Chapter 10 - Honors on the Asphalt
Admiral Vance stepped back up to the podium. He took the live microphone in his hand and adjusted the stand.
"Attention to orders!" Vance commanded.
Across the field, 1,040 boots slammed together with a sound like a thunderclap. Every spine straightened. Every chin came up.
"By executive authority of the Department of the Army and the Joint Chiefs of Staff," Vance spoke clearly, his voice carrying with deep resonance across the base, "Major General Eleanor Hayes has assumed temporary oversight jurisdiction of all Naval Special Warfare assets within this sector. All officers and enlisted personnel will render full honors and absolute obedience to her command."
Vance stepped to the side and saluted me once more.
I walked to the edge of the elevated deck. I looked down at the ocean of young men and women standing in formation. Many of them had known the corruption was rotting their unit from within. Many had lived under the threat of Brock Sullivan's petty tyranny, fearing that speaking out would destroy their careers.
"At ease," I said into the microphone.
The formation relaxed into the ready stance, a synchronized rustle sweeping across the grinder.
"To the men and women of this command," I said, my voice steady, calm, and clear. "Integrity is not a virtue we practice when it is convenient. It is the bedrock upon which our nation rests. Those who abuse their authority, who prey upon their subordinates, and who betray their oath have no home in our armed forces. Today, this command begins again."
A wave of relief seemed to pass through the ranks. For the first time in eighteen months, the suffocating atmosphere of dread had lifted.
"Dismiss the formation, Master Chief," I instructed Ross.
"Formation! Attention!" Ross bellowed. "Dismissed!"
The troops broke ranks with precision, marching off the grinder in disciplined columns. But as the field emptied, Master Chief Ross approached me, his weathered face tight with apprehension.
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"General," he said, speaking in a whisper. "There's something you need to see before you go to the Admiral's office."
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