— Captain… in combat, ego kills. Remember that.
— Yes, ma’am.
Major Reed approached, and Morrison saw actual tears in her eyes.
— Chief Whitaker… I’ve submitted a formal rescission of my earlier report. I was wrong about everything. I let my own… my own issues cloud my judgment. I’m sorry.
Grace’s expression softened slightly.
— Major, we all carry things. Just remember—there are women coming up behind you who need you to hold the door open, not close it.
Reed nodded, unable to speak.
Lieutenant Daniels came next, looking young and uncertain.
— Ma’am… I’m embarrassed. Ashamed. You’re everything I want to be as a pilot, and I treated you like—
— Someone unproven. Grace finished. I was unproven to you. I hadn’t demonstrated capability. Learn from this. Credentials matter less than performance. But also remember to look for capability in unexpected places.
— Yes, ma’am. Thank you.
Captain Walsh stepped forward, and Grace recognized her patch—Apache pilot. Walsh’s voice shook.
