The pilot turned from the cockpit doorway, brow furrowed. “Something wrong, Colonel?”

“Divert this aircraft to the nearest military airfield.”

He blinked. “Colonel Carroll, with respect, we’re on a rigid flight path to base—”

I stood and held the tablet up in his line of sight, my command authorization codes glowing green and active.

“This is an emergency domestic threat involving my minor daughter,” I said. “I have clearance to alter our route. File it as command necessity, and put this aircraft on the ground within twenty minutes.”

He looked at my face, swallowed, and stopped arguing. “Understood, sir. Filing the diversion now.”