bubble our father had built around him.
