First Sergeant Vance marched up.

He stopped six inches from Mercer’s side.

“General Hayes is conducting an unannounced readiness and morale audit across the entire base, Sergeant,” Vance said coldly.

“And you just gave her a front-row seat to your complete lack of leadership.”

Mercer stood shaking.

His hands pressed tightly against his trouser seams.

The loud, arrogant soldier who had mocked me ten seconds ago was completely gone.

“Sergeant Mercer,” I said.

I unzipped my plain running jacket to reveal the official Inspector General ID badge clipped to my collar.

“You are relieved of your duties for the remainder of this exercise.”

“Ma’am, please—” Mercer pleaded.

His voice cracked.

“Report to your Company Commander at 06:00 tomorrow in full dress uniform,” I ordered sharply.

“We will discuss your future in this military, along with an official charge of Article 93—Cruelty and Maltreatment.”

“Understood, ma’am…” Mercer choked out.

He stared down at his boots.

“Dismissed.”

Mercer turned on his heel.

He almost stumbled over his own feet as he hurried out the side exit.

The heavy double doors swung shut behind him.

I looked around the room at the two hundred soldiers still standing at attention.

“As you were,” I announced clearly.

The sound of chairs sliding back and chatter resuming filled the mess hall.

I picked up my tray, grabbed a bottled water, and walked over to sit at an open table.

I came to Redstone Barracks to inspect the readiness of the troops.

I left knowing that one less bully would be wearing the uniform.