The female soldiers looked at her with outright admiration.
Kaleb flushed red and wiped his sweaty forehead, clearly embarrassed.
"Company commander, I was out of line," Kendall replied evenly, her voice calm.
Bruce's eyes shone even more fiercely as he looked at her.
"This wild hawk has a virus in its talons. If you hadn't shot it, I'd probably be dead. Kendall, tell me—what reward do you want?"
"The training ground is like a battlefield. You're my comrade. Helping you is my duty as a soldier. I don't need any reward." She snapped to attention and saluted.
"Well said!" Bruce roared approvingly, his expression one of deep satisfaction.
"All right, men—clear the field for the women!"
"Yes!" The male soldiers filed out one by one.
As Kaleb passed by one of the female soldiers with darker skin, he paused.
He turned back, bowed slightly, and said, "Comrades, I'm sorry."