Chapter 2 - The Silence
The hangar emptied slowly. No one looked at Finch. No one spoke to Bethany. They just drifted away, eyes down, whispers starting before they reached the door.
Finch stood alone for a long moment. Then he turned to her. His voice was low, dangerous. "You put her up to this."
"I didn't, sir."
"You're lying. You want to destroy this family."
"I want the truth, sir."
"Careful, Cruz. Very careful." He walked away, shoulders rigid.
Bethany found Zoe Feld sitting on a concrete step outside, knees pulled to her chest. The young airman's hands were shaking.
"They told me not to," Zoe whispered. "They said if I sent it… I'd regret it."
"Who, Zoe?"
"Sergeant in charge of comms. He said 'some things stay classified.' But I heard it. I couldn't… I couldn't just let her take the blame."
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Bethany sat beside her. "You did the right thing. I'll make sure nothing happens to you."
Zoe looked up, eyes wide. "Captain… what if they make me disappear too?"
