Chapter 9 - PromotionSix months after the trial concluded, the sun beat down on the parade ground at Fort Meade, Maryland.
Rows of soldiers stood at rigid attention in their dress uniforms, their boots gleaming against the asphalt. At the podium stood Lieutenant General Harrison, commander of the Army Cyber Command, holding a gleaming gold oak-leaf insignia in a velvet-lined box.
"Captain Claire Bennett, step forward," the General commanded.
I broke ranks, marching with crisp, measured strides across the asphalt until I stopped directly in front of the reviewing stand. I saluted sharply.
"For exceptional valor, technical brilliance, and leadership in uncovering and neutralizing a major domestic threat to national defense infrastructure, Captain Bennett is hereby promoted to the rank of Major," General Harrison announced.
The applause from the assembled troops rolled across the parade ground like thunder—genuine, earned, and full of fierce respect.
Major Harrison Vance, standing in the front row of the audience, gave me a subtle, approving nod and a slow smile.
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The General stepped forward, removed my silver captain’s bars, and pinned the shining gold major’s leaves onto my shoulders. Every movement was precise, deliberate, and entirely earned.
No one whispered behind my back. No one laughed.
