Chapter 2 - The Engineering Log
The hum of the USS Sterett’s gas turbine engines vibrated deep through the steel deck plates, a rhythmic, mechanical heartbeat that drowned out the world above water.
Inside the central control station, the air was thick with the scent of hot oil, ozone, and unvarnished tension.
Lieutenant Commander Marcus Vance—the admiral’s executive officer and a veteran of surface warfare who didn't suffer fools gladly—stood beside the main console, handing me the primary engineering logbooks.
“We’ve been running hot on turbine three for three days, Admiral,” Marcus said, pointing a gloved finger at a digital readout. “Chief Engineer logged it as routine maintenance variance. But the bypass logs show a recurring pressure drop that doesn't match the vibration metrics.”
I ran my thumb down the digital ledger, my eyes scanning the technical codes. “It’s not a variance, Marcus. The intake seal is compromised. If they push past twenty-five knots during tomorrow’s tactical drills, that housing will fracture.”
Across the control room, a senior chief engineer shifted uncomfortably, clearing his throat. “With respect, ma'am, we’ve run diagnostics twice. It’s within acceptable parameters for a flight-twoA Burke-class hull.”
I looked up from the pad, fixing my gaze on him. “Acceptable to who? A desk officer in Washington, or the sailors standing watch three compartments away from a high-pressure steam rupture?”
The chief fell silent, staring at the deck plates.
Before Marcus could respond, a red diagnostic alert flashed on the auxiliary monitor. A secure comms channel chimed from the base commander’s office ashore.
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Marcus tapped the receiver, his brow furrowing as he listened to the voice on the other end. He looked up at me, his expression tightening.
“Admiral,” Marcus said slowly. “That was base security. Your father is at the visitor gate. He demands immediate access to the ship, and he’s threatening to call the Secretary of the Navy if we don't let him through.”
