For once, he did not point.
“I…” he began.
I looked at him.
Words failed him.
Maybe apology requires more courage than accusation.
He lowered his eyes and walked on.
That was enough for the moment.
When the aircraft was nearly empty, two military police officers stepped into view.
Their posture was wrong.
Not emergency response.
Not gratitude.
Purpose.
Caleb saw them and stiffened.
“What is this?”
One of the officers looked at me.
“Emma Parker?”
I did not answer.
Because I already knew.
The other officer said, “Also known as Captain Emma Parker, call sign Valkyrie Seven?”
Mia’s hand flew to her mouth.
David whispered, “What?”
Caleb stepped forward.
“She just saved a civilian aircraft with over three hundred people aboard.”
The officer’s face did not change.
“Sir, we have orders.”
“From whom?”
“Air Force Office of Special Investigations. She is to be escorted for debrief regarding unauthorized transmission of classified call sign, possible breach of sealed operational identity, and matters relating to Operation Nightglass.”
The past had waited ten years.
