[ He notices that change in her features and feels annoyed at himself for making the decision without conferring with his superior officer. He'd just been so excited. Big movement on TFV. Finally. ]

I apologize nonetheless, Ma'am. It was disregard for the chain-of-command; it won't happen again. I will make up for it by performing my task beyond the limits of my abilities and keeping you posted on developments.

[ And the sudden realization as to what she'd just called the Op ]

Op...operation "HECATON", Ma'am? [ His voice very tentative as he asks. ]