Chief Hayes did not answer with words; he simply shifted his stance, his boots squeaking softly on the linoleum floor.

He looked up at the vent, then back to Lieutenant Carter.

“Go, Lieutenant,” Hayes said, his voice dropping an octave. “You heard the doctor.”

“Chief, I am commanding you to stand down!” Turner shouted, his face turning a deep, mottled purple under the red emergency lights.

“With all due respect, Captain,” Hayes said, “the doctor’s security clearance overrides your local command in the event of an active compromise.”

Turner stepped forward, his fists clenched at his sides. “This is my base!”

“And it’s my submarine program,” I said, keeping my voice steady.

My thumb pressed down on the screen of my tablet, forcing a recalibration of the signal receiver.

“Lieutenant Carter, move now,” I commanded. “Take the security detail in the hall and double-back to the maintenance level.”

Carter looked at Turner one last time, his mouth opening and closing like a landed fish.

Then, he swallowed hard and nodded at me.

“Yes, ma’am,” Carter said.

“This is mutiny, Carter!” Turner roared, taking a step toward the young officer.