Chapter 8 - THE SHIFT IN COMMAND
The Pentagon Observer stared at her for five long seconds, analyzing every line of her posture, before slowly shaking his head.
"Evaluation is concluded," the Observer declared, turning his head toward Commander Hayes. "Commander, clear this facility. All junior personnel are dismissed to barracks immediately."
A low murmur rippled through the bleachers as hundreds of soldiers looked at each other in confusion, but the urgency in the Observer's command left no room for debate. Within seconds, instructors began ushering the crowded stands out through the heavy double doors, clearing the vast room until only Hayes, the Observer, Avery, and a bewildered Sergeant Briggs remained near the blue mat.
Briggs scrambled to his feet, adjusting his damp tactical top, his face flushed with humiliation. "Sir... I can run another round—"
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"Sergeant Briggs," Commander Hayes interrupted sharply, his eyes flashing with stern authority. "Return to your quarters. You are removed from the training rotation effective immediately."
Briggs opened his mouth to protest, but one look at the cold, unyielding faces of the three people around him made his jaw shut tight. He saluted stiffly, turned on his heel, and hurried out the side exit, leaving the high-ceilinged room in dead quiet.
