Chapter 49: The Breaking Point of the Major

The final hearing was the most intense. Major Sterling was there, looking frantic. His career was on the line, and he was clawing at anything to stay afloat.

"I have testimony!" Sterling shouted, standing up in the middle of the room. "I saw them on the ridge! I saw the way he looked at her! It was a dereliction of duty!"

Charles stood up slowly. He didn't look at Sterling; he looked at the board of officers.

"Major Sterling is correct about one thing," Charles said. The room went silent. I felt the air leave my lungs. "I do care about Specialist Ramírez. I care about her as I care for every soldier who bled in that gorge. If the Major interprets leadership and loyalty as 'undue familiarization,' then perhaps he has spent too much time in Bagram and not enough time on the line."

He turned and looked directly at me. It was the first time he had acknowledged our connection in a formal setting.

"Specialist Ramírez is the finest soldier I have ever had the honor to command. If standing by her is a crime, then I am guilty. But I will not apologize for the loyalty of the 3rd Platoon."

The board deliberated for six hours. We sat in the hallway—the entire platoon. We were called back to base for the final time.