Chief Hayes moved instantly, his broad frame blocking Turner’s path.

“Let the boy do his job, Captain,” Hayes said quietly.

The sheer physical presence of the SEAL chief made Turner halt.

Carter did not wait. He turned on his heel and hit the door release.

The heavy hydraulic door slid open with a hiss, revealing the dim, red-lit corridor outside.

Carter yelled for the two armed guards standing watch in the hallway.

Their heavy boots echoed down the concrete passageway as they ran toward the dry dock access stairs.

The door slid shut behind them, locking with a heavy, metallic thud.

Inside the command room, the silence returned, thick and suffocating.

“You’ve just ruined your career, Hayes,” Turner spat, his breathing ragged.

“I’ll worry about my career later, sir,” Hayes replied. “Right now, I’m worried about the asset.”

Hayes turned to his remaining two SEALs, who stood near the secondary console.

“Miller, Patterson, guard the main entry,” Hayes ordered. “No one comes in. No one leaves.”

“Understood, Chief,” Miller said, drawing his sidearm and stepping toward the door control panel.