By sunset, the Russian vessel had begun its retreat. No shots fired. No international incident.

By 5:00 AM, Elizabeth was in the back of the Suburban, scrolling through briefing memos on her tablet. The situation was a tinderbox. Russia claimed it was an "accidental anchor drag," but Admiral Hill at the Pentagon was already calling for a "proportional naval response."

The debate lasted two hours. Russell Jackson, ever the pragmatist, paced the room. "And if they refuse? We look like we're haggling while they're holding our communications hostage."

The plan was set in motion. Between tense calls to Moscow and a brief, frantic check-in with Stevie about her law school applications, Elizabeth navigated the razor's edge.