Chapter 13 - The New Commander
Three days later, the main auditorium of Chesapeake Joint Trauma Center was packed with over four hundred hospital employees.
Civilian nurses, union contractors, military physicians, and administrative staff sat in the plush velvet seats, whispering excitedly.
Standing on the main stage was General Marcus Vance, accompanied by two high-ranking officials from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
"Attention on deck!" a sergeant major shouted through the loudspeaker system, his voice echoing across the high ceiling.
The entire audience stood up instantly as I walked onto the stage, wearing an pristine dark blue Army dress uniform.
Silver full-colonel eagles gleamed brightly on my shoulders, and six rows of military decorations covered my chest.
I stood at the podium, looking out at the crowd of hard-working people who had spent years being mistreated by Warren Pike.
"Please be seated," I instructed smoothly, adjusting the microphone in front of me.
The crowd sat down, an absolute, breathless silence falling over the massive room.
"For the past four years, I worked among you as a civilian contractor nurse," I began, my voice clear and strong.
"I saw how hard you work, I saw the sacrifices you make, and I saw how bad leadership can crush the human spirit."
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"As of 0800 hours this morning, I have officially assumed command of Chesapeake Joint Trauma Center."
A massive wave of thunderous applause and loud cheers erupted from the audience, with nurses standing up to cheer wildly.
