Chapter 7 - THE INSPECTIONI walked down the steps of the reviewing stand, accompanied by Captain Vance, beginning the traditional troop inspection.
Row by row, battalion by battalion, I walked past the sea of sharp uniforms, steady eyes, and crisp salutes. I stopped twice to speak with junior NCOs, checking their gear, asking about their unit readiness, treating them with the quiet, professional respect that earned absolute loyalty in the field.
When I completed the circuit, I returned to the reviewing stand where the base commanders and my brother were waiting.
Corporal Jared Brandt was standing near the edge of the VIP seating area, demoted to administrative courier for the day as punishment, holding a thick leather binder containing the base transfer documents. As I approached, Brandt turned pale once more, dropping his gaze to the ground and offering a stiff, flawless salute.
"General," Brandt murmured, his voice shaking. "Reporting as ordered, Ma'am."
I stopped in front of him.
"Corporal Brandt," I said evenly. "Do you know why I didn't have you discharged this morning?"
Brandt shook his head slowly, staring at the floor. "No, General."
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"Because a good Marine learns from his mistakes," I told him, adjusting my white gloves. "You were overzealous, and you let your arrogance cloud your judgment. But you stood your post, and you took responsibility when you realized you were wrong. Make sure that next time, you look past the civilian clothes and see the soldier underneath."
Brandt snapped a sharp second salute. "Yes, General! It won't happen again, Ma'am!"
