Judge Henderson raised her hand, silencing Vance. She reviewed the documents on the tablet, her expression turning incredibly grim. Then, she looked up, her eyes fixing onto the chest patch on my armor—a silver eagle clutching a flintlock pistol and a trident, partially obscured by dirt.
“Mr. Vance,” Judge Henderson said softly, a dangerous edge to her voice. “Before I review the custody motion, the court requires the petitioner’s verified organizational status. Lieutenant Commander Sterling, state your full name, rank, and exact current attachment for the record.”
I stood at perfect attention. “Lieutenant Commander Maya Sterling. United States Navy. Currently serving as Team Leader and Master Sniper for the Naval Special Warfare Development Group.”
The words echoed in the high-ceilinged room. Vance frowned, looking confused. “Development Group? What is that, some bureaucratic office? She’s a secretary in camo!”
But Judge Henderson’s face went entirely pale. She was a former Navy JAG officer; she knew exactly what those words meant. She knew that DEVGRU was the official name for SEAL Team 6—the most lethal, highly trained, and secretive counter-terrorism unit on the planet. I wasn’t just a soldier. I was a living weapon who hunted the world’s worst monsters in the shadows.
“Mr. Vance,” the judge whispered, her voice trembling slightly. “Sit down and shut your mouth right now before I hold you in federal contempt.”
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