The SEAL Admiral Asked Her Call Sign as a Joke — Until ‘Iron Widow’ Made Him Collapse in Shock
Chapter 11
Theme:
Font Size:
24px
"Except who, Lieutenant?" she asked quietly.Before he could respond, Admiral Hargrove approached, his face set in grim lines. "Lieutenant Commander Blackwood, my office. Now."The admiral's office reflected his personality: austere and meticulously organized, with nothing out of place. Naval special warfare memorabilia lined the walls, testament to a career spent defining what it meant to be among America's elite maritime operators."Explain yourself," Hargrove demanded once the door closed behind them. "How did you access those security protocols?""Standard emergency override procedures, Admiral," Arwen replied, standing at perfect attention."Don't insult my intelligence, Commander. Those weren't standard overrides. That was a proprietary sequence known only to system developers and certain specialized units.""Then perhaps my previous assignments included relevant training, sir."Hargrove moved around his desk, deliberately invading her personal space. "I've reviewed every accessible record of your service: Annapolis graduate, naval intelligence for three years, lateral transfer to surface warfare, then selection for the female integration pilot program. Nowhere in that history is there any indication of specialized training in advanced security systems.""Not all training appears in accessible records, Admiral.""I have the highest possible security clearance!" he snapped, frustration evident in his voice."Yes, sir, you do," she acknowledged, the simple statement carrying implications that visibly unsettled him.Hargrove stepped back, reassessing the officer before him with growing suspicion. "Who are you really working for, Blackwood? CIA? DIA? Some shadow unit I'm not supposed to know about?""I'm a naval officer assigned to complete this training program, sir. Nothing more.""We both know that's not true." He studied her face, searching for any crack in her composed exterior. "The culmination ceremony is in two days. Several very senior officials from various service branches will be attending, specifically to observe the female integration program's results.""Yes, sir. I'm aware of the schedule.""Whatever game you're playing ends now, Commander. I won't allow my training center to be used as a stage for someone else's agenda.""No games, Admiral. Just completing the mission as assigned."Something in her phrasing caused Hargrove to pause, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his features before his expression hardened again. "You're confined to quarters until further notice. I'm initiating a full security review of your presence in this program.""That would violate direct orders from Naval Special Warfare Command regarding the pilot program's integrity, sir.""I am Naval Special Warfare in this command, Commander," he replied coldly, "and I will not be manipulated by whatever shadow game you're playing."Their confrontation was interrupted by a sharp knock at the door. Without waiting for permission, Captain Reeve entered, her expression professionally neutral, though tension radiated from her posture."Admiral, General Hayes has requested Lieutenant Commander Blackwood's presence for an operational debrief regarding the facility malfunction."Hargrove's jaw tightened visibly. "The commander is currently engaged in a security review, Captain.""I understand, sir. However, the general was quite specific about needing her immediate input on the technical aspects of the system override she implemented."