A/N: Published November 13, 2021

Cadet to Secretary of State

The high pitch of the sonar pings grew louder and faster. The torpedo screeched past and left a trail of bubbles in its wake as it chased after a submarine.

"300 yards," the commander said.

A finger came down on a red button. The button glowed and the torpedo exploded before reaching its target.

"The torpedo has detonated," the commander said.

"Now, understand, commander," Admiral Greer said as reached into his pocket and took out his identification booklet. "That torpedo did not self-destruct. You heard it hit the hull, and I was never here." Admiral Greer closed the booklet. "Contact Dallas. Give them the go."

"Dallas, this is Reuben James..."

Gangut sat on a couch with Milwaukee next to her as they watched The Hunt for Red October on the screen.

"You know who he reminds me of?" Gangut asked in Russian as she pointed at Admiral Greer, James Earl Jones's character.

"Who?" Milwaukee asked, also in Russian.

"The former American Secretary of State."

"Condoleezza Rice?" Milwaukee couldn't help but grin.

"No!" Gangut hit Milwaukee with a cushion. Milwaukee failed to stifle a laugh.

"I'm kidding!" the light cruiser said. "I know you mean Colin Powell. But why is that?"

Gangut pondered. "I guess it's the glasses and the hair style."

"Sounds like there's an 'and' in there somewhere."

"And they're both high in the American government, although Admiral Greer is a fictional CIA character and did not actually become Secretary of State."

Milwaukee pressed her lips together. "Becoming Secretary of State. Not bad for a kid from the Bronx."

"I'll tell you what's bad. It's thefctthathesid-" Gangut was interrupted when Milwaukee's hand covered the battleship's mouth.

"Shhhh." Milwaukee's eyes were on the television.

The current scene was Jack Ryan and Marko Ramius conversing in Russian. Milwaukee tilted her head back and forth like a quizzical puppy. Finally, Milwaukee threw her hands up and leaned back on the couch.

"I can't understand a word they're saying," Milwaukee said.

"Welcome to my world," snickered Gangut.