“Get out of my sight, woman! There’s no room in my company for people like you!” the captain barked at the young soldier—unaware of who stood before him.
The barracks smelled of mildew, sweat, and stale smoke. Dust lay heavy on the floorboards, rusted bunks groaned, and the men hunched in the corners looked like shadows of themselves. Their uniforms were ragged, boots falling apart, faces hollow from fatigue and resignation.
When Anna stepped inside, fury rose in her like heat. She had expected to find proud defenders; instead she found men reduced to neglect and want.
She strode up to the captain without hesitation.
“Why are your troops kept in these conditions?” she demanded, voice sharp. “Where are their proper uniforms and decent rations? Why does this place look like a sty?”
The captain’s brow creased. Seeing only a lone, unthreatening girl, he curled his lip in derision.
“And who are you to ask such questions? Don’t you worry about losing your post?” he sneered.
“I’m not afraid,” Anna said, steady. “I’m appalled. We shouldn’t be forced to wear shredded boots or eat food fit only for animals. This affects my comrades and me. We enlisted to serve, not to scrape by.”
The captain lunged, seized her collar, and spat:
“Get out! I said there’s no place for your sort in my unit!”
Anna met his glare calmly and replied:
“You’re mistaken. I came because of you.”
The captain blinked, off guard.
“What? Who do you think you are, speaking to an officer like that?”
Anna produced an ID and held it where he couldn’t miss it.
“Lieutenant, Internal Affairs. There have been multiple complaints against you. Your men are starving and wearing tatters because funds meant for the company were diverted into your accounts. You’ve been stealing and betraying your duty.”
“You’ve got nothing to back that up,” the captain muttered, his voice betraying a tremor.
“Actually,” Anna said, cool as ice, “I do.” She had documents, witness statements, and records of transfers. “You’re finished.” She ripped the rank insignia from his uniform.
At that moment two military police officers entered. The captain struggled, but they restrained him and snapped on handcuffs.
The soldiers who had sat like specters stirred; hope rekindled in their eyes.
Anna turned to them with quiet authority.
“Starting now, your lives change. There’s no place here for those who betray their comrades.”
