Chapter 14 - Nathan’s New Orders
At the Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek in Virginia Beach, the morning breeze carried the sharp tang of saltwater and diesel exhaust.
Nathan Reed stood on the concrete pier, watching his team load tactical gear into the equipment lockers of a fast-response boat.
His deployment cycle had been moved forward.
Following the successful seizure of the Northern Star’s electronic warfare package, the Pentagon had authorized an expanded surveillance mission in the Mediterranean.
His command had been restored to full operational status.
A dark government sedan pulled up to the pier apron, stopping beside the security bollards.
Nathan turned his head and immediately snapped to attention.
Evelyn stepped out of the vehicle, holding a leather briefing folder under her arm.
She wore service khakis, her collar tabs bearing the insignia of a Senior Executive Service director.
She walked toward him along the wooden boards, her step light and deliberate.
“At ease, Commander,” Evelyn said as she reached the edge of the pier.
Nathan lowered his salute, his posture relaxing only slightly.
“Director Bennett. I didn't expect to see you at Little Creek, ma’am.”
“I was at Norfolk reviewing the dock inspection reports,” Evelyn replied, looking out over the water where two guided-missile destroyers sat moored.
“The structural repairs will take eight months, but the fleet won't face any operational delays.”
Nathan nodded grimly.
“I read the summary report on the Portsmouth concrete aggregates.”
“Your father... he came very close to causing a catastrophic hull failure.”
“He did,” Evelyn agreed, her voice steady.
“The federal court accepted his guilty plea this morning.”
“Twelve years at Fort Dix.”
Nathan swallowed hard, his throat dry.
“I am sorry, ma’am.”
“For what happened at the dinner.”
“For what Caroline said to you.”
“I should have recognized what was happening sooner.”
Evelyn turned her gray eyes toward him.
There was no anger in them, only the quiet assessment of a senior leader evaluating an officer’s integrity.
“You didn't know, Nathan.”
“You were looking for a home, and you let a charming facade blind your judgment.”
“It happens to the best operators when they spend too many years away from the real world.”
Nathan looked down at the wooden planks of the pier.
“I broke off the engagement that same night.”
“I know,” Evelyn said.
“Your personnel file updated forty-eight hours later.”
“You showed good situational awareness.”
“An officer with your clearance cannot afford a partner whose loyalty depends on social appearances.”
Nathan felt an immense weight lift from his chest.
He had worried for two weeks that his association with the Bennett family would leave a permanent black mark on his promotion record.
“What about Caroline?” Nathan asked quietly, hesitating slightly over the name.
“She has moved to an apartment near Silver Spring with my mother,” Evelyn answered.
“A two-bedroom walk-up next to the rail yard.”
“She will survive.”
Evelyn opened the leather folder and handed Nathan a set of sealed orders bearing the red stamp of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
“Your new deployment orders, Commander.”
“You are being detached from the tactical group and assigned as the primary liaison for Maritime Interdiction under Task Force Iron Shield.”
Nathan looked up from the paper, his eyes wide with shock.
“Task Force Iron Shield?”
“You will be reporting directly to my operations room at the Pentagon,” Evelyn said.
“I need people who can see through the noise and follow protocol when the pressure builds.”
“Do you think you can work for a former 'clerk,' Commander Reed?”
A rare, genuine smile broke across Nathan’s face.
He snapped his heels together and saluted her with absolute, unyielding conviction.
“It would be an honor, Director Bennett.”
Evelyn returned the salute with crisp precision.
“Boarding is at 1400 hours, Nathan.”
May you like
“Don't be late.”
She turned and walked back to the waiting sedan, the wind catching the dark fabric of her jacket.
