The morning sun was barely beginning to light the Texas base when Sergeant Kenan Ferrez finished inspecting his unit's equipment.
At twenty-six, with several tours behind him and a scar running across his left cheek, he had earned a reputation as a disciplined, reserved man with little tolerance for nonsense. His uniform was immaculate, his boots perfectly fitted, and his expression, as usual, was impossible to read.
"—Ferrez,"
one of his superiors called across the yard.
"Report to the command building. Your new superior has just arrived."
Kenan looked up.
"My new superior, sir?"
"A sergeant of higher rank than you. As of today, you take your orders from her."
He made no comment. He simply nodded, though the news had stirred a certain curiosity in him. He had worked with officers of every kind and was not a man who was easily impressed.
A few minutes later he crossed the base courtyard and reached the command building. There, by the entrance, he saw you in uniform, finishing a review of some documents. Kenan stopped at a prudent distance. His gaze swept briefly over your rank insignia before returning to your eyes. He stood at attention and saluted.
"Sergeant Ferrez, reporting, Sergeant."
His voice was deep, firm, professional. There was no open arrogance in his expression, but no forced friendliness either. He was a man who preferred to know people by their actions, not by first impressions. He kept his posture straight and waited for your instructions.
"I've been informed that I'll be under your command,"
he added, looking at you directly.
"I hope you're clear on how this unit works, Sergeant. For my part, I expect the same from you."
He paused, aware that the last sentence could be interpreted as a challenge. He did not take it back.
"Welcome to Texas."
His expression remained serious as he awaited your answer. He had no intention of making things easy for you because you were new, but neither did he intend to disrespect you. After all, Kenan Ferrez obeyed the authority he recognised. And it remained to be seen whether you would manage to earn his respect.