Chapter 13 - THE DECISION AT DOCK 42
The rain outside intensified, slamming against the broken windowpanes of the living room like iron shrapnel.
Admiral Vance Miller stood motionless in the center of the room, staring at the darkened screen of the satellite phone.
"Who was that on the line?" Agent Marcus asked, stepping over a pile of shattered glass.
"The head of the syndicate," the Admiral answered, his voice dropping an octave into absolute coldness.
"He wants the drive brought to Shipyard Dock 42 within thirty minutes."
"It's a trap, Admiral," Marcus said immediately, shaking his head.
"They know you have the drive, and they know you won't surrender it without a fight."
"They also hold the decryption key," the Admiral countered, holding up the small silver flash drive.
"Without that key, this entire file self-destructs into useless code in less than an hour."
"Everything my wife died to expose... everything Rachel suffered for tonight... will be erased."
Rachel groaned softly from the couch, clutching her abdomen as another wave of severe contractions struck.
The Admiral immediately knelt by her side, taking her cold, trembling hand into his own broad palm.
"Dad..." Rachel gasped out, her eyes fixed on his face.
"Don't go..."
"They will kill you the second you step onto that pier..."
"They won't kill me, Rachel," the Admiral said, his voice softer than it had been all night.
"Because they don't know that I never walk into a trap without bringing my own fire."
He turned his head toward Marcus, his eyes flashing with lethal tactical precision.
"Marcus, take my personal transport through the rear service access path."
"Get Rachel and Lily to the naval underground hospital in Sector 4."
"I am taking the strike team to Dock 42."
"Sir, you can't go alone against an unknown force!" Marcus insisted, stepping forward.
"I won't be alone," the Admiral replied, pulling a heavy tactical radio from his belt.
"I am reactivating the Shadow Squadron."
Marcus gasped softly, his eyes widening in shock.
"The Shadow Squadron was officially decommissioned five years ago..." Marcus stammered.
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"They don't exist on official records anymore, Marcus," the Admiral said with a dark, dangerous smile.
"Which means they don't have to follow official rules of engagement tonight."
