Volume Two
Chapter Ten: Ghosts in Uniform
The safe room was unusually still, the usual hum of computers replaced by a taut, watchful silence. The coalition's core members circled a navy-blue folder marked CLASSIFIED—dropped off anonymously, its origin a mystery.
Walter O'Brien eyed the folder. "Is anyone else getting a bad feeling about this?"
Olivia Benson nodded. "We're being baited. Or warned."
Before anyone could answer, the door opened. In walked a woman in civilian clothes, her posture unmistakably military. She scanned the room with the calm authority of someone used to command.
"I'm Lieutenant Commander Samara Bishop, U.S. Navy," she announced, showing her credentials. "I'm not here to take over. I'm here because you're not the only ones chasing ghosts."
The team tensed. Paige exchanged a wary look with Voight, whose hand hovered near his holster.
"Ghosts?" Paige asked, her tone light but edged. "Is this a Pacifier situation? Are you here to babysit, or clean up?"
Samara's lips twitched. "A little of both. But mostly, I'm here because your last operation tripped a Navy alarm—and because someone in this room is on a list they shouldn't be."
Walter cut in, blunt as ever. "Why should we trust the Navy? Last time we had military in the mix, it didn't end well."
Before Samara could answer, another knock sounded. The door opened again, and in stepped a trio of agents—badges glinting, suits crisp, eyes sharp. At their head was Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs, flanked by Timothy McGee and Ellie Bishop.
Gibbs surveyed the room with his signature silent intensity. "We're NCIS. We're here for the same reason as the Lieutenant Commander—and because this case just became a national security issue."
Paige blinked, then smirked. "Wow, we're collecting alphabet agencies now. Anyone else want to join?"
McGee offered a small, reassuring smile. "We're not here to step on toes. But you've uncovered something that reaches deep into Navy intelligence—and beyond."
Samara placed a flash drive on the table. "Alexander Taylor. Shot during the cartel sting. You think it was the cartel, but it wasn't. The CIA staged the hit to frame the cartel and cover up their own operation. The Navy's been tracking a rogue CIA cell for months. Taylor got too close."
The room fell silent. Lightman leaned forward, studying Samara and the NCIS agents for any sign of deception. "And why tell us now?"
Gibbs answered, voice low and steady. "Because the people who set up Taylor are watching all of us. They want us divided. If we don't work together, they win."
Sylvester, always anxious, looked at Penelope. "So… we trust them?"
Penelope shrugged, her eyes on McGee. "I say we trust, but verify. And keep our firewalls up."
Gibbs nodded, a rare smile flickering. "Smart. Let's get to work."
The coalition had grown—more agencies, more secrets, and more ghosts. But as the sun rose, one thing was clear: united, they might just have a fighting chance.
End of Chapter Ten