Chapter 10 - The Horizon

A year later, the Fort Mason headquarters was under a new era of leadership.

Major Thomas Cole and Blake Harlan had been convicted in their court-martial. Cole was currently serving eight years in a military correctional facility, while Harlan’s commission had been revoked, and he had been dishonorably discharged and sentenced to five years in prison. His family legacy was gone, replaced by the reality of his own actions.

I was sitting in my office, looking at a map of the Indo-Pacific.

My phone buzzed. It was a normal, unclassified ringtone.

I picked it up. “Colonel Carter.”

“Evelyn,” General Mercer’s voice said, warm and relaxed. “The President has just signed the defense bill. The new intelligence command is being established in Hawaii. And they want you to head the division.”

I smiled, looking out the window at the clear, blue water. “Hawaii, sir? That’s a long way from Virginia.”

“It’s a promotion, Evelyn. Brigadier General. The star is waiting for you.”

I let out a long, quiet breath. A star. The highest rank my family had ever achieved.

“Can I bring my mother?” I asked, my voice soft.

Mercer laughed. “Evelyn, if you don’t bring your mother, I think the protocol office will stage a mutiny. She’s already the unofficial matriarch of this command.”

“Thank you, sir. I’ll prepare the transfer paperwork.”

I hung up the phone and stood up. I walked over to the closet, where my dress uniform was hanging. I looked at the silver eagles, then at the empty space on the shoulder strap where the single golden star would soon rest.

I didn't feel the weight of the years anymore. I didn't feel the cold knot of the past.

I walked out of the office, down the stairs, and into the warm, bright afternoon sun. My mother was waiting for me in the garden, holding a bouquet of fresh white roses.

“What did the general say, Evie?” she asked, her eyes shining.

I walked over to her, wrapping my arms around her shoulders.

“He said we’re going to Hawaii, Mom,” I smiled, kissing her cheek. “We’re going to see the sun rise over the ocean.”

She laughed, her hand gently tracing the collar of my jacket.

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