فصل 17

Chapter 17: The Last Day

We met again the next morning, but only for a few minutes. Gervaso briefed us on what he knew of the Taiwan Starxource plant, concluding with, “Your Taiwanese operative will fill you in on the rest.” Then, as he looked us over, he did something that surprised us all. He stood at attention and saluted us. Then he said, “It’s been an honor knowing all of you.” Taylor whispered to me, “He’s acting like he’s never going to see us again.” As we got up to leave, Gervaso stopped me. “Michael.” “Yes, sir.”

“May I talk to you a moment?”

“Of course.” I looked at Taylor. “Where are you going?” “I told my mother I’d go horseback riding with her,” she said.

“Let me know when you’re back,” I said.

As she walked off I turned to Gervaso. “Yes, sir.” “I want to personally thank you for your leadership and bravery.” “Thank you,” I said.

“I joined the military when I was just eighteen. I have served under many leaders. You are not only brave, you are also a very good leader, which is why your friends follow you into danger.” He reached into his pocket and brought out something wrapped in a white handkerchief. He peeled back the cloth to reveal a bronze medal in the shape of a cross with an eagle with outspread wings in its center. A banner beneath the eagle read, FOR VALOR

“Have you ever seen one of these before?”

I looked back up at him. “No.”

“This is the Distinguished Service Cross. It is the United States Army’s second-highest military award. It is given for extreme gallantry in battle.” “Is it yours?”

“It was,” he said. “I received it during Operation Desert Storm in Iraq.” Then he handed it to me. “I’m giving it to you.” I made no move to take it. “I can’t take that.” “It would be an insult for you to refuse.” “It’s too much. I don’t deserve it.”

“I know what you have done, Michael. I have studied the reports. You deserve this award more than I do. Please, don’t refuse my offering.” For a moment we looked into each other’s eyes. I reached out and took the medal. “I don’t know what to say.” “Your actions have said enough.” He saluted me again. This time I saluted back.

“I want a full report when you return with Jade Dragon.” “Yes, sir.”

He stepped forward and hugged me. “Good luck.” Then he turned and walked away. I looked back down at the medal. It was the greatest honor of my life.oulder. “You may be the bravest person I’ve ever met.”