Chapter 36 - The Fall of the Shadow Echelon
Dawn broke over Norfolk Naval Station, painting the gray Atlantic in hues of crimson and gold. But the peace of the sunrise was shattered by the scream of sirens.
Dozens of Federal Bureau of Investigation tactical vehicles and Department of Defense Inspector General cruisers swarmed the pier, accompanied by four platoons of fully armed United States Marines.
Vice Admiral Donald Croft was led down the gangway in heavy iron restraints, his pristine dress uniform torn and stained with bilge oil. He refused to look up as news helicopters began to circle overhead like vultures. Behind him, federal agents carted dozens of sealed server towers and classified ledgers seized directly from his stateroom.
Admiral Vance stood at the foot of the gangway, his trench coat billowing in the salty morning wind. The blood on his forehead had dried, but his eyes were clear, harder than granite. Beside him stood the Secretary of the Navy, whose face was completely pale as he listened to the recorded confessions retrieved from the Leviathan drive.
"Every contract signed by Halston Maritime for the last twenty years is null and void," the Secretary whispered, trembling. "Half of the Admiralty board... they're implicated, Vance. This will shake the Department to its foundation."
"Let it shake," Vance responded coldly. "Rotten timber needs to be cleared before you lay a new keel."
Julian emerged from the security perimeter, holding two cups of steaming black coffee. He handed one to Liam, who sat on an ammunition crate having his shoulder professionally redressed by Navy corpsmen. Liam took the cup, his gaze never leaving me as I stood at the edge of the pier, staring out at the open ocean.
My mechanical arm hung at my side, its chrome plating blackened by steam and hydraulic fluid, several servomotors burnt out, but the structural core unbroken.
"You did it, Ellie," Liam said quietly, walking over to join me. "The *Gallant’s* crew... they finally have their justice."
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I looked down at the ocean waves crashing against the concrete pylons. "Not yet, Liam. Derek Halston is still out there. And so is the money."
***
