Forty-eight hours later, the main briefing room of Naval Station Mayport was packed with high-ranking officers, federal investigators, and crew members from the USS Defiance. The morning sun poured through the high glass windows, lighting up the brass fixtures and naval ensigns.
Master Chief Miller: Attention on deck!
Every person in the room snapped to rigid attention as Admiral Vance entered the room, flanked by two members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Maya stood near the podium in a freshly pressed service uniform, a neat bandage over her cheekbone.
Admiral Vance: At ease, ladies and gentlemen.
The room settled into an absolute, respectful silence. Vance adjusted the microphone and looked directly at Maya.
Admiral Vance: Two days ago, a catastrophic act of sabotage was narrowly prevented in our harbor. Had that explosive detonated, three thousand sailors would have lost their lives, and our primary carrier group would have been disabled for years.
A quiet murmur rippled across the junior officers in the front row.
Admiral Vance: A corrupt commanding officer attempted to suppress the evidence, intimidate his subordinates, and frame an honest officer to cover his crimes. But honor cannot be silenced so easily.
Admiral Vance opened a velvet presentation case sitting on the lectern.
Admiral Vance: Lieutenant Maya Lin, front and center.
Maya marched forward with precise military cadence, halting three paces before the Admiral and rendering a crisp salute.
Maya: Lieutenant Lin reporting as ordered, sir.
Admiral Vance: For extraordinary heroism, total disregard for personal safety, and unyielding fidelity to this nation, it is my distinct honor to award you the Navy Distinguished Service Medal.
The room erupted into thundering applause. Chief Miller let out a sharp cheer from the back row.
Admiral Vance: Furthermore, by direct order of the Department of the Navy, Lieutenant Lin is hereby promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Commander.
Admiral Vance pinned the gold oak leaves onto her collar, his stern face breaking into a proud, warm smile.
Admiral Vance: Congratulations, Commander Lin. You are taking over Briggs's tactical division, effective immediately.
Maya: Thank you, sir. I will not let you down.
Admiral Vance: You could never let us down, Commander. You already proved what kind of leader you are when you stood your ground alone on that floor.
Maya turned to face the room. Seeing hundreds of fellow service members standing and cheering, she knew the nightmare was finally over. Justice had arrived, and her honor was restored for good.
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