William snapped to rigid attention, kneeling on the floor, his hand slicing the air in a razor-sharp salute.

“Ma’am!” His voice cracked as it tore through the silent ballroom. “Captain Sterling reporting, ma’am!”

I gritted my teeth, trying to sit up. “Stand down, Captain… I’m not in uniform…”

“Medic!” William roared, turning toward the crowd. His voice was the terrifying bark of a combat officer. “I need a trauma kit! Now! The General is down!”

The General.

The word dropped into the room like a live grenade.