. She reached into her pocket and pulled out a small, yet highly significant, badge. Gleaming in the bright sunlight, the symbol on the badge was unmistakable — it represented her rank, a rank that equaled, if not surpassed, his own. A hush fell over the parade ground; the soldiers watching the exchange felt a collective intake of breath, their eyes fixed on the unfolding drama.
“I see you haven’t bothered to read the latest memos,” she said, her voice calm yet authoritative. “Allow me to introduce myself properly. I am Major Sarah Thompson, newly assigned to this base as an advisor from the strategic command.” Her words cut through the tension like a knife.
