Chapter 8 - THE RETURN TO UNIFORMOn a crisp, sunny Tuesday morning at the Pentagon, the heavy double doors of the Secretary of Defense’s private conference room swung open.
I stood inside, wearing my full Class-A Navy dress whites. The shoulder boards bore the golden oak leaf and silver star of a full Commander. The ribbons on my chest reflected years of classified service, unblemished by politics, corruption, or compromise.
General Thomas Hale stood at the end of the polished mahogany table, holding a black velvet presentation case.
"Commander Grace Mitchell," General Hale said formally, his expression warm and respectful. "For exemplary service above and beyond the call of duty, and for successfully dismantling one of the most sophisticated internal logistical fraud rings in modern defense history."
He opened the velvet case, revealing the Legion of Merit medal resting against white satin.
I stepped forward, squared my shoulders, and accepted the award as General Hale pinned it proudly to my uniform.
"Thank you, General," I said quietly.
"The Secretary wants you heading the new internal counter-corruption directorate starting Monday, Commander," General Hale added with a faint smile. "Are you ready to step back into the light permanently?"
May you like
I looked down at the gleaming medal on my chest, then out the massive floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the bustling courtyards of Washington, D.C.
"I never left, General," I replied steadily. "I was just waiting for the right moment to secure the perimeter."
