They Tried to Humiliate Me on the Military Base, Not Knowing My True Identity

The Commander's Secret

The silence on the lot was deafening. Marching toward them was General Marcus Vance, the decorated commander of the entire division, flanked by four heavily armed military police officers. Kevin's arrogant expression instantly shattered, replaced by a pale mask of dread. He quickly snapped to attention, his hand trembling as he saluted.

"General Vance, sir! This recruit was guilty of extreme insubordination. We were simply implementing standard disciplinary measures,"

Kevin stammered, his voice betraying his panic.

General Vance ignored Kevin entirely, stepping past him to look at Natalie. His eyes softened for a fraction of a second as he saw the red hair littering the dirt and the bruises forming on her arms, before hardening into blocks of ice.

"Cut her loose. Now,"

the General commanded, his voice a low, dangerous rumble. The terrified soldiers scrambled to slice the zip-ties from Natalie's wrists.

Kevin took a step forward, desperate to salvage the situation.

"Sir, she threatened a superior officer! She's dangerous—"

"Quiet, Lieutenant,"

Vance interrupted, pulling a digital folder from his pocket.

"I received an encrypted file ten minutes ago containing the complete logistics ledger of stolen base supplies, redirected to black-market buyers. It was sent from Private Natalie's terminal right before you had her detained. She wasn't insubordinate; she was exposing a thief."

Kevin's eyes darted wildly. Knowing his career and freedom were over, a desperate madness took over. In a flash, he lunged at the nearest military police officer, ripping the sidearm from his holster. Before anyone could react, Kevin grabbed Natalie from behind, pulling her flush against his chest and pressing the cold steel of the barrel against her temple.

"Back off! Nobody moves or she dies!"

Kevin screamed, his voice cracking with hysteria as he dragged her backward toward an armored vehicle.