Chapter 6 - Seize and Lock
"I assume command," Colonel Evelyn Vance declared, her voice ringing clear, commanding, and absolute across the vast span of the hangar.
The ceremonial handoff of the wing guidon was completed in flawless precision. The applause was polite, loud, and formal, but the moment the applause died down, Colonel Vance did not retreat to the reception line to drink punch with dignitaries.
She stepped directly to the front microphone.
"Wing Executive Officer, front and center," she commanded.
Lieutenant Colonel Harris rushed forward, saluting sharply. "Ma'am!"
"Initiate an immediate base-wide operational lockdown," Colonel Vance ordered, her voice carrying over the house speakers without a hint of hesitation. "All aircraft departures are suspended. All maintenance bays are frozen as of this second. No personnel are permitted to leave the installation."
A murmur rippled through the assembled rows of distinguished guests and officers.
Colonel Vance stepped down from the elevated wooden stage, her polished dress shoes striking the concrete floor with rhythmic, deliberate thunder. She walked directly down the center aisle, flanked by two armed federal investigators from the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI) who had been waiting quietly in the back of the room.
The crowd of airmen parted like the Red Sea as Colonel Vance marched straight down the line.
She stopped two inches from Sergeant Kyle Brody.
The height difference didn't matter. The energy radiating from her was that of a combat veteran who had survived anti-aircraft fire over hostile territory. Brody was sweating profusely now, big beads of perspiration rolling down his pale temples.
"Sergeant Brody," Colonel Vance said, her voice dropping into a razor-sharp register that only his immediate row could hear.
"C-Colonel... ma'am," Brody choked out, trying to raise his hand to salute, but his arm felt like lead.
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"Two days ago, you told me that you decide what flies in your hangar," she said quietly, her eyes locking into his soul. "Now, I am telling you what happens in mine."
She turned her head slightly to the OSI agents behind her. "Take Sergeant Brody and Chief Warrant Officer Miller into custody for gross negligence, falsification of official military records, assault on a superior commissioned officer, and treasonable endangerment of flight crews."
