The sound of my arm breaking was louder than the applause had been. Seconds earlier, I’d been standing beside General Robert Hayes after he briefly lost his balance near the stage. I caught his elbow instinctively, holding him steady before he could fall.

One year later.

The main auditorium at Fort Bragg was filled to absolute capacity once again. Bright spotlights illuminated the grand stage, draped in massive American flags.

It was the annual Military Valor and Distinguished Service Awards.

I stood behind the stage curtain, dressed in my pristine dark blue uniform, my boots polished to a high mirror shine. My rank insignias of a Major gleamed under the stage lights.

“Major Sterling?” a young lieutenant whispered, stepping up beside me. “You’re up in thirty seconds, ma'am.”

“Thank you, Lieutenant,” I smiled, stepping toward the wings.

The announcer’s voice echoed clearly through the massive house speakers.

“Ladies and gentlemen, today we recognize an officer whose courage both on the battlefield and in the face of immense personal adversity embodies the highest traditions of the United States Armed Forces.”

The curtain pulled back, and I stepped out onto the grand stage.

The entire audience—over five hundred officers, soldiers, diplomats, and family members—rose to their feet in a thunderous, standing ovation.

Standing at the center of the stage was General Robert Hayes, holding a velvet case containing the Legion of Merit medal.

I walked to the center mark, coming to a sharp, flawless attention, and delivered a perfect salute.

General Hayes returned the salute with pride, then stepped forward to pin the medal to my chest, right above my Purple Heart.

“Major Maya Sterling,” General Hayes said, his voice echoing through the microphone for everyone to hear. “For exceptional meritorious conduct, unwavering integrity, and legendary strength in service to the United States of America.”

General Hayes stepped back, smiling warmly. “You earned this, Maya. Nobody can ever take it away from you.”

I looked out over the crowd.

In the front row, Sarah Lin was clapping wildly, tears of joy streaming down her face. Beside her sat dozens of young female soldiers from my new task force, looking up at the stage with bright, inspired eyes.

I raised my right hand, saluting the audience, my posture proud, my heart completely free.