“Attention to orders,” the adjutant called out.

The whole formation snapped to attention.

Six hundred heels came together in the exact same fraction of a second, and the sound cracked across the deck like a rifle shot.

Ten thirty hours.

The adjutant read the presidential citation aloud to the gathered Marines.

His voice rang sharp and clear through the tall black speakers.

Every word was exact.

“Publish the orders and assume command.”