The morning sun had barely touched Naval Base Coronado when Lieutenant Commander Selena Caldwell reported to Admiral Cade’s secure operations office. She wore no handcuffs now—only her uniform, her Silver Star ribbon newly restored, and the composure of a woman who had survived character assassination and walked out stronger.
Cade gestured to a seat. “At ease, Commander. We have a great deal to discuss.” A large digital display lit up behind him. Files, contractor maps, procurement trails, and encrypted messages began populating the screen.
“This,” Cade said, “is Iron Wolf Solutions’ internal structure. What we know of it.”
Selena studied the interface. “This is bigger than a corrupted officer and a paid witness.”
“Much bigger,” the admiral confirmed. “Stroud wasn’t a mastermind. He was an access point. Someone else fed him classified intelligence. Someone without whom Shadowfall could never have been compromised.”
Selena’s eyes narrowed. “Someone higher up.”
Cade nodded grimly. “We suspect a DoD procurement liaison. Someone who had visibility into elite operations but stayed far away from the field—so they couldn’t be traced.” He tapped a file. A blurred-out photo appeared. “We haven’t confirmed the identity yet. That’s where you come in.”
Selena leaned forward. “You want me to hunt them.”
“I want you to lead the task force that will expose them,” Cade clarified. “Your perspective—your operational knowledge, your instincts—make you the only logical choice.”
Selena didn’t smile, but her voice carried new strength. “I accept.”
