I had the shock of a lifetime today. It started as I am called into Commander Stone’s office two days after returning to base upon completion of Operation Gun Runner.

“You wanted to see me, sir?” I ask him. Hopper is already in there. It looks like the reckoning has come, as I expected.

“Lieutenant Hopper has brought to my attention your actions during Operation Gun Runner,” he says.

“I did what I thought was right to protect the team, sir. I fully accept the consequences of my decision,” I say.

“It’s nothing we can’t clean up, Lieutenant,” he says.

I don’t understand. “Sir?”

“The equipment you damaged with the EMP. Applied Dynamics has insurance covering this sort of thing. Frankly, command is happy Sabotage didn’t get his hands on it, especially considering what he was able to do with our combat bots,” Stone says.

“Our training bots? How was he able to get our training bots, sir?” I ask.

“We’re still investigating that. Our clean up crews pulled the bots out and, it may take some time, but they all have serial numbers, and this mystery will be solved,” Stone says determined. “But that’s not why I called you in here, Lieutenant. Hopper’s recommended, and I agree, that you take command of GK Delta Squadron again.

I was stunned. I came into his office expecting a court martial and came out back in command of the squadron and with Hopper’s blessing to boot! Of course I accepted, but I had to find out why Hopper had a sudden change in her attitude.

After Stone dismisses us, I catch her outside his office and ask for a private conversation. She already knows what I’m going to ask without me saying it.

“It will take me some time to earn the respect of your squad,” she says. “I do, however, respect your leadership abilities. You’ve beautifully illustrated the importance of incorporating new methods into battle with your actions. Even if new ways of doing things sometimes fail, it’s the only way towards progress.”

“And you’ve taught me, ma’am that tradition offers us tried and true methods of success that one can rely upon,” I say.

She bows to me; I salute her.