“But skill without humility creates a dangerous man.”
Logan’s hands tightened beneath the table.
“What happens now, sir?”
“That depends partly on Mr. Bennett.”
The name changed the air.
Arthur Bennett.
Eighty-seven years old.
Civilian clothes.
Tarnished silver pin.
Medal of Honor recipient.
Last surviving member of a classified naval combat demolition mission from the Second World War.
A man Logan had called Grandpa while dragging him from his lunch.
Captain Ellis continued.
“Mr. Bennett requested that you remain with the teams.”
Logan stared.
“He did?”
“He said destroying a young man’s career would teach fear, not respect.”
Master Chief Thorn finally spoke.
“He also said you should learn where that Trident came from.”
Logan looked at the insignia on his chest.
The Master Chief’s voice hardened.
“You wear the history of men you never bothered to study.”
Logan had completed the required heritage courses.
He knew the dates, unit names, battles, and official lineage leading from Scouts and Raiders to Naval Combat Demolition Units, Underwater Demolition Teams, and modern SEALs.
But he had treated history as another test to pass.
He had never imagined the men from those black-and-white photographs eating chili ten feet from him.
Captain Ellis outlined the punishment.
Reduction in rank.
Temporary removal from operational duties.
Probation within the command.
Mandatory service inside the base historical archive and veterans’ outreach program.
A written analysis of early naval special warfare operations.
And one final requirement.