Chapter 2 - The Salute Nobody Expected
Avery's breathing stopped for a moment.
Slowly...
Very slowly...
She straightened her back despite the pain in her shoulder.
Without speaking...
She returned the salute.
Every movement was precise.
Perfect.
Disciplined.
The retired Air Force general seated near the rear of the cabin stood immediately.
His eyes widened.
"No..."
He took one look through the window.
Then at Avery.
He snapped into a textbook military salute.
"Stand for Colonel Mercer."
The command echoed through the premium cabin.
Several passengers who had served in the military immediately stood beside him.
No one knew exactly what was happening.
But every veteran recognized something extraordinary.
The flight attendant lowered her hands.
Even she stopped speaking.
Sienna looked around nervously.
"Why are they standing?"
Nobody answered.
Blake quietly slipped his phone into his lap.
For the first time...
He looked afraid.
Then the captain's voice came over the intercom.
His voice trembled.
"Ladies and gentlemen..."
"We have just received authorization to make a special announcement."
The entire cabin listened.
"The two F-22 Raptors escorting this aircraft are conducting an official military honor flight."
Everyone turned toward Avery.
"...for Colonel Avery Mercer."
Blake's face lost all color.
May you like
Sienna's smile disappeared.
👉 The captain revealed the honor escort—but not the classified reason Avery had earned it.
