He turned to face her. «Commander Hale accepted damage to her career, her reputation, and her honor, all to protect this fleet from a security threat none of us even knew existed.»
And then he did something almost nobody in the Navy ever sees. He saluted her first. A four-star admiral saluting a commander.
The crew erupted in salutes. And in the distance, cutting through the morning fog, a sleek-black submarine rose from the water. On its sail, previously hidden markings now gleamed in the sunlight: USS Phantom, SSNX.
Astria walked toward the waiting helicopter one more time. This time, though, she stopped next to Lieutenant Commander Calloway. «The Phantom needs a new XO,» she said quietly. «Someone who understands both surface ops and what we do down there. You interested?»
Calloway didn’t hesitate. «Yes, Commander.»
As her helicopter approached the submarine, one last message flashed across the Everett’s screens. «Command authentication confirmed. Welcome back, Commander.»
The helicopter landed on the Phantom’s deck. Astria Hale stepped out, looked back at the carrier one last time, and disappeared into the submarine. The black hull slipped beneath the waves, and just like that, she was gone.