Chapter 9 - Command Presence
The silence returned to the galley, heavier than before.
Admiral Vance turned to Commander Harris. Harris was shaking so badly his service ribbons rattled against his chest.
"Commander Harris," Vance said smoothly.
"S-sir?"
"You attempted to arrest a naval intelligence officer without verifying her identity or reviewing security footage of an assault committed in your facility."
"Sir, I—I acted on the information available to me from a senior chief—"
"You acted out of cowardice," Vance interrupted. "You saw an enlisted woman on the floor and a decorated SEAL standing over her, and you chose the path of least political resistance. You abandoned your duty to protect your personnel."
Captain Miller stepped up beside Harris. "Commander, you are relieved of your duties as installation executive officer effective immediately. Report to my office at fourteen hundred hours to turn in your credentials."
Harris looked like he had been struck by lightning. "Captain... please. Thirty years—"
"Fourteen hundred hours, Commander," Miller said, her voice hard as bedrock. "Dismissed."
Harris swallowed hard, saluted weakly, and turned on his heel, practically sprinting out of the mess hall to escape the humiliation.
Admiral Vance then turned his gaze to the seventy-eight recruits standing frozen at attention.
"At ease," Vance announced.
The recruits shifted their boots, but none of them dared to make a sound.
"Listen to me carefully," Vance told them, his deep voice carrying into every corner of the galley. "You are here to learn how to fight for this country. You are here to learn honor, discipline, and lethal capability. But if any of you ever believe that earning a warfare pin gives you the right to abuse your authority, abuse your fellow sailors, or betray the oath you swore—remember what happened on this deck today."
The Admiral paused, looking at each young face.
May you like
"A true warrior defends those who cannot defend themselves. A bully uses strength to hide his decay. Remember the difference. Carry on with your meal."
"Aye, aye, Admiral!" the entire room shouted in unison.
