Chapter 19 - The Iron Convoy
The rail cart screeched to a halt at the abandoned maintenance depot near the Potomac docks. The heavy iron gate gave way under Marcus's crowbar, spilling us out into the cold Virginia midnight.
Waiting for us on the asphalt of the docks were four black up-armored MRAP tactical vehicles, their diesel engines idling like rumbling beasts. Standing beside the lead vehicle was Colonel Sarah Chen, commander of the 75th Ranger Regiment’s rapid reaction battalion—my most trusted protege.
Fifty fully armed Rangers in night-vision gear snapped to attention the moment my boots hit the gravel.
"General on deck!" Chen barked.
"At ease," I said, walking forward with Chloe shielded between Marcus and myself. "Chen, are the perimeter assets secured?"
"We intercepted two sniper teams overlooking the highway bridge ten minutes ago, ma'am," Chen reported with a ferocious grin. "They were carrying Ares Dominion contractor credentials. They won't be reporting back."
"Good," I said, turning to look at Chloe.
My daughter was covered in dust, her eyes reflecting the crimson taillights of the military convoy. But she wasn't crying. She held her head high, the brass casing clutched tight in her hand.
"Are you ready for this, Chloe?" I asked softly. "Once we cross that bridge, there is no going back. The entire world is going to see what they tried to do to us."
Chloe looked toward the distant, glowing dome of the United States Capitol rising across the black waters of the river.
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"They left me in the blizzard to die, Mom," Chloe said, her voice ringing with the unbreakable fire of a true soldier's child. "It's time to bring the storm to them."
I nodded, feeling a wave of fierce pride ignite in my chest. "Mount up!" I roared to the battalion. "Destination: The United States Capitol! Target: The traitors of the Republic!"
