Chapter 15 - The Sunrise Over Peterson Space Force Base — The End
The sun rose full and brilliant over the Colorado plains as our transport touched down softly on the Peterson runway.
I stepped down the aircraft ramp into the crisp morning air. The wind caught the lapels of my Service Dress uniform, rustling the three silver stars pinned to each shoulder.
On my right hand, my mother’s antique emerald ring caught the morning light, gleaming with an enduring, unbreakable green fire.
Colonel Vance was waiting for me at the edge of the flight line with a secure clipboard in hand.
“Good morning, General Langston,” Vance said with a crisp salute. “Cheyenne Mountain reports all systems green across the board. Cyber Command is at one hundred percent readiness. The president's morning briefing is scheduled for zero-eight-hundred.”
I returned the salute with a steady, confident smile.
“Thank you, Vance,” I said, adjusting my flight cap against the morning breeze. “Let’s get to work.”
I walked toward the command headquarters, my boots striking the concrete with a firm, unwavering rhythm.
I had no expensive designer gowns, no seats on corporate boards, and no desire for the shallow praise of high school reunions.
I had my duty. I had my honor. I had my mother’s ring.
May you like
And for a girl from Hamilton Ridge who was once shoved to Table Nineteen by the kitchen doors, that was more than enough.
THE END
