Chapter 16 - THE MEDICAL BOARD
Ava faced a medical evaluation one month later.
Her leg had improved.
She could stand briefly with assistance.
But permanent nerve damage remained possible.
The board would determine whether she could continue active service.
Ava entered the room using crutches.
She refused to bring Daniel.
Jonah waited outside.
The physicians reviewed her surgery, therapy, and functional progress.
Then one officer asked the question she feared.
“Are you seeking retention because of family pressure?”
Ava’s expression changed.
“What family pressure?”
“Your father’s career may create expectations.”
“My father did not enlist me.”
The officer nodded.
“Then tell us why you want to remain.”
Ava looked at the brace.
“Because someone decided injury made me easy to erase.”
She lifted her eyes.
“If I leave, I want it to be because I cannot serve—not because Braddock taught me to believe I no longer belong.”
The board approved extended rehabilitation instead of discharge.
No special treatment.
No guaranteed return.
Only time and a fair assessment.
Ava walked outside on crutches.
Jonah stood.
“Well?”
“I have six more months.”
He smiled.
“That sounds like a yes.”
“It sounds like work.”
Daniel waited farther down the hallway.
He did not approach until Ava nodded.
Then he walked toward her.
“I heard.”
“You weren’t supposed to.”
“I’m a general. People talk.”
She almost laughed.
Daniel’s expression softened.
“I’m proud of you.”
Ava looked at him.
“For staying?”
May you like
“For making them judge your ability instead of your name.”
👉 Ava had earned another chance—but the public hearing would force her to face Braddock in front of the soldiers he once controlled.
