Chapter 9 - Court-Martial at SunriseThe morning sun was just beginning to paint the base’s parade ground in shades of gold and orange when the General’s transport convoy pulled up to the administrative headquarters.
The entire battalion stood in flawless formation, their uniforms pressed, their boots polished to a high mirror shine. At the front of the formation stood Colonel Holt, his chest decorated with the very medals he had stolen from the woman who stood quietly in the ranks behind him.
General Thomas Vance, the Inspector General, stepped out of his staff car, his eyes scanning the formation.
"Colonel Holt," the General said, his voice echoing through the silent parade ground. "Before we begin our tour, there is a matter of administrative correction we must address."
I stepped forward from the formation, carrying a leather binder containing the unredacted report, the medical records, and the signed confession Major Crane had given during his interrogation the previous night.
"Commander," the General nodded, taking the binder from my hands. He opened it, reviewing the documents in front of the entire assembly.
He turned his stern gaze back to Holt. "Colonel, under the authority of the Secretary of the Navy, you are hereby relieved of your command, effective immediately. You are being charged with the theft of military awards, the falsification of official records, and the systematic abuse of a subordinate."
May you like
A collective gasp swept through the ranks.
Two military police officers stepped forward, marching directly to Holt. With cold, mechanical precision, they stripped the Silver Star and the command insignia from his dress uniform, leaving his chest bare and ruined before his entire base.
