Chapter 10 - The New Assignment
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One year after the incident at the auditorium, I stood in the glass-walled office of Defense Intelligence Headquarters at the Pentagon.
Outside the window, the Washington skyline stretched out under a clear, brilliant blue sky.
General Hayes walked in, holding two cups of coffee. He handed one to me and leaned against the edge of the large wooden desk.
“Major Vance,” Hayes said with a warm grin. “How does the new rank feel?”
“It feels earned, General,” I smiled, taking a sip of the warm coffee. “Much better than the last promotion.”
“You’ve done exceptional work with the intelligence team over the last six months,” Hayes said, his face turning serious. “Your analysis saved a logistics convoy in Eastern Europe last week. You belong here, Clara.”
“Thank you, sir. If you hadn't stepped in that day…”
“I just gave the order,” Hayes interrupted gently. “You were the one who survived him. You were the one who kept your head high even when everything was falling apart around you.”
He handed me a small velvet box from his pocket.
I opened it. Inside was a new, pristine set of Major’s oak leaf clusters, along with a personal coin from the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs.
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“You’ve come a long way from that auditorium floor,” Hayes said quietly.
“No, General,” I replied, looking up at him with total conviction. “I’m right where I was always supposed to be.”
