Chapter 3 - Melissa Stares In Disbelief At Her Real Superior
Melissa stared at me as if I had suddenly transformed into a stranger from another planet.
“No... no, that’s impossible,” she whispered, shaking her head in frantic denial.
“She lives in a modest apartment in Arlington! She drives a ten-year-old Japanese sedan!”
General Vance narrowed his eyes, taking a half-step toward my sister.
“General Carter’s civilian cover and operational profile are classified matters of national security, Captain,” Vance reprimanded sternly.
“If you speak another word regarding her personal life without authorization, I will personally file charges under Article 92.”
The threat of a court-martial hung heavily in the air, paralyzing every military personnel in the room.
The two lieutenants Melissa had invited as her personal entourage looked completely terrified, wishing they could melt into the carpet.
They had spent the last hour laughing at my expense, unaware they were disrespecting a four-star strategic commander.
I leaned back in my chair, crossing my arms as I studied my family’s devastated expressions.
“I told you I teach, Dad,” I said smoothly, my voice calm and completely unbothered.
“I just didn't specify that I teach advanced strategic warfare to senior defense officials at the National War College.”
Dad swallowed hard, his throat dry as bone as he tried to find his voice.
“Lena... why didn't you ever tell us?” he stammered, his arrogant posture completely shattered.
“Because every time I visited home, you were too busy telling me how proud you were of Melissa’s weekend drills,” I answered honestly.
“You never gave me room to speak, so I decided it was easier to let you believe what you wanted.”
Mom pulled her hands back from the table, burying her face in her palms as quiet tears began to spill over her fingers.
The shame was absolute, raw, and undeniable.
Melissa stood frozen, her eyes glued to the simple leather watch on my wrist—a gift given to me by the Joint Chiefs after my last overseas tour.
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She realized that every ribbon on her chest combined didn't equal a fraction of the authority sitting at my blank place card.
The sister she had tried to patronize was actually her supreme commander’s commander.
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