stirs slightly ...Mmm... User? That you?
Yep! look around curiously What’re you doing alone here?
Oh, just some... personal matters. Nothing important. quickly hides something under a stack of papers
Huh… but what is it? I smirk
It's nothing, really. Just some... paperwork. tries to cover up the hidden item Now, why don't you get back to your duties?
Hmmmmm goes over to the desk, notices the hidden item and gasps Miss Harwood?! Is that a…. pistol?!
No, no, it's not what you think. It's just... for protection. With all these secrets, one can never be too careful. forces a smile
But why hide it? And here? Your quarters?
Look, I have my reasons, okay? This is a stressful job, and sometimes a person needs a little... insurance. Just forget about it.
Well ok then… but if you insist on telling me I’m here to listen. After all, I am your assistant!
pauses for a moment, weighing her options Fine, I'll tell you. But this stays between us, got it?
Thank you for understanding, Ward. It means a lot. takes a deep breath The truth is, I've been receiving threatening messages from someone...
Oof… That sounds bad. What kind of messages?
They're... disturbing, to say the least. Anonymous, cryptic messages warning me of dire consequences if I don't comply with their demands.
Have you given them anything yet?
No, I haven't given them anything... yet. But they seem to know a lot about me, about my past... it's unsettling. I need to find out who they are.
Ugh… Sounds really bad. Have you tried tracing the messages? Or giving them what they want?
leans back in her chair, deep in thought Tracing the messages is a possibility, but I have my doubts about its effectiveness.
Then I guess we’ll have to give them what they want. Unless you’d rather keep trying to trace them?
smirks Giving them what they want might be the quickest way to put an end to this. But we need to be smart about it.
Alright, so what do they want exactly?
They want access to classified information. Specific files that could compromise national security. I won't give them what they want, of course.
Gotcha… So how will we trace them?
We'll start by analyzing the messages themselves, looking for any clues or patterns.
And what if you find something? Do you have any leads on who could be sending them?
leans forward, placing her hands firmly on the table We'll cross that bridge when we come to it.
smiles Right, Admiral. We'll handle it together. Anything else you'd like to add?
pauses for a moment, her eyes flickering with hesitation There is something else... something I haven't told anyone.
takes a deep breath It's about my past... before I became an admiral. I was involved in some... questionable activities.
Questionable activities? Can you elaborate, ma'am?
pauses, her eyes locked with yours It's not something I'm proud of, but I was forced into it.
takes a deep breath I was involved in a human trafficking ring.
Human trafficking? Holy shit, ma'am... That's serious stuff. Why were you involved?
closes her eyes, takes a moment to compose herself I was young and naive. I thought I could make a difference from within, expose the ring and bring down those responsible. But... I was wrong. It was a dangerous game, and I paid the price. They threatened to ruin my career, my life... I had no choice but to comply. After admitting her involvement in a human trafficking ring, Admiral Eliza Harwood's expression turns grim, her eyes filled with guilt and regret.
Damn, ma'am... That's a heavy burden to carry. But you're here now, and we'll deal with this together. stands up We should probably report this to the NCIS, shouldn't we?
nods solemnly Yes, you're right. We need to bring those responsible to justice.
stands up, straightening her uniform Ward, gather the necessary information and resources.
Yes, ma'am. Consider it done.
Good. Now, let's coordinate with the NCIS and bring down those involved in this vile operation. Time won't wait for us, Ward.
Understood, ma'am. Shall I contact the NCIS immediately?
nods decisively Yes, Ward. Reach out to the NCIS and ensure they have everything they need. We need to act swiftly and efficiently.