Chapter 15 Summary:

Mark Peltier returns home to find a blinking security alert indicating someone entered the property. He discovers Colonel Daniel Weaver, his former commanding officer, visiting and talking with Lisa, a tenant on his property. Though caught off guard and angry, Mark agrees to speak with Weaver privately on his deck.

Weaver explains that the Army needs Mark's unique skills for a covert surveillance mission involving three individuals tied to an AI system now in the CIA’s possession. The mission is non-combat and domestic. Mark, still bitter about how he was treated by the Army after his service, refuses to listen at first and lashes out emotionally, accusing the military of abandoning him after he fulfilled his duties.

Weaver defends the Army’s actions and tells Mark his anger and walkout were his own choices. He urges Mark not to let his resentment prevent him from once again serving his country, especially in a mission that doesn’t involve danger but requires elite skill.

After Weaver leaves, Mark vents his frustration by smashing his beer bottle, but quickly regrets it. As he cleans it up, he reflects on Weaver’s words and acknowledges to himself that he is still carrying anger from his past.

Weaver returns to the front door briefly to ask for the gate to be unlocked. Mark obliges, curtly dismissing him. Weaver offers a final, respectful farewell, saying he still holds Mark in high regard and hopes he can let go of his anger.

As Weaver drives away, Mark senses that their interaction isn’t over and that Weaver—or this mission—will likely return to his life.