Brad stood up slowly on unsteady legs.
He held his ribs where he hit the floor.
He tried to act like he was unbothered.
Corporal Miller: That was just a fluke, ma'am.
Captain Maya: Then let us reset and start again.
Sergeant Major Vance stepped into the ring center.
He held up his hand to pause the bout.
He looked sternly at the standing young corporal.
Sergeant Major Vance: That was no fluke, Corporal.
Sergeant Major Vance: She is a master hand-to-hand instructor.
The watching soldiers began to whisper among themselves.
They realized why her technique was so flawless.
She had spent years teaching close combat tactics.
She did not brag about her past military awards.
Private Davis: He fought the wrong officer today.
Sergeant Miller: Pride always comes before the fall.
Brad face burned bright red with shame.
He remembered talking trash before the whistle sounded.
He wished he could take back his mean words.
Corporal Miller: I did not know your history.
Captain Maya: Respect should be given to everyone.
Maya looked directly into his troubled eyes.
She did not want to ruin his career path.
She wanted him to learn a valuable lesson.
A good soldier respects every single teammate.
Captain Maya: Are you ready to continue the test?
Brad looked down at his own gloved hands.
He knew he could not beat her strength.
He had to choose between pride and honor.
The room waited to see his final answer.