Page 60 of Playboy

Alley closed the door behind him and took a step forward, “Petty Officer Allen,” he began, his tone laced with condescension, “I’m here on official business.”

Gabby’s stomach tightened. She stayed silent, waiting for the bomb to drop.

“I’ve been asked to deliver some news to you, and since you and I both know that I’m not welcome here, I’m just going to get straight to the point.” Alley continued, his smile widening slightly as though he enjoyed what he was about to say. “You’re being recommended for a medical discharge.”

For a moment, Gabby couldn’t breathe. Her vision blurred at the edges as the words sank in. “What?” she croaked, barely able to get the word out.

“You heard me.” His voice was infuriatingly calm. “Your condition makes you a liability now. The higher-ups feel it’s best to discharge you and move on.”

“No,” Gabby snapped, her voice suddenly strong again. “I have a timeline! I’m allowed time to prove that I can still do my job. I haven’t even been fitted for my prosthetic yet, and I’m already showing progress in rehab.” Her heart was pounding, a mix of anger and panic flooding her system. She had worked her entire life for her career—herspot in the MSRT. She wasn’t going to let him, of all people, take it away from her.

Alley shrugged, completely unfazed. “Your replacement has already been selected, Allen. He’s ready to step in. Honestly, I’m looking forward to seeing how he fits in with the team.”

The smugness in his tone was unbearable. Gabby’s fists clenched at her sides. “You sexist bastard,” she hissed. “You’vebeen gunning for me since day one. Always finding ways to sabotage me, always trying to undermine me.”

Alley raised an eyebrow, looking mildly amused. “Sabotage, huh?”

“You tried to screw me over during the competition,” Gabby accused as her voice rose. “But I still won. I’ve proven time and again that I belong here, and you can’t stand it.”

“Believe what you want, Allen,” Alley said, dismissing her. “But the decision is final. You can fight it if you want, but it won’t matter. I know the right people.”

His words hung in the air like a dark cloud. Gabby felt the rage and helplessness bubbling inside her, her chest tight as she stared at him, trying to process what he was saying. He was trying to end her career, and she didn’t know if there was anything she could do to stop it.

The door opened again, and this time, it was Captain Graham who stepped inside. He looked between Gabby and Alley, his brow furrowed. “Vice Admiral?” he asked, a curious edge to his voice. “What are you doing here?”

Alley flashed him a cold smile. “Captain. I was just leaving. Petty Officer Allen will explain everything to you.” He turned on his heel and strode out of the room, leaving behind a silence so thick it felt suffocating.

Graham watched Alley go, his eyes narrowing before turning to Gabby. He stepped closer and sat down in the chair next to her. “What the hell was that about?” he asked, concern evident in his voice.

Gabby swallowed hard, her throat still tight from the confrontation. “He came to tell me that they’re recommending me for a medical discharge.” Her voice wavered slightly, but she kept her gaze steady on Graham.

Graham’s face darkened instantly as his eyes flashed with anger. “What?” he growled. “That’s bullshit. He’s stepping way over the line.”

“I tried to argue,” Gabby said, her voice barely above a whisper now. “But he said the decision’s final and that there’s nothing I can do. He’s already picked my replacement.”

Graham ran a hand through his hair, shaking his head. “Alley’s been gunning for you for a long time. I wouldn’t put anything past him, but this… this is low, even for him.”

Gabby swallowed hard. “Does he really have that kind of pull?” she asked, afraid of the answer.

Graham sighed, leaning back in his chair. “Yeah,” he admitted, “he does. But it’s unethical. He’s abusing his power, and I won’t stand for it.”

“Can we fight it?” Gabby asked, her heart pounding. “Do I even stand a chance?”

Graham’s jaw clenched. “I know people too,” he said firmly. “People who outrank him. I’ll fight for you, Gabby. But you need to be prepared for anything. Alley’s a loose cannon, and he’s got connections. This won’t be easy.”

Gabby nodded, feeling a small glimmer of hope. But the weight of the situation still pressed down on her. “Thank you,” she said quietly, grateful for his support.

“You’re more than welcome. You’re one of my best operators. How are you doing otherwise?”

She shrugged her shoulder. “Eh…okay. I was in a good mood until fucktard showed up.”

Graham grinned. “Well, try not to let him bother you too much.”

“I’ll try.”

“Don’t you get fitted for your prosthetic today?”

She smiled. “Yep. My appointment is in about an hour and a half.”

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