Chapter 15
The dawn broke over the regional logistics depot in a brilliant wash of pale gold and silver light, burning away the lingering autumn fog. Elena Vance stood on the concrete loading platform, dressed in her standard field uniform, her right hand securely splinted and wrapped in clean white tape.
Around her, the morning shift was already in full motion. Transport trucks idled with low, steady rumbles, their drivers checking manifests and securing cargo straps under the watchful supervision of Sergeant Briggs. The system was humming—efficient, disciplined, and entirely unbothered by the turbulence of yesterday.
General Marcus Vance walked out of the administration building, his boots clicking rhythmically against the pavement. He held a finalized federal docket in his hand, stopping a few feet away from his niece.
"The Department of Defense inspector general just finalized the preliminary findings on Miller Logistics," Marcus reported, a quiet note of satisfaction in his voice. "All remaining sub-contracts have been permanently terminated. Arthur Miller is facing federal fraud charges alongside his son’s felony assault counts."
Elena nodded slowly, her expression steady and unreadable. "Good. Accountability shouldn't be optional, Uncle."
"It never was," Marcus said, handing her the final transit manifest for the morning convoy. "Your hand holding up?"
Elena flexed her fingers inside the white bandage, feeling the solid, secure support of the splint. "It’s holding up just fine. Ready to roll whenever you give the word, General."
May you like
Marcus offered a crisp, approving nod, stepping back to let her take command of the line.
Elena turned toward the idling transport trucks, her fierce, determined gaze fixed squarely on the open road ahead. She raised her left hand, giving the sharp, unmistakable signal to move out. With a deep roar of diesel engines, the convoy surged forward in unison, rolling out past the gates and into the bright morning light. The road was clear, the line was secure, and nothing would ever be allowed to break it again.
