Chapter 8 - THE BROTHERHOOD OF THE RESCUED
Before the tabloid story could gain any traction, the six survivors of the downed reconnaissance squad went on national television. Among them was Captain David Reed, the Colonel's son. They didn't hide their identities anymore. They sat shoulder-to-shoulder in their dress uniforms, looking directly into the camera.
"Adrian Sterling abandoned us to die," Captain Reed stated firmly. "Major Claire Sterling flew an unarmed bird into a missile zone and took forty-two bullet holes to bring us home. Anyone who questions her honor is questioning the United States Army."
The public backlash against Vivian was apocalyptic. The tabloid was sued into oblivion, and Vivian’s last remaining PR firm dropped her immediately. She was completely, utterly isolated.
