Heavy boot heels clacked rhythmically against the hard floor from the main entryway.
The soldiers in the room immediately snapped to attention, standing stiff and straight.
A high-ranking officer in a flawless dress uniform walked into the bright mess hall.
Three silver stars glinted proudly on his collar shoulders under the overhead lights.
It was General Vance, the regional commander overseeing the entire base facility.
He walked straight toward the table where Miller was still clutching his injured hand.
The general's eyes swept over the wet floor, the rag, and the defeated sergeant.
Miller tried to pull himself together quickly and forced himself into a rigid salute.
Sergeant Miller: General Vance, sir! We were just... conducting physical readiness tests.
General Vance did not return the salute immediately; his gaze remained icy and stern.
He looked at Miller's reddened face and then transferred his attention to Maya.
Maya stood at perfect attention, her chin held high and eyes fixed straight ahead.
General Vance: At ease, soldiers.
The crowd breathed a collective sigh of quiet relief, but nobody dared to leave.
General Vance pulled a leather folder from under his arm and opened it up.
He adjusted his glasses and looked down at the official documents resting inside.
General Vance: Sergeant Miller, your transfer orders have just come through from headquarters.
Miller blinked in confusion, his sore hand forgotten for a brief moment.
Sergeant Miller: Transfer, sir? I did not submit any request to leave this unit.
General Vance: It was not your request to make, Sergeant.
General Vance turned the folder around so Miller could see the red official stamp.
The paper detailed a complete restructuring of the base's elite tactical command team.
Miller's heart sank into his chest as he recognized the high security clearance level.
Sergeant Miller: I don't understand, sir. Who requested this sudden change?
General Vance closed the folder with a firm snap that sounded like a gunshot.
He stepped aside slightly, pointing his thumb directly toward Maya.
General Vance: She's your new commanding officer.