Chapter 6 - THE CONVERSATION BEHIND THE MOTOR POOL
One week before the dining-hall attack, Ava rolled past the rear of the motor pool after physical therapy.
She heard Braddock speaking to someone behind a parked transport vehicle.
She stopped before they saw her.
“Three units disappeared from the manifest.”
A second voice answered.
“They were never on the truck.”
“The inspector is coming.”
“Then fix the inventory.”
Ava quietly activated her phone recorder.
Braddock’s voice became sharper.
“If Monroe keeps digging, make her look unreliable.”
The other man laughed.
“The girl in the chair?”
“She already filed questions with supply.”
“What does she know?”
“Enough to become annoying.”
Ava remained motionless until both men walked away.
She saved the recording in an encrypted folder and sent a copy to an independent legal officer.
She did not know General Monroe had already scheduled an inspection.
Braddock learned that someone reviewed the inventory discrepancy.
He assumed Ava reported him.
The extinguisher attack was intended to provoke her.
If Ava shouted, struck back, or lost control, Braddock would request a psychological evaluation.
He planned to use her injury and emotional reaction to discredit the report.
Daniel listened to the recording twice.
The base commander stood beside him, visibly shaken.
“Who is the second voice?” Daniel asked.
Ava answered.
“I’m not certain.”
Jonah stepped forward.
“I am.”
Everyone turned toward him.
Jonah had heard that voice daily.
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It belonged to Captain Marcus Vance, the unit’s logistics officer.
👉 Braddock was not acting alone—and the officer above him was already trying to leave the base.
