Chapter 9 - THE ORDER OF THE DAY
Avery did not watch Brock as Sergeant Major Reed placed a firm, unyielding hand on the Commander’s shoulder and marched him away down the central aisle toward the command tower.
She remained facing forward, her brown hair intact within its neat bun, her expression restored to its serene, unreadable calm. She reached into her pocket once more, pulled out the folded white handkerchief, and ensured no trace of blood remained on her jaw before tucking it away forever.
The Senior Officer on the reviewing stand stepped back to his seat, gesturing to the parade adjutant.
The adjutant stepped up to the podium, cleared his throat into the restored microphone, and called out the next command order across the field.
"Pass in review!" the adjutant’s voice echoed.
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The massive formation of thousands of service members instantly responded. Marching bands struck up their rhythmic cadences, flags snapped in the ocean breeze, and companies began stepping off in perfect, synchronized precision, their boots striking the ground in unison.
As the ranks marched past her position, every unit leader—every Lieutenant, Captain, and Chief Petty Officer—turned their heads toward Avery, executing crisp eyes-right salutes as they passed the quiet woman standing by the aisle. They didn't salute her rank; they saluted the terrifying, invisible strength she had displayed without ever losing her composure.
