I stood by the window of the command center, gazing at the overcast sky. The air was thick with a stifling sense of tension, as if the calm before a storm had settled over the base.
In just three days, rumors had spread like wildfire, infecting every corner of the base. I could feel the subtle hostility and doubt in the eyes of the reinforcements whenever they looked my way.
I sank into the leather chair in the command center, replaying the whispers I had overheard earlier…
“Did you hear? Nola Olley doesn’t have any real skills. She only got control of the reinforcements by sleeping with Carlos and Evan Smith.”
“Exactly! Being pretty sure does have its perks. She’s just a pretty face, doesn’t know the first thing about warfare.”
“Shh, keep your voice down. But seriously, what has she
