Chapter 6 - The Unconventional Sentence
Jason stood frozen, unable to process what he was hearing. "Sergeant Mitchell spoke for me, ma'am?"
"He didn't speak for you, Lieutenant," General Brooks corrected sharply. "He spoke for the man he thinks you could become if you get your head out of your own backside."
She picked up the draft of the reprimand, tore it cleanly down the center, and dropped the pieces into the wastebasket beside the desk.
"Your administrative punishment is suspended," Brooks said. "In its place, Colonel Carter and I have approved an alternative assignment. Effective immediately, your secondary duties as community liaison officer are expanded. For the next six months, every Saturday and Sunday from 0700 to 1700, you will report to the Veterans Affairs rehabilitation center in Baltimore."
Jason blinked. "The VA hospital, ma'am?"
"You will not wear your rank," Carter interjected, leaning forward on his desk. "You will wear civilian work clothes. You will report directly to Harold Mitchell, who has served as the weekend volunteer coordinator for that facility for fifteen years. You will push wheelchairs. You will change bed linens. You will clean bedpans, read mail to blind veterans, and drive patients to their physical therapy appointments."
Carter pointed an accusing finger at Jason's chest.
"If you are late by one minute, if you complain, or if Sergeant Mitchell reports a single instance of insolence, this letter of reprimand will be reassembled, signed by General Brooks, and your commission will be terminated before sunset. Am I completely clear, Lieutenant?"
Jason snapped back to attention, his chest heaving with a sudden, overwhelming surge of gratitude that nearly brought him to his knees. "Crystal clear, Colonel! Completely clear, General!"
"Get out of my office," Carter said. "Report to Sergeant Mitchell at the facility gate tomorrow morning at 0645."
May you like
Jason saluted with crisp precision, executed an about-face, and marched out into the cold morning air.
As the heavy oak doors shut behind him, the sun was just beginning to break over the barracks, casting long golden beams across the parade grounds. For the first time in his life, Jason didn't care about his next promotion, his resume, or what his wealthy father would say. He had been handed a second chance at his soul, and he had no intention of squandering it.
