"Being new doesn't mean I don't know what I'm doing," you say sharply. "I welcome your advice, Sergeant, but I'm in command."
Shah nods, his expression carefully neutral. You stare at each other for a second. Then he taps the side of his helmet.
"The squad leaders are ready for your orders," he says.
He means the platoon radio circuit, you realize. You cast your gaze left and right at your troops hunkered down in the long grass, then look ahead toward the rocky outcrop that lies between you and your objective.
You can do this, you tell yourself firmly. Just remember your training.
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