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.”
Cade handed her a badge—unmarked, matte black, unmistakably classified. “Your unit is called Task Force Meridian. Intelligence, special operations, cyber, field operations—you’ll command personnel across all branches.”
“And my first assignment?” she asked.
Cade brought up a map of Istanbul. Several red nodes blinked ominously. “Iron Wolf has been purchasing biometric data from rogue suppliers overseas. Someone is compiling profiles of American operatives. Including SEALs. Including you.”
The room chilled. Selena’s name was on one of the lists.
“We can’t allow this to continue,” Cade said. “Meridian deploys in seventy-two hours.”
Selena rose. “Understood, Admiral.” Before she could leave, Cade added quietly, “One more thing, Commander… You didn’t speak during the court-martial. You didn’t defend yourself. Why?”
Selena turned, expression calm and deeply resolute. “Because some missions don’t belong to me. They belong to the people we saved. Their survival mattered more than my reputation.” Cade nodded with deep respect.
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